[yharmon6614]

Kiai using your diaphragm, not your throat, similar to how you're supposed to sing properly.
http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=e...e+Search&meta=

As far what to kiai, generally you yell the target you're hitting (men, kote, do). But if you want to yell anything non-descript like WAAAAAAAYAYAAAAAAAAAAA or anything, that's fine too. Just don't start saying random words like some people do.

CHICKEN KATSUUUUUUUUUUUUU

[MontyP@thon]

Thanks for the input. I would like to know how much emphasis is placed on competition in kendo? Is participating in competition a requirement for progression?

[wepoiyub]

Thanks for the input. I would like to know how much emphasis is placed on competition in kendo? Is participating in competition a requirement for progression?

Each dojo views it differently. Most people I have met in JSA take the 'if you want to, do - if you don't, don't' approach.

However, don't be afraid at the thought of competitions. After a while you'll feel like you are plateauing and maybe you'll feel the urge to test yourself against others!

[connandoilee]

Kiai using your diaphragm, not your throat, similar to how you're supposed to sing properly.

So there's actually a way of doing it? And one is supposed to use the diaphragm - great! I have always being troubled with how to: using the diaphragm support or just doing it in (ear-pinching) falsetto.. the latter seem to be favoured (ouch). Being a trained singer it is soo much easier to Kiai with diaphragm support - but it also soo much more louder and lower. But hey, if that's the way. Great thanks.

[Bletlemof]

Kiai using your diaphragm, not your throat, similar to how you're supposed to sing properly.

So there's actually a way of doing it? And one is supposed to use the diaphragm - great! I have always being troubled with how to: using the diaphragm support or just doing it in (ear-pinching) falsetto.. the latter seem to be favoured (ouch). Being a trained singer it is soo much easier to Kiai with diaphragm support - but it also soo much more louder and lower. But hey, if that's the way. Great thanks.

Everything needs to come from your hara

[Lictimind]

Thanks for the input. I would like to know how much emphasis is placed on competition in kendo? Is participating in competition a requirement for progression?

I think there are two kinds of competition. There are formal tournaments, with brackets, elimination, etc.; but there is also the natural competition that comes with practice sparring we call keiko, where you match up with one of your fellow Kendo practitioners. I'm not sure by "progression" whether you mean advancing in ranks or just getting better, but either way I think it will involve some level of competition. The tournaments seem pretty easy (to me, so far) to avoid, if you really wanted to. But the practice sparring, at least where I practice Kendo, would be impossible to avoid and is integral besides. I'm not sure how much emphasis the place you would practice will put on these competitive aspects versus self-improvement and forms, and for me it's very hard to separate the difference between learning good Kendo and learning winning Kendo (we don't practice specific techniques either just to "win" or just to "improve" -- we just practice techniques). I suspect some of the more experienced Kendoka on here could break it down better than me; and I think I have seen a little debate about the difference between "competitive Kendo" and "non-competitive Kendo" or if there even is one.

Also, I think this has been aluded to already, but if you come to like Kendo my guess is that part of that will be coming to like the competitive aspects of you-versus-someone else in keiko. Maybe not though - I'd be curious if there are people who love Kendo but don't like keiko/shiai.

[Shootohoist]

I'm not sure by "progression" whether you mean advancing in ranks or just getting better, but either way I think it will involve some level of competition.

I should have been more clear but I meant both.

[ValintinoV]

Kiai using your diaphragm, not your throat, similar to how you're supposed to sing properly.

So there's actually a way of doing it? And one is supposed to use the diaphragm - great! I have always being troubled with how to: using the diaphragm support or just doing it in (ear-pinching) falsetto.. the latter seem to be favoured (ouch). Being a trained singer it is soo much easier to Kiai with diaphragm support - but it also soo much more louder and lower. But hey, if that's the way. Great thanks.

Bingo! Personally, I could care less about the pitch of people's kiai. What I like to hear, and try to create in my own, is a strong, resonating kiai that's got enough vibrant tone and power to fill a room. I've gotten this question from some of my kohai and I tell them that if their throats are getting sore they need to adjust what they're doing. SmellsLikeBogu put it perfectly.

Everything needs to come from your hara

[arindiruppya]

Thanks for the input. I would like to know how much emphasis is placed on competition in kendo? Is participating in competition a requirement for progression?

I personally wouldn't say it's necessary but definitely an eye opener. I learn a lot in practice and I learn even more when I get beat, which is why I have keiko with my sempai and sensei as much as possible. It's also completely different to get beat in a tournament by someone you've, most likely, never met before. Earlier this month I got beat in the fastest amount of time I've ever gotten beaten in a tournament (to the point where nobody, not even my opponent's friends were even saying anything). While it probably was my worst match ever, I also learned the most about myself and my kendo from that match. I learned even more by watching him in his next matches and as a result, these past couple weeks my kendo has improved dramatically. You can read more detailed thoughts on this in my blog (link in my sig, shameless plug, I know).

Bottom line is that entering in tournament's isn't by any means a requirement in order to improve but it definitely worth your while.

[namaikaimvputka]

One of things I really appreciate about Kendo is that I never thought
I would be comfortable with standing up in front of lots of people,
often alone, and often being corrected, and even downright chastised.
I used to dread those times and hoped i would not be picked on.
However as my Kendo practice progressed, I began not to even think about it.
Receiving correction is now just that, whether it's performed alone or in front of dozens of people.
It has even bled over to my professional and personal life, given me more confidence,
and i can even speak in front on large groups without much nervousness or fear.

Kendo is one of the ultimate confidence boosters.

[mynaflzak]

I am interested in participating in kendo. I am an introvert. I don't like socializing or making new friends. I don't talk much and prefer to spend time alone. I just want to learn and practise kendo as an art form. I don't care much about winning because I believe that winning isn't everything. I'm more interested in learning more about myself and the world around me than beating the crap out of someone. Would kendo be suitable for me?

Yes. Do it.

[Seisyvose]

I'm an intorvert and I enjoy Kendo. You should definetly give it a go!

[Jxlacvio]

I'm an intorvert and I enjoy Kendo. You should definetly give it a go!

I was about to laugh my arse off at your post and call you a bad name until I realised that you ain't this person... Phew - close call there!

[gooseCile]

thanks, for the input guys, now, I shall go to my backyard and practise my ki ais lmfao.....I hope my neighbor doesn't come out screaming at me to shut up. lol

[9TWSg835]

I was about to laugh my arse off at your post and call you a bad name until I realised that you ain't this person... Phew - close call there!

hahaha close call there is right
Guess the names are quite similar, god dang spaces ney.

[UTHZzJ6f]

thanks, for the input guys, now, I shall go to my backyard and practise my ki ais lmfao.....I hope my neighbor doesn't come out screaming at me to shut up. lol

I sincerely suggest you start kendo first. Kendo without kiai is spiritless. Kiai without kendo will make you look and sound like an imbecile.

[Stoniaanapy]

I don't like socializing or making new friends. I don't talk much and prefer to spend time alone.

If by this you mean that you feel shy, uncomfortable or awkward dealing with new people then any group sport or structured activity might be good for you: kendo, basketball, chess club, cooking class or whatever. However if you really truly want just want to be alone then perhaps kendo isn't for you as it's mostly a group activity, even the kata require two people.

I just want to learn and practice kendo as an art form....

When you say that, if your picturing something like the first 3min of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9HR7TTOReE then Iaido might be what your looking for.

[kiosokkn]

I sincerely suggest you start kendo first. Kendo without kiai is spiritless. Kiai without kendo will make you look and sound like an imbecile.

Failed attempt to +rep.

[ffdfriendforurr]

I sincerely suggest you start kendo first. Kendo without kiai is spiritless. Kiai without kendo will make you look and sound like an imbecile.

Damn, must spread rep.

And I couldn't agree more. Mr. Shadowless has to get to a dojo and actually start before even attempting anything.

[ImapFidaarram]

Rather than claiming to have gone to class and done things already:

...the night before my first day of class, i couldnt sleep at all, i was wide awake till about 4am, and as i went to sleep, i dreamt about my first day of class lmfao isnt that weird?

...i had my sensei in aww the first day i stepped in xD

could you tell us how you have managed to travel through time?

as of April 4th 2009, I will officially start my training