Message-ID: <20010415165846.18120.qmail@web3202.mail.yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 15 Apr 2001 09:58:46 -0700 (PDT) From: Shinobu Subject: Swordplay To: Ranma@ML.usagi.org Reply-To: ranma@ML.usagi.org X-ML-archive: http://www.win.ne.jp/~doi/ML/ Precedence: bulk Hey guys and gals. -------- -------- Myself- >> Ask any martial artist who works with weapons... >> kendo skills translate easily to shooting skills, >> especially >> the long weapons. Mr Keefe- >I don't see it. How is skill with a bladed weapon >extend to a ranged one? Fighting with a sword and >hitting things with a bow or rifle are three very >different things. I've trained for katana, >and I'm a good shot with a pistol, but I can't shoot >a rifle or a bow worth crap. I just don't see the >link. I do have to apologize for one thing. I must acknowledge that there are some differences from Ninpo Kenjutsu and Kendo per se. In our style, we often use our bodies to move and cut with the sword. It's hard to explain, but with proper body movement, in our style, the sword "Just happens to be" in the right place at the right time. We never think, "I'm going to cut his head off." Do you understand what I mean? It's thae same concept with training with the Naginata (Halberd) and the Yari(Spear). Deliberate arm movements are really not emphasized that much, Footwork and body movement are crucial. And even with the differences between the styles, some sowrdfighting principals are universal. I have noticed that whenever Kuno attacks, his lead foot and the sword are ALWAYS in line. His body, aims for him. With a long gun, instead of raising his arms to position the strike, all he has to do is keep the weapon close to his body. When I go the range, I hold the rifle/shotgun close to the body. And I turn my body as needed. I make sure my lead foot is facing the target, so my body is doing all the work for me. I guess I'm one of those "Point Shooting" guys, I never "aim". The way I figure, I'm not going to be able to hit five rounds into a 1" inch group, like you read about in the magazines, in a darkend bedroom at 3:00am, which is most likely the time when a shoot-out would occur. So, if zombies are coming at me, I would use my body to aim. I'm NOT going to take the time to carefully aim each shot, I'll raise the barrel in the general direction of the head, let off a few rounds, move on to the next stiff. I might kneecap a zombie or two, or give 'em hot lead to the chest. If I have an assault rifle, then I'm going to straff the head, just to make sure. >Besides, most kendo-ka I know see firearms as >cowardly. Most would be loathe to use them. Yes sir you are right about that! (^_^) And, BTW, that is something that I have never understood, but that's the difference between Kendo and Ninpo. To each his own. We really don't care which tool we have to use, just so long as the job gets done. And, to paraphrase a wise man, With a zombie in your face, it's better to give than receive! ------- ------- Mr Keefe- >Check out this website. They're an English group (we >won't hold that against them.... much)... ** knowing smile ** Agreed! >so you won't be able to drop by, but >they've some good information about western martial >arts and sword stuff. I'll let you decide if there >are any historical sword-schools left. Cool! That's Gravy. When I went to the Tower of London and asked about historical Martial Arts, the curator told me that no-one perserved any of it. So, I will definately peruse it. Many thanks! ----- ----- Godspeed. Andre De La Shinobu Sauce, EoE, OCS Curator, GSFLGL