Unfortunately there are limited gyms or so where you can learn Japanese martial arts in my country, you can find the most popular ones but also not that many :/
Ahh man, seiza! Some tired knees and toes I’m sure! I tried Aikido, and my Sensei taught us how to do the “kneeling-walk” too. Are you going to try Kendo? I know you have a Martial Arts background!
Hi Norm So the best sunrise to see is on my Birthday 29th December, shame I'm not coming till 31st landing 1st January. Will you carry on do it? 🤗😍💙📸👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
The nature sounds of Japan are captivating. When I hear the cicadas I picture myself meditating atop a waterfall at night under the glow of a silver moon.
Kendo is fun, but it is hard. One of my sensei used to say that if it wasn't hard, everyone would be doing it. I think it's a great way of developing yourself.
There is a kendo martial arts school where I live and I've always wanted to try it but its a lil too expensive for me as a student... But now i'm definitely going to save up for a few lessons. Thanks Norm
@@TokyoLens And thanks for taking the time to put together another wonderful video!! Everyone gets excited when they see your video's popping up. I think I will too, ill go try it out with a trial lesson and even if its still too expensive at least I got a fun lesson out of it!!
I've always had a fascination of Kendo and just Japanese sword fighting in general, it's always stuck out to me as incredibly unique and there's something about it that I just love.
The standout for me here was the intensity of your focus! So often you joke about how easily distracted you are (squirrel!!) but when listening to the priest and the instructor you were so laser-focused! Definitely an interesting parallel between the shamisen and the kendo strike too. And that shot at 1:21 of the sunrise over the ocean shrine was so, so beautiful!! 🌸
Hey Norm, massive fan of both your channel and your podcasts. I did Karate for a few years when I was younger and this year I am looking into starting either Iaido or Kendo. Being in New Zealand, it's more of a niche sport, but I just love Martial arts and Japanese culture in general. Thank you so much for all the great material you present to us.
I have such an appreciation for videos like this that showcase a different side of Japanese life and culture. So often many videos produced of foreigners visiting/ living in Japan are talking about "weird" this or that. And while there's a time, place and audience for that kind of content, I think that international audiences forgot that "real" Japanese people and communities exist. Thank you Norm, for highlighting passionate people who spend their life mastering their craft and contributing to their community!
What a fabulous view , your editing has become a real mystery to me as you seem to get the best of every single camera moment , really appreciate the time you put to bring this breathtaking content thank you very much !
I've done Iaido for some years in the 2000s, and still like it. And also Aikido, which also contains some sword work, for the last 15 years, which has had tremendous influence on my life.
@@TokyoLens I enjoyed you taking the time sharing the Sensei talking and making the connection to Shamisen. I think it's hard to convey an understanding of something that needs to be felt on video, so I appreciate hearing from experienced teachers a lot!
I've been a practicioner of martial art almost my whole life, but kendo was the art that pretty much formed my body and mind. The way I look, stand and walk. Due to different reasons I stopped after maybe 15 yrs and took up other arts.... still want to go back thou....
I've never done any formal training like this outside of boxing. I think formal martial arts training is just too hard on my knees and ankles - which I more or less destroyed in my youth through team sports. The sound the sword makes through the air when it's done correctly vs incorrectly is amazing! Good job capturing that audio!
Amazing! ❤️ again, Japanese people show so much thought, intent and dedication into what they do. It’s beautiful to watch. And great edit btw, the video is very well put together 👏
I always love how you feature perspectives from locals and people from different walks of life in Japan. It’s so fascinating to learn about people who have mastered a certain skill!
I was just searching for videos on actual, traditional Japanese sword fighting. This was the first result, and for good reason. The video was excellently edited, and videoed, and the fact that you have so much experience with the Japanese just makes it all the much better. I can’t wait to see more, subscribed
The sun set view before your Kendo lesson was breathtaking. Thank you for sharing your Kendo experience and the history. Hopefully there will be more Kendo lessons in your future, if so another video would be nice. Maybe the Sensei will allow you to sit in on one of the trainings.
Love this video Norm! It was both soothing and fascinating. The scenery was beautiful and I’ve always been interested in Kendo. Watching the instructors doing the demonstration was my favourite part. I really enjoy watching those that have mastered a craft, whatever it may be, show off their skills and love for that craft! ❤️
MIto was the place I went to after Tokyo. I was seeing a friend who was living in Mito at the time. I will never forget the lake from the shogun's home.
I started kendo and shinobi sword combat in it's full chaos contact (no ruling conditions) Koga Ninjutsu 10th dan.. 44yrs later still into it and teach. Love this channel! I respect your travels in a place i totally adore. My sensei is from Osaka
Love the whole tone and feel of this video especially the more subdued opening. As I've racked up more visits to Japan, I've started to notice that the flashier side isn't the "true" Japan. Its the quiet and simple things that give you the truest view of Japan and I guess that's why I started exploring the backstreets of Tokyo a few years ago. I'm heading back next month and looking forward to exploring some more and getting another peak behind the mask.
Again a great video norm! I love content like this, where you kind of make a mini documentary of one subject, I really loved this one because Japanese martial arts is something I'm really interested in. Gread job man!
This was pretty awesome to watch. I've always had an interest in Kendo, Iaido, etc and was wondering how to even get into that world. Thanks for sharing Norm! Also, that sunrise shrine at the ocean was awesome, would love to snap pics of that some day!
Continuing your requested bread trail of comments! Honestly loved this video, I really like the ones where you meet the locals and talk to them, I love the way the Japanese take pride in following on from their parents, especially in the shrines. Thank you Norm, was a pleasure to watch! Are you going to keep learning Kendo?!
While you tried sword fighting, I'm trying to fight off a sickness. I'm still soo excited for the road trip footage, but this was such a good kind of in between video ♡ I would definitely say that it's probably easier to admire the art, than to actually join into it. But you did really well!
at the 5m48s mark... that demonstration of kendo kata sanponme is really great. I've never seen it 'explained' that way, but it just makes so much sense...
I like how both the master and the priest shared their stories. When they showed a strike and was talking about getting a noise it made sense as you are cutting through the air. Awesome video :)
Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience! I am a practitioner of Japanese martial arts of almost 9 years now, with a strong focus on swordsmanship in the past few years. I just happened upon this video, and it really resonated with me. Definitely subscribing and looking forward to future content :)
Watching this up here in the mountains right now, and I totally get that sense of peace first thing in the morning. As for the bulk of the video, I remember growing up I always thought how much I wanted to learn kendo, but never got to, if anything due to my location not having anything! It looks like it would be fun, but incredibly difficult and require immense amounts of discipline. Thanks for sharing this video !
in college/university my friends created and ran a historic martial arts union and this reminds me so much of when they would practice. They actually practiced with Shinai exclusively at first, but later expanded into like hatchets and daggers. Maybe if they'd had a poleaxe or battleaxe i'd have been more interested in actually joining(i just think axes are really cool). As it was I just ended up painting their shields.
Again, new subscriber here. Hehe I really love Japanese culture, and this got me browsing on your channel. I tried Judo 3 years ago and wasn't able to continue to date. 2 years ago I also tried for Kendo. For Kendo I have been looking for a dojo to study wayback in 2003. I was really new to the shouts (forgot the term) on what part you would hit. Like "men" to the head with a vertical slash. Also being introduced to Kenjutsu made me lean to it much more than Kendo. Hope to study this year too, its Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu. I just visited Fukuoka last year, hope to visit again some time in the future. Thanks and more power to you!! P.S. same sentimentson seiza
I think this is my favourite video I have watched on your channel. Everything about was beautiful and I can see the clearly the discipline and commitment the Japanese put towards their craft. Thanks for showing us this Norm. I hope I get to try something like this in the future Insha'Allah.
Mito is a lovely place to visit. I love Japanese gardens so I went to see Kairakuen and wasn’t disappointed. We managed to see a little more of Mito but would love to go back.
My partner is a 5th dan in Kendo. In may we traveled from Belgium to Japan so he could train with some Japanese sensei. He trained in Tokio and in the Budo centre in Kyoto. I don’t practice kendo but just being there and watch them practice was a wonderful experience.
Killing it as always Norm. Keep up the great work. Always makes me feel that no matter where you go there is adventure. Can't wait to make Japan my home soon!
I havent tried any martial arts but i have a lot of respect for it. Unfortunately chronic health issues get in the way of a lot of physical things for me but I still love learning about it. Very interesting video! And that spot looks beautiful!
That was AWESOME. I knew from studying taekwondo back when I was in high school, it would require much skill and practice. So did you get hooked? I guess it would depend on location and proximity mostly. Great video Norm.
I am glad you had a good experience at the Tobukan. Very nice to be there and have such personal attention. I enjoy your shamisen. I think if you got into kenjutsu and iaijutsu it would complement your shamisen. If you're ever in Nara come by.
I did jujutsu for 11 years also judo for 3 years. Getting old now and my joints aren’t the same. I would love more than anything to try kendo even just once or twice
I am an Aikido sensei from near Munich. I train for 25 years now still wondering about real mastership. And still on my way. Enjoyed your video, looking forward to a martial arts road trip🙇♂️
I've done a short workshop of Kendo before, but being a HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) fighter, I couldn't really get past how incredibly different it is. Really agree with the Sensei's words though, never forget the basics! I would always make my class drill footwork before they even got to pick up their sword :)
Very cool. It is amazing to me how thing that take great focus can be so relaxing. Sword practice, music, and drawing... Sometimes tough, but the efforts payoff in mental relaxation.
I only just made it to my small rual town here in Japan to help teach English about 2-3 months ago and I found out my school has a kendo club. And I started going, but not because it seemed like a good match but because I felt it was what I lacked. I've always been rather timid and clumsy and I wish to improve that. It's definitely hard but thankfully the club members are happy to help.
Have you gotten to study shinto since moving to Japan? There are very few English books on it, but there are many in the west very interested in Shinto. Learning what I have about shinto has revealed an interesting side to zen. It's also helped me appreciate the beauty of nature even more.
Awesome video, I would love to be able to train there s OK me day, such a beautiful dojo! Bit of a shame you never got to try the bogu or anything but it was interesting to see a more sedate introduction to kendo then I am used to! (have done kendo for 7 odd years now but in Scotland, never Japan yet!)
Brought me back to the Ooarai trip 4 years ago, admittedly not in the morning. Interestingly, I remembered hearing the kids learning kendo in the forested area behind the shrine!
If you like sword fighting consider kenjyutsu instead of kendo. Kendo is way of life just like anything with “do” on suffix. On the other hand kenjyutsu is also way of life but more of sword fighting. Even the way you take steps are different.
@@TokyoLens if you enjoy the one one combat from kendo, I reccomend hokkushin itto ryu, jikishinkage ryu or tennen rishin ryu. If your more interested in the spirtual aspect and training in many methods to kill people without full contact sport do an older style like katori shinto ryu or any pre 1600 budo.
@@charliewhite578 Yeah, Kenjutsu is historical combat while Kendo is the sport version of Kenjutsu. It's like HEMA sword fighting and modern Olympic fencing.
@@TokyoLens To be absolutely clear here, kenjutsu is what you did.... not kendo. So you're already there! Hokushin Itto Ryu is a classical (koryu) sword art (kenjutsu), so while the teacher also teaches kendo, that's not what you did at any point in the video. This isn't an issue, of course, other than terminology.... finding a koryu school that let you "try it out" is incredibly rare! Kendo, on the other hand, is found in most schools in Japan, and in pretty much every town and city... I'd also argue with the distinction made by Keithko.... Kendo, realistically, is the modern sporting variant... that's the biggest distinction. The "do/jutsu" contrast isn't really a distinction made in Japan...
Thank you so much for this video Norm! I found it so very interesting. My two boys took taekwondo when they were young (9 and 7 maybe and they are 26 and 24 now it's been some time). They loved it, but when we moved there wasn't any where for them to train in my hometown. I lovingly refer to my hometown as Cornville since it's surrounded by corn. :) Anyway, thanks for this video! I love learning about cultural things! Just like your desk video, I loved that as well. :)
Ahh so fun! I’m kinda hoping you might want to do more martial arts, but also I know that attempting to master two things at once could cause both to suffer, and I really want you to succeed with Shamisen!
No martial arts, but I fence with an épeé. It's definitely interesting to see how the styles differ. If you're ever in Kyoto and have a free evening, stop in to the Budo Center near Heian Shrine and watch the kendo and Kyūdō practices. Hours upon hours of practice, poetry in motion.
Welcome to the world of budo. I’ve been training for the past 40 years in karate and kobudo. Clearing your mind, at the beach and shrine, before you entered the dojo was a great idea. Every lesson should begin with a clear mind, leaving your worldly worries outside the doors. Start each lesson with the spirit of “onegai shimasu” and as you did, give thanks to your sensei at the end of the session. I’m sure you’re quite familiar with these etiquettes from your shamisen training. It’s not so much a budo thing, but a part of Japanese culture. And, if you chose to continue on the “warrior path”, there’s nimu that comes with it. I’m sure you felt that spirit resonating from the walls of the dojo. Great video!
Considering the time that you spent within the subculture, you come at means a lot to me. I really appreciate you taking the time to share that! When making a video on a topic that I am completely unfamiliar with, are usually find myself with more questions than answers, so to be able to get a comment like this from somebody who’s deep within the world of Budo, really brightened my morning! Thank you
Oh wow. I've been to Oarai last year August, it's a really chill, beautiful seaside town. It was a welcome break from the craziness of Tokyo, best experienced on a bike. Your shots did justice on how beauitful the sunrise and beach is there. @2:23 by any chance would you still remember why 29 Dec is the best time to go to Isosaki shrine? Thanks!
It's like with anything - you have to master the basics before moving on to the "fun" stuff. But, you also have to continue practising the basics. The basics are everything. Also, pretty sure the sword you picked up was an Uchigatana - which is one of the longest swords that some of the samurai used (thank you Touken Ranbu). Would love to learn, but sadly no one teaches kendo or anything like that where I live.
Hmm... actually, an uchigatana (striking sword) is just the name for the shorter complimentary sword worn with the tachi in the later Sengoku Jidai... when it became the primary sword, it was essentially renamed/shortened to "katana"... but originally, it was not "one of the longest swords that some of the samurai used", it was literally the shorter sword carried alongside a longer one.
This is pretty cool. Id love to go here to play Kendo one day. I miss Kendo so much during Covid :( Can't wait for all of this to be over so I can do Budo again! Nice vid!
Thanks for another great video, it was very relaxing and interesting. I have done Karate for about 1.5 years but now switched to Taekwondo, I find martial arts very interesting. Also can't wait for the road trip videos, I guess it is the one that was shown on Instagram?
I never tried any japanese martial art before but i used to do some taekwondo and pencak silat back in my middle school and high school time. There used to be a kendo club at my uni but sadly they were disbanded for lacking members not long after i entered the uni.
I’m a kenjutsu/ Iaijutsu/ jujitsu instructor. It’s interesting because we get a lot of potential students in thinking they are going to come in and be ready to take on a bunch of ninjas after one lesson. When they see how easy it looks to just draw the sword, and they try it and all of a sudden they realize how precise everything has to be n the science of it all, most don’t come back. No body tension, proper skeletal alignment, multiple body movements at the same time, timing and distance with your opponent…then when senior students begin cutting mats and Gekkiken (samurai sword and jujitsu sparing) they realize they have a long way to go still. When students begging to understand the sword principles, their applications of jujitsu improve ten fold.
It's a pretty ballsy stance in martial thoughts. All in 1 move. I practice kung fu and we are taught to combine attack and defense into a single motion. It means very small margin of error. Economy of motion and positioning is vital in negating power and speed differences. However, it reminds you power and speed is not something to scoff at.
What a F@#king badass experience!! I always enjoy to see your travels around Japan, playing catch up with all this down time. I've been to Japan over 30 times and still have not been able to see Kendo up close and personal. Maybe coz my Japanese is like a 2 year old. ;) haha thanks for sharing
I’d love to see expert Japanese martial arts in person. I was watching someone play a video game- archers, swordsman you name it. It’s strange knowing that we will never see a large number of master swordsman, because there simply aren’t as many people dedicating their entire life to the craft. Most people don’t even have the focus and/or dedication to any single craft. That includes me. It makes me think I should just settle the *** down and become an expert at one thing.
I used to do Okinawan karate back in the states, Goju Ryu. Competed in tournaments for several years and reached third dan. Unfortunately, after receiving my first invitation to the global tourney in Okinawa, I had to spend some time away from it, and never really had the chance to return. Maybe I'll revisit it someday. I've definitely lost nearly all my kata, haha.
❤️❤️❤️ I’ve always wanted to try kendo and I’m close to Mito! Sadly I don’t think my Japanese is up to snuff, but I will definitely check out Oarai Isosaki Shrine the next time I’m in Mito. ⛩ Thanks for another great video!
How come I've never seen this? I used to study jodo and iaido for many years, and I recognize a lot of the concepts they were talking about even though it's a separate school. When I went to Tokyo, I was able to visit the old Budokan and try out naginatado which was quite interesting too.
Hi. Nice shot. You're very earnest and respectful in how you approached all this. Pity that you didn't actually get to experience Kendo though. Quite different from the Itto-Ryu indeed.
Lol. My Japanese sensei was also policeman and like all of the high level sensei he gets never tired to emphasize the importance of kihon. "like a house falls down if the foundation is not strong enough, the more advanced waza will not work if your kihon is not solid."
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Have you ever tried any Japanese martial arts? Let me know down below!
PS - There may or may not be a road trip coming (^_-)
(Spoiler alert: There is)
The foot work is very important I'm lead to believe .... Maybe this could be a bit of an ongoing series and you could try naginata next ... 🤪
Unfortunately there are limited gyms or so where you can learn Japanese martial arts in my country, you can find the most popular ones but also not that many :/
Ahh man, seiza! Some tired knees and toes I’m sure! I tried Aikido, and my Sensei taught us how to do the “kneeling-walk” too. Are you going to try Kendo? I know you have a Martial Arts background!
Hi Norm
So the best sunrise to see is on my Birthday 29th December, shame I'm not coming till 31st landing 1st January.
Will you carry on do it?
🤗😍💙📸👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Road trip yes please 😌
The nature sounds of Japan are captivating. When I hear the cicadas I picture myself meditating atop a waterfall at night under the glow of a silver moon.
Kendo is fun, but it is hard.
One of my sensei used to say that if it wasn't hard, everyone would be doing it.
I think it's a great way of developing yourself.
It seems like an extremely fun way of training your back muscles.
There is a kendo martial arts school where I live and I've always wanted to try it but its a lil too expensive for me as a student... But now i'm definitely going to save up for a few lessons. Thanks Norm
Thanks for taking the time to watch!! a lot of places allow a free trial lesson!! Id recommend checking it out~
@@TokyoLens And thanks for taking the time to put together another wonderful video!! Everyone gets excited when they see your video's popping up.
I think I will too, ill go try it out with a trial lesson and even if its still too expensive at least I got a fun lesson out of it!!
I've always had a fascination of Kendo and just Japanese sword fighting in general, it's always stuck out to me as incredibly unique and there's something about it that I just love.
have you ever had a chance to try it?
The standout for me here was the intensity of your focus! So often you joke about how easily distracted you are (squirrel!!) but when listening to the priest and the instructor you were so laser-focused! Definitely an interesting parallel between the shamisen and the kendo strike too. And that shot at 1:21 of the sunrise over the ocean shrine was so, so beautiful!! 🌸
Hey Norm, massive fan of both your channel and your podcasts. I did Karate for a few years when I was younger and this year I am looking into starting either Iaido or Kendo. Being in New Zealand, it's more of a niche sport, but I just love Martial arts and Japanese culture in general. Thank you so much for all the great material you present to us.
I have such an appreciation for videos like this that showcase a different side of Japanese life and culture. So often many videos produced of foreigners visiting/ living in Japan are talking about "weird" this or that. And while there's a time, place and audience for that kind of content, I think that international audiences forgot that "real" Japanese people and communities exist. Thank you Norm, for highlighting passionate people who spend their life mastering their craft and contributing to their community!
What a fabulous view , your editing has become a real mystery to me as you seem to get the best of every single camera moment , really appreciate the time you put to bring this breathtaking content thank you very much !
all too kind of you to say so. Thank you so much~
I've done Iaido for some years in the 2000s, and still like it. And also Aikido, which also contains some sword work, for the last 15 years, which has had tremendous influence on my life.
Hope that this video did it justice~
@@TokyoLens I enjoyed you taking the time sharing the Sensei talking and making the connection to Shamisen. I think it's hard to convey an understanding of something that needs to be felt on video, so I appreciate hearing from experienced teachers a lot!
Yes, I’ve done. I guess most Japanese try martial arts like Kendo or Judo at junior hi or hi school.
ある、ある！大抵の日本人は中高時代に剣道か柔道をやるんじゃないかな。
I can't give a true single reason why, but this video was one of the better ones recently. Good editing and great content. It was very enjoyable.
I've been a practicioner of martial art almost my whole life, but kendo was the art that pretty much formed my body and mind. The way I look, stand and walk. Due to different reasons I stopped after maybe 15 yrs and took up other arts.... still want to go back thou....
I've never done any formal training like this outside of boxing. I think formal martial arts training is just too hard on my knees and ankles - which I more or less destroyed in my youth through team sports. The sound the sword makes through the air when it's done correctly vs incorrectly is amazing! Good job capturing that audio!
Amazing! ❤️ again, Japanese people show so much thought, intent and dedication into what they do. It’s beautiful to watch. And great edit btw, the video is very well put together 👏
I always love how you feature perspectives from locals and people from different walks of life in Japan. It’s so fascinating to learn about people who have mastered a certain skill!
Sooo... are you hooked? Or was this a one time experience?
I guess time will tell.......
@@TokyoLens thats a no lol
I was just searching for videos on actual, traditional Japanese sword fighting. This was the first result, and for good reason. The video was excellently edited, and videoed, and the fact that you have so much experience with the Japanese just makes it all the much better. I can’t wait to see more, subscribed
The sun set view before your Kendo lesson was breathtaking.
Thank you for sharing your Kendo experience and the history. Hopefully there will be more Kendo lessons in your future, if so another video would be nice. Maybe the Sensei will allow you to sit in on one of the trainings.
I studied Shidokan karate when I was a teenager. It gave me a sense of focus that has stayed with me.
They say that Karate is really good for that
I have been doing this as a hobby for the last two months and it's just awesome! I recommend it to anyone who has sth like this near where they live!
Love this video Norm! It was both soothing and fascinating. The scenery was beautiful and I’ve always been interested in Kendo. Watching the instructors doing the demonstration was my favourite part. I really enjoy watching those that have mastered a craft, whatever it may be, show off their skills and love for that craft! ❤️
MIto was the place I went to after Tokyo. I was seeing a friend who was living in Mito at the time. I will never forget the lake from the shogun's home.
I started kendo and shinobi sword combat in it's full chaos contact (no ruling conditions) Koga Ninjutsu 10th dan.. 44yrs later still into it and teach. Love this channel! I respect your travels in a place i totally adore. My sensei is from Osaka
A wonderful video made with a lot of passion, clearly. I'm very impressed and inspired, thank you!
Love the whole tone and feel of this video especially the more subdued opening. As I've racked up more visits to Japan, I've started to notice that the flashier side isn't the "true" Japan. Its the quiet and simple things that give you the truest view of Japan and I guess that's why I started exploring the backstreets of Tokyo a few years ago. I'm heading back next month and looking forward to exploring some more and getting another peak behind the mask.
04:44 THE SOUNDS ARE REAL! They are really giving off a sound when swung....oh my god you have no idea how mind-blowing this moment is for me 🤯
Again a great video norm! I love content like this, where you kind of make a mini documentary of one subject, I really loved this one because Japanese martial arts is something I'm really interested in. Gread job man!
This was pretty awesome to watch. I've always had an interest in Kendo, Iaido, etc and was wondering how to even get into that world. Thanks for sharing Norm! Also, that sunrise shrine at the ocean was awesome, would love to snap pics of that some day!
Continuing your requested bread trail of comments! Honestly loved this video, I really like the ones where you meet the locals and talk to them, I love the way the Japanese take pride in following on from their parents, especially in the shrines.
Thank you Norm, was a pleasure to watch!
Are you going to keep learning Kendo?!
every time you interview people i just wish i could thank them as well as thank you for taking the time to share your worlds
While you tried sword fighting, I'm trying to fight off a sickness. I'm still soo excited for the road trip footage, but this was such a good kind of in between video ♡ I would definitely say that it's probably easier to admire the art, than to actually join into it. But you did really well!
at the 5m48s mark... that demonstration of kendo kata sanponme is really great. I've never seen it 'explained' that way, but it just makes so much sense...
I like how both the master and the priest shared their stories. When they showed a strike and was talking about getting a noise it made sense as you are cutting through the air. Awesome video :)
Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience! I am a practitioner of Japanese martial arts of almost 9 years now, with a strong focus on swordsmanship in the past few years. I just happened upon this video, and it really resonated with me. Definitely subscribing and looking forward to future content :)
Watching this up here in the mountains right now, and I totally get that sense of peace first thing in the morning.
As for the bulk of the video, I remember growing up I always thought how much I wanted to learn kendo, but never got to, if anything due to my location not having anything! It looks like it would be fun, but incredibly difficult and require immense amounts of discipline.
Thanks for sharing this video !
I love these small stories and the people we get to meet in them.
Great work with them Norm.
in college/university my friends created and ran a historic martial arts union and this reminds me so much of when they would practice. They actually practiced with Shinai exclusively at first, but later expanded into like hatchets and daggers. Maybe if they'd had a poleaxe or battleaxe i'd have been more interested in actually joining(i just think axes are really cool). As it was I just ended up painting their shields.
Again, new subscriber here. Hehe I really love Japanese culture, and this got me browsing on your channel.
I tried Judo 3 years ago and wasn't able to continue to date.
2 years ago I also tried for Kendo. For Kendo I have been looking for a dojo to study wayback in 2003. I was really new to the shouts (forgot the term) on what part you would hit. Like "men" to the head with a vertical slash.
Also being introduced to Kenjutsu made me lean to it much more than Kendo. Hope to study this year too, its Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu.
I just visited Fukuoka last year, hope to visit again some time in the future.
Thanks and more power to you!!
P.S. same sentimentson seiza
Hey mate
Great to meet you, and thanks for taking the time to not only watch but also leave it at such an involved comment.
Hope your day is beautiful
I think this is my favourite video I have watched on your channel. Everything about was beautiful and I can see the clearly the discipline and commitment the Japanese put towards their craft. Thanks for showing us this Norm. I hope I get to try something like this in the future Insha'Allah.
Mito is a lovely place to visit. I love Japanese gardens so I went to see Kairakuen and wasn’t disappointed. We managed to see a little more of Mito but would love to go back.
I have been in martial arts my whole life, and this was very good and shares what I like best about it. Relationships with people and traditions.
Really cool. I'd like to experience that since I love kenjutsu. And everything about Japan is pretty much super interesting to me.
My partner is a 5th dan in Kendo. In may we traveled from Belgium to Japan so he could train with some Japanese sensei. He trained in Tokio and in the Budo centre in Kyoto. I don’t practice kendo but just being there and watch them practice was a wonderful experience.
Killing it as always Norm. Keep up the great work. Always makes me feel that no matter where you go there is adventure. Can't wait to make Japan my home soon!
I'm always amazed about you and how you get inspired by so many things, on the other hand for a viewer like me this video is a pure inspiration
Très sympathique a great lesson thanks for sharing those intense moments . The Japanese Great Masters are very kind indeed thanks to them :)
I havent tried any martial arts but i have a lot of respect for it. Unfortunately chronic health issues get in the way of a lot of physical things for me but I still love learning about it. Very interesting video! And that spot looks beautiful!
as a Nidan Kendoka you just showed me a place I want to visit during my first trip to Japan which will be hopefully in nearest future :D
That was AWESOME. I knew from studying taekwondo back when I was in high school, it would require much skill and practice. So did you get hooked? I guess it would depend on location and proximity mostly. Great video Norm.
I am glad you had a good experience at the Tobukan. Very nice to be there and have such personal attention. I enjoy your shamisen. I think if you got into kenjutsu and iaijutsu it would complement your shamisen. If you're ever in Nara come by.
I did jujutsu for 11 years also judo for 3 years.
Getting old now and my joints aren’t the same.
I would love more than anything to try kendo even just once or twice
So nice Norm! Is a way of life for the sensei, dedication and discipline. Something very hard to do these days...
I am an Aikido sensei from near Munich. I train for 25 years now still wondering about real mastership. And still on my way. Enjoyed your video, looking forward to a martial arts road trip🙇♂️
I love the exploration shirt! Also you look so cool swinging that sword!
I've done a short workshop of Kendo before, but being a HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) fighter, I couldn't really get past how incredibly different it is. Really agree with the Sensei's words though, never forget the basics! I would always make my class drill footwork before they even got to pick up their sword :)
Very cool. It is amazing to me how thing that take great focus can be so relaxing. Sword practice, music, and drawing... Sometimes tough, but the efforts payoff in mental relaxation.
I only just made it to my small rual town here in Japan to help teach English about 2-3 months ago and I found out my school has a kendo club. And I started going, but not because it seemed like a good match but because I felt it was what I lacked. I've always been rather timid and clumsy and I wish to improve that. It's definitely hard but thankfully the club members are happy to help.
Have you gotten to study shinto since moving to Japan? There are very few English books on it, but there are many in the west very interested in Shinto. Learning what I have about shinto has revealed an interesting side to zen. It's also helped me appreciate the beauty of nature even more.
Them guys what focus with blades like that to the neck!!! 😯
Love the wind sound of the blade strike crazy!!!! 👌
Awesome video, I would love to be able to train there s OK me day, such a beautiful dojo! Bit of a shame you never got to try the bogu or anything but it was interesting to see a more sedate introduction to kendo then I am used to! (have done kendo for 7 odd years now but in Scotland, never Japan yet!)
Brought me back to the Ooarai trip 4 years ago, admittedly not in the morning. Interestingly, I remembered hearing the kids learning kendo in the forested area behind the shrine!
If you like sword fighting consider kenjyutsu instead of kendo.
Kendo is way of life just like anything with “do” on suffix. On the other hand kenjyutsu is also way of life but more of sword fighting.
Even the way you take steps are different.
Good info!!
Thanks so much
Looking into it 😊
@@TokyoLens if you enjoy the one one combat from kendo, I reccomend hokkushin itto ryu, jikishinkage ryu or tennen rishin ryu. If your more interested in the spirtual aspect and training in many methods to kill people without full contact sport do an older style like katori shinto ryu or any pre 1600 budo.
@@charliewhite578 Yeah, Kenjutsu is historical combat while Kendo is the sport version of Kenjutsu.
It's like HEMA sword fighting and modern Olympic fencing.
@@TokyoLens To be absolutely clear here, kenjutsu is what you did.... not kendo. So you're already there! Hokushin Itto Ryu is a classical (koryu) sword art (kenjutsu), so while the teacher also teaches kendo, that's not what you did at any point in the video. This isn't an issue, of course, other than terminology.... finding a koryu school that let you "try it out" is incredibly rare! Kendo, on the other hand, is found in most schools in Japan, and in pretty much every town and city...
I'd also argue with the distinction made by Keithko.... Kendo, realistically, is the modern sporting variant... that's the biggest distinction. The "do/jutsu" contrast isn't really a distinction made in Japan...
Thank you so much for this video Norm! I found it so very interesting. My two boys took taekwondo when they were young (9 and 7 maybe and they are 26 and 24 now it's been some time). They loved it, but when we moved there wasn't any where for them to train in my hometown. I lovingly refer to my hometown as Cornville since it's surrounded by corn. :) Anyway, thanks for this video! I love learning about cultural things! Just like your desk video, I loved that as well. :)
Ahh so fun! I’m kinda hoping you might want to do more martial arts, but also I know that attempting to master two things at once could cause both to suffer, and I really want you to succeed with Shamisen!
No martial arts, but I fence with an épeé. It's definitely interesting to see how the styles differ. If you're ever in Kyoto and have a free evening, stop in to the Budo Center near Heian Shrine and watch the kendo and Kyūdō practices. Hours upon hours of practice, poetry in motion.
I love kendo. Thank you so much for covering your journey.
Amazing! I loved the story line whether it was planned or not. You met some interesting characters on this episode.
I do aikido. I know how hard seiza can be! Especially if you have a sensei like mine. He loves to tell fascinating but often lengthy stories.
Welcome to the world of budo. I’ve been training for the past 40 years in karate and kobudo. Clearing your mind, at the beach and shrine, before you entered the dojo was a great idea. Every lesson should begin with a clear mind, leaving your worldly worries outside the doors. Start each lesson with the spirit of “onegai shimasu” and as you did, give thanks to your sensei at the end of the session. I’m sure you’re quite familiar with these etiquettes from your shamisen training. It’s not so much a budo thing, but a part of Japanese culture. And, if you chose to continue on the “warrior path”, there’s nimu that comes with it. I’m sure you felt that spirit resonating from the walls of the dojo. Great video!
Considering the time that you spent within the subculture, you come at means a lot to me. I really appreciate you taking the time to share that! When making a video on a topic that I am completely unfamiliar with, are usually find myself with more questions than answers, so to be able to get a comment like this from somebody who’s deep within the world of Budo, really brightened my morning!
Thank you
Tokyo Lens どう致しまして。頑張ってね！
always wondered what determined if a swing of a sword made a sound or not!! the whole experience looked amazing, and with that view!!!
that view was everything!
Oh wow. I've been to Oarai last year August, it's a really chill, beautiful seaside town. It was a welcome break from the craziness of Tokyo, best experienced on a bike. Your shots did justice on how beauitful the sunrise and beach is there.
@2:23 by any chance would you still remember why 29 Dec is the best time to go to Isosaki shrine? Thanks!
1:50 Stairs in Japan
That was very cool.
The whole vid. Not just the stairs.
Loved it. You make every one of your videos seem like a peek into a hidden side of Japan.
awww I love that comment~thank you so much!
Awesome!! One of my three greatest loves of Japan!! Kimono, Shamisen and Japanese swordsmanship, simply fascinating to me
I guess I need to do a video on Kimono now lol
Omg yes please visit a Kimono Shokunin 😍😍😍
It's like with anything - you have to master the basics before moving on to the "fun" stuff. But, you also have to continue practising the basics. The basics are everything.
Also, pretty sure the sword you picked up was an Uchigatana - which is one of the longest swords that some of the samurai used (thank you Touken Ranbu).
Would love to learn, but sadly no one teaches kendo or anything like that where I live.
Hmm... actually, an uchigatana (striking sword) is just the name for the shorter complimentary sword worn with the tachi in the later Sengoku Jidai... when it became the primary sword, it was essentially renamed/shortened to "katana"... but originally, it was not "one of the longest swords that some of the samurai used", it was literally the shorter sword carried alongside a longer one.
Italian rapier vs longsword video brought me here somehow lol TH-cam algorithm
This is pretty cool. Id love to go here to play Kendo one day.
I miss Kendo so much during Covid :( Can't wait for all of this to be over so I can do Budo again!
Nice vid!
Thanks for another great video, it was very relaxing and interesting. I have done Karate for about 1.5 years but now switched to Taekwondo, I find martial arts very interesting. Also can't wait for the road trip videos, I guess it is the one that was shown on Instagram?
I got so good at seiza from joining Sado (tea club) in Japan. I think seiza is the hardest part of many Japanese arts.
I never tried any japanese martial art before but i used to do some taekwondo and pencak silat back in my middle school and high school time. There used to be a kendo club at my uni but sadly they were disbanded for lacking members not long after i entered the uni.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Norm, I never saw a Kendo Dojo before, :)
December 29?.. Damn that's my birthday..
I’m a kenjutsu/ Iaijutsu/ jujitsu instructor. It’s interesting because we get a lot of potential students in thinking they are going to come in and be ready to take on a bunch of ninjas after one lesson. When they see how easy it looks to just draw the sword, and they try it and all of a sudden they realize how precise everything has to be n the science of it all, most don’t come back. No body tension, proper skeletal alignment, multiple body movements at the same time, timing and distance with your opponent…then when senior students begin cutting mats and Gekkiken (samurai sword and jujitsu sparing) they realize they have a long way to go still. When students begging to understand the sword principles, their applications of jujitsu improve ten fold.
It's a pretty ballsy stance in martial thoughts. All in 1 move. I practice kung fu and we are taught to combine attack and defense into a single motion. It means very small margin of error. Economy of motion and positioning is vital in negating power and speed differences. However, it reminds you power and speed is not something to scoff at.
What a F@#king badass experience!! I always enjoy to see your travels around Japan, playing catch up with all this down time. I've been to Japan over 30 times and still have not been able to see Kendo up close and personal. Maybe coz my Japanese is like a 2 year old. ;) haha thanks for sharing
Amazing video and the dojo looked beautiful!
Hey you should try Judo, I would love to see a video like that :)
I’d love to see expert Japanese martial arts in person.
I was watching someone play a video game- archers, swordsman you name it. It’s strange knowing that we will never see a large number of master swordsman, because there simply aren’t as many people dedicating their entire life to the craft.
Most people don’t even have the focus and/or dedication to any single craft. That includes me. It makes me think I should just settle the *** down and become an expert at one thing.
Thank you for the lovely video. Your interviews are really cool.
Glad you enjoy them that much!!
I used to do Okinawan karate back in the states, Goju Ryu. Competed in tournaments for several years and reached third dan. Unfortunately, after receiving my first invitation to the global tourney in Okinawa, I had to spend some time away from it, and never really had the chance to return. Maybe I'll revisit it someday.
I've definitely lost nearly all my kata, haha.
❤️❤️❤️ I’ve always wanted to try kendo and I’m close to Mito! Sadly I don’t think my Japanese is up to snuff, but I will definitely check out Oarai Isosaki Shrine the next time I’m in Mito. ⛩ Thanks for another great video!
I’d definitely recommend visiting the Mito tobukan as well!!
Gosh how I have missed watching your videos! I've been quite busy, but I swear I'll try to give your videos the love that they deserve ❤
Glad to have you back!!
I’ve always loved a good binge 😊
@@TokyoLens hahaha for your work? Always ;)
How come I've never seen this? I used to study jodo and iaido for many years, and I recognize a lot of the concepts they were talking about even though it's a separate school. When I went to Tokyo, I was able to visit the old Budokan and try out naginatado which was quite interesting too.
You were very respectful and mindful during this, good job and hope it wasn't to intimidating to handle a katana in front of a master swordsman.
Hi. Nice shot. You're very earnest and respectful in how you approached all this. Pity that you didn't actually get to experience Kendo though. Quite different from the Itto-Ryu indeed.
Lol. My Japanese sensei was also policeman and like all of the high level sensei he gets never tired to emphasize the importance of kihon. "like a house falls down if the foundation is not strong enough, the more advanced waza will not work if your kihon is not solid."
Beautifully shot, as always.
Would love to see a video on the other japanese martial arts!
Thanks Norn for doing this
Swordfight philosophy is a lifestyle, even more so than other forms of martial arts IMHO and based on my experience.