Kenjutsu Moves for Real: How to Practice This Sword Art
So, I started learning kenjutsu today, and man, it’s way harder than I thought it would be. I mean, I’ve watched enough samurai movies to think I had a basic idea, but actually holding a sword and trying to move like those guys? Forget about it!
First, I had to get the gear. I’m using a bokken, which is a wooden sword. It’s way heavier than I expected. I also got a simple uniform – a jacket, trousers, and a belt. I felt kind of cool wearing it, to be honest.
The dojo, which is what they call the training place, was pretty sparse. Just a big, open room with a wooden floor. My instructor started me off with some basic stances. You have to stand with your feet a certain way, hold the sword just so, and keep your back straight. It’s a lot to remember! I must have looked like a total goofball, wobbling around and trying to keep my balance. I kept messing up and it took me forever to just get the stances right. Felt like a total newbie.
- Stance 1: Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, back straight.
- Stance 2: One foot forward, weight balanced, ready to move.
Then came the swings. Oh boy, the swings. Up, down, sideways – each movement has a specific name and purpose. I spent what felt like hours just practicing a simple overhead swing. My arms were killing me by the end of it. But I kept at it, trying to get the motion smooth and controlled. This was just the overhead swing, just one swing! There were also diagonal ones that had to go in a very specific way. Up and down, side to side, everything had a name and a reason. I was there for hours just going over and over the movements. By the time I was done, my arms felt like they were gonna fall off.
Practicing Swings
- Overhead Swing: Bringing the sword down from above my head.
- Diagonal Swing: Cutting across the body at an angle.
We also did some footwork drills. It’s not just about swinging the sword; you have to move your feet in a coordinated way. Step forward, step back, pivot – all while keeping your balance and holding the sword correctly. I tripped over my own feet more times than I can count. But hey, I didn’t fall, so that’s something, right? I was all over the place, stumbling around like a baby deer trying to take its first steps.
Footwork
- Forward Step: Moving towards the opponent.
- Backward Step: Retreating from the opponent.
- Pivoting: Changing direction quickly.
By the end of the session, I was exhausted, sweaty, and my muscles were aching. But you know what? It was also kind of exhilarating. I felt like I had accomplished something, even if it was just the basics. Plus, I can now say I’m officially starting my journey to becoming a sword master. How cool is that? Okay, maybe not a master yet, but I’m on my way! And you know what? Even though I was completely wiped, I felt kind of awesome. Like I actually did something, even if it was just the little stuff.
I’m definitely going back for more. It’s going to be a long and challenging road, but I’m excited to see where it takes me. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll actually be good at this. Until then, I’ll just keep practicing and trying not to embarrass myself too much. I’m not giving up though. Gonna keep going back and see where this whole thing takes me. Maybe I’ll actually get the hang of it someday!
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