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Once before I tried to get information on certain aspects of Kendo for an essay I was interested in writing. Unfortunately that had to be abandoned for various reasons, BUT I am now presented with a new and, to me, infinitely more interesting project that I would like to ask for help with.

I would like to hear about any experiences, stories, people, or rituals/ traditions which have meanings or origins from unknown or disputed sources -also, they should not be things everyone in Kendo knows.

To provide an example (at least I hope this is a proper example...); several years ago at the Detroit Taikai the sensei leading the seminar (I think it was Sakaguchi Sensei -correct me if I'm wrong) said that the reason our hands form a diamond (and our face is positioned din the center) when performing zarei is an old method of protecting one's nose from being broken in the event that someone tries to slam one's head down into the ground in surprise attack. I wonder where this originated. but all the same it is very interesting to learn of.

If possible, please relate any oral traditions providing information or insight regarding ANYTHING or ANYONE in kendo. Urban (Kendo lol) legends, strange reasons behind our traditions and rituals, interesting events, etc. Basically I guess I'd like to learn more about Kendo folklore, if one could sum it all up.

Also, not to disparage anyone from answering, but I am looking for information from people who have a substantial amount of experience. People who have trained (or taught -that would be wonderful) for a number of years, or trained in Japan, etc. If this is too vague please let me know. Any help would be appreciated.