[maonnjtip]

Article on sports chanbara (sword fighting with air-filled sticks) from this week's Japan Times:

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-b...0101017x3.html

The founder of chanbara says:

"The problem with kendo is that it has too many rules," said Tanabe, 67, adding that in many countries, it is practiced only by a small group of fanatics.

Hmmm...

[GustavM]

To each their own - but I just don't see how people can call Sports Chanbara a martial art.

I reckon I would enjoy growing an Errol Flynn 'tache, learning the rapier and swinging from chandeliers much more...

[Sx1qBli0]

I dont think the problem with kendo is the rules, I agree with the small group of fanatics however. The problem is not the rules but the fact that there are too many ed grubermans' that wanna beat people up right now cause they got the pajamas. And they aren't willing to put the time/effort in to actually learn kendo.

Also he is quoted as saying its useful for defense to which I have to reply BULLSHIT

[otheloComRole]

I reckon Chanbara could be used for defence once the apocalypse has come around...

[Serttyfd]

Its just flailing around with lengths of foam! Its looks like fun, so they shouldn't try and justify it with anything profound or spiritual-it is what it is. But it does make you wonder if this is more like what actual sword-play degenerated into on the battlefield. I wonder if the IOC are investigating it for inclusion.

[Nfxutkpa]

I reckon Chanbara could be used for defence once the apocalypse has come around...

Lord Humongous laughs at your puny foam sword.

[spacecrafty]

Hehe I meant after the apocalypse and we are back to using clubs...

[c6vkuNRg]

"The problem with kendo is that it has too many rules," said Tanabe, 67, adding that in many countries, it is practiced only by a small group of fanatics. That's certainly true enough, but I wouldn't label it a problem myself. What I think is funny is how Tanabe's attitude has changed over the years as spochan has gotten more popular. He used to say that he started it so that kids could have fun and get interested in the sword arts without the difficulty and expense associated with kendo. Now he's changed what he says to try and make spochan look more serious and sports-like, rather than simply flailing each other with foam boffers.

Ah well, it's said that success changes us all, but I've never had enough success myself to find out if that's true first-hand.

[satthackacibe]

Hehe I meant after the apocalypse and we are back to using clubs...

You keep your club. I'll keep my distance with my sawed off double barrel in my V8 interceptor.

[Gromiaaborn]

Gonna be a hell of a sitting duck with no fuel, bitch. I will load up my trebuchet.

(good to see Chambara is generating another pointless thread - no offence, Niall)

[Toninvell]

you probably need at least 3 shots to range me in.

[AssinHT]

...over a longer range than a sawn-off.

[Zenthachall]

Plenty of time to unpack the mauser and adjust the scope though.

[Yessaniloas]

While you were unpacking I would run at you with my rubber chanbara sword...

(proves point)

[SantaClaus]

Well quickly remebering you are from the UK I would break out a flag and plant it in the ground... and we all know that means I win.

[clorkergo]

(damnation)

[dWSOj26H]

"The problem with kendo is that it has too many rules," said Tanabe, 67, adding that in many countries, it is practiced only by a small group of fanatics. " There is some truth to this in terms of limited appeal. The startup costs to participate in kendo are signifigantly higher than other martial arts. Since kendo may or may not be of use for self defense, unless you live in a place with a strong knife culture (say the philippines or south america) it is harder to justify. Given the recent popularity of MMA in the west in the past 20 years, point fighting kickboxing tournaments have lost some of their popularity and "no rules" or perhaps more limited rulesets have become more popular. Likewise the matches are of limited appeal to the non-enthusiast whereas empty hand striking or grappling to a lesser extent is much more "exciting" to the layman and olympic fencing's electronic scoring makes it easier for the non-enthusiast to understand how a point was awarded.

Sport chanbara is accessible in terms of costs, but I have no idea how it is taught. If I did more research, I am sure I could find out if there is a defined curriculum or what percentage is formal instruction versus lets just all go at it with foam swords. I do think the concept is not bad for JSA practicioners who don't practice kendo, but I think a less floppy training tool might be better for that sort of pressure testing /free form environment. I'd personally love to be able to try cuts to the thighs, upwards cuts and other style cuts that we practice in iaido. Chanbara seems fine for its audience, but heck its name alone shouldn't have one come to think that it is a "serious" study of japanese swordsmanship. That being said, if someone showed up at the dojo with some chanbara swords for fun, I would have a go at it after class!

[HugoSimon]

Sorry Ender,
The computer gods won't allow me to rep you for that excellent response!

[riverakathy]

Chanbara seems fine for its audience, but heck its name alone shouldn't have one come to think that it is a "serious" study of japanese swordsmanship.

You think that but then they start to call it 'japanese swordmanship', 'new and safer version of kendo', 'the modern kendo', 'modern martial art and combat sport', and then invent the new name 'spochan', so suddenly it is very serious now.

[Mjyzpzph]

I'd personally love to be able to try cuts to the thighs, upwards cuts and other style cuts that we practice in iaido.

On youtube you will find films on 'how to make a foam sword'. I made a few.