[netamargr]

See http://www.angelfire.com/sports/chanbara/main.html and
http://www.samuraisports.com/Chanbar.../goshindo.html


Has anyone tried this? I am interested in your thoughts. How well do the padded weapons work? How similar is it to free practice with a shinai and bogu? If it is taught with the same earnestness (as opposed to a 'let's just goof around with padded swords' attitude) as traditional kendo, what is missing because of the different equipment? Do you learn more from free practice when you spar against a number of different weapons during practice?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts and the benefit of your experience.