[BuyCheapest]

In my kendo club we usually choose a song that acts as theme song and tag line for each competition. We usually go for something power metal influenced since they have the most combat oriented lyrics and is good for getting incredibly pumped. But since two years ago we have a standard song. The band in question dedicated in to us just before the Swedish championships.

Ninja Magic - Strike force no. 9.
Manowar - Hail and kill
Manowar - Power of thy sword
Manowar - Battle hymn
Amon Amarth - With oden on our side

What can I say, take your hobby seriously but yourself less so. Me and one of the other instructors have the long hair which is typical for kendoka in northern Sweden and we know how to use it.

[JeremyIV]

No music for me. You get accustomed to a certain routine when dealing with competitive events. When things remind you of that routine it puts you in that mental context, like getting pumped up or putting your game face on or whatever you call it. If I started trying the musical approach, then it would become habit and I like to be able to gear up for shiai and gradings in a serious fashion without the need for any outside motivation.

And I may sound like an old man, but when I see people warming up for shiai and stuff with ipods on, it just doesn't look right to me. Kendo is more than a sport or a game and the musical approach reminds me of that. Although yes, shiai is still just a sport and a game as well. Hopefully you know what I mean so let's not go there.

In regards to this, yes I only listen to music BEFORE practice, while getting my bogu together, or before I head out to class. I also listen to music on the way to class. But once I'm at practice, even if our class hasn't started yet, I don't listen to anything. I try to get myself into the "practice" mindset. Flush everything out except for Kendo thoughts and, specifically, what I need to improve and focus on.

[zlZ95pjt]

hmm..

Metallica
Linkin park
"forever" - drake/eminem/kanye(blech)/lil wayne

thats what i can think of otoh

[flower-buy]

Depends on the day. Today was an easy choice.

Kashmir. Zep.


Done deal.

[StivRichardOff]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKLpJtvzlEI

Cant beat it.

[leangarance]

I have only one song to put my Kendo to. It may be the anxiety thing but I like listening to a song that makes me feel like I can't be beaten. I also know that in Kendo you can't doubt yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWxBrI0g1kE

[Patamuta]

Ah techno, hardstyle and screamo get me pumped before kendo

[MedicineForUs]

Tomoyasu Hotei's 'Electric Samurai' would be perfect music to listen to before Kendo practise. The opening refrain to his track 'Battle without Honor and Humanity' is used on every TV programme over here and 'Katana Groove is really cool too.

[lapyignipinge]

I'm a musician, and was on tour in British Columbia, and was playing in Kelowna. We were at this concert hall called the rotary centre, and just before we went onstage, I wondered around to the foyer area, and what do I see in a room next to the theatre? The Kelowna kendo club doing warm ups. I hope they liked our Latin jazz during kihon!

If anyone wants to hear a bit, the website is www.canefire.ca. I'm the sax player.

[xsVfF9Em]

I've recently taken to this song, much like Kendo for me it makes you think just how small a piece of the puzzle you are in the scheme of things, past and present.

I have yet to partake in a Taikai/Shiai, so I can't really comment on listening to blood pumping music for use in Kendo.

[thushioli]

Oh yes, that's Lisa Gerrard of 'Dead Can Dance'. She does some lovely pieces like 'Salterello' (medieval dance piece) and 'As the Bell Rings the Maypole Turns'. The language she occasionally sings in is completely made up by her, by the way.

[jisee]

this song usually gets me into the mindset....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyKGrIoS_uY

[TiepayWrary]

I'm calling Pasta Rice is always playing in my head.