[Cajlwdvx]

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.

[himecthekWiff]

Have a look at the excellent 'In the Dojo' by Dave Lowry. There are lots of examples in there that Mr Lowry has attempted to explain, but these are only ideas based on his years of experience.

[AndyPharmc]

It seems to me that a lot of of why reigi are the way they are in kendo are explained more explicitly in iaido, particularly with reigi in seiza.

Anyway, how about this one:

I've been told that when placing your hands on your lap in seiza, the fingers should be kept closed to prevent having someone grab the one or two that are sticking out and doing a jujutsu move to break them. The fingers should be closed when at your side when standing for the same reason. It isn't only an aesthetic reason.

[MADwanker]

Thank you for the replies. Kokoro777, unfortunately I am looking at only individuals for sources of information. I'm sure the book is interesting, but the project calls for more direct sources. Since I don't have the money to go out an interview people, I am resorting to this online inquiry. Dillon, thanks, this is more along the lines of what I am searching for. Anyone else have some interesting tidbits of unwritten knowledge or a story (stories)?

[Beriilosal]

The old style of bow from seiza was like the bow in iaido. Left hand down first, then right hand, bow, right hand to hip, then left hand. I was told that this was so that the right hand was always ready to respond to a sudden attack.

[Adeniinteme]

Thank you tagonagy, this is also helpful. Does anyone know why we no longer bow in this manner in kendo? Usually people just bow with both hands forward at the same time, from what I have seen. Also, does anyone have any short (or long) anecdotes about special events, lessons, or people? Any things you have heard that pertain to our rituals, traditions, etc. Almost anything would work, as long as it's information passed on by word of mouth, that not everyone would know and is possibly debatable or has many versions.

[Daleman1984]

Thank you tagonagy, this is also helpful. Does anyone know why we no longer bow in this manner in kendo? Usually people just bow with both hands forward at the same time, from what I have seen.

Many people still bow in this fashion. Our club does. The reason given for the change is that the old style is more combative - we do not trust our opponent, so we keep the sword hand ready until the last possible moment, and then free it at the earliest possible moment. For modern kendo now that we are all just practicing together, we have a more trusting bow with both hands together. Similarly if you bow keeping eye contact until the last moment, then restoring eye contact at the earliest, this is a more combative method.

[Malinguenem]

The reason given for the change is that the old style is more combative - we do not trust our opponent, so we keep the sword hand ready until the last possible moment, and then free it at the earliest possible moment. For modern kendo now that we are all just practicing together, we have a more trusting bow with both hands together. Similarly if you bow keeping eye contact until the last moment, then restoring eye contact at the earliest, this is a more combative method.

Thank you Neil. I have been using both hands thusfar (I feel sloppy and ill-prepared ). In the future I think I'll start using the combative method (not that I am distrustful of those around me.) It seems to me that the combative method would help to establish the proper mindset early on.