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**Malinguenem** · 02-21-2011, 10:14 AM

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.

02-21-2011, 10:14 AM	#8
Malinguenem Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 424 Senior Member	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.
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