Bokken Fighting! @_@

[Dante]

Does anyone else on CAA practice fighting with bokkens? I have two, but its easier with one then both, and in fact I'm almost better with one still. It is rather difficult to practice by oneself though, and you can't judge just how well the technique's you develop would work in real combat.

Anyone else trying to learn? Especially trying to figure out an ellegant solution to the use of two bokkens simultaneously (how do you flip these things around in a rapid spin with only one hand without letting it float in the air for a second... it works but sometimes it falls to the ground because you miss...)

-Pascal

[Kunoichi]

I own a bokken and while i have not "formally" studied, they say that if you learn the bokken you can learn any weapon. Whether or not that is true, I'm not sure.

[oro!]

I also own a bokken and a shinai, although they've only seen one lesson. I did have some fun "tournaments" with my little cousins, though. Wood hitting hand, though, is a big dissuader(i.e. I never got any armor).

[Etoh*the*Greato]

Bokken themselves are simply for establishing technique. If you want to beat people up you need to pick up some Shinai.

[Danderson]

I own one and I had taken some lessons a few years ago....haven't really touched it since.....Man, I really need to start practicing again......

[KBMaster]

I have a bokken but I had to quit karate around the time that we started using them. My brothers have some too and like to go out in the yard and play-fight with them. I haven't really even used mine since I was in karate.

[Esoteric]

I have two bokken which I occasionally practice suburi (swinging) and katas (routines) with. Proper technique takes years of frequent practice.

Anyone else trying to learn? Especially trying to figure out an ellegant solution to the use of two bokkens simultaneously (how do you flip these things around in a rapid spin with only one hand without letting it float in the air for a second... it works but sometimes it falls to the ground because you miss...)

Hehe, somehow I don't think spinning one in the air is a sound fighting technique, but just for playing around I know it's fun. Truly effective techniques aren't flashy at all--two sword technique especially.

[Raiden no Kishi]

Bokken themselves are simply for establishing technique. If you want to beat people up you need to pick up some Shinai.

This is quite true. The story of Miyamoto Musashi killing a man with a wooden "sword" is not farfetched. Factor in adrenaline, and it's no wonder kendo (which uses shinai!) is practiced in armor. If you're going to be fighting, even if for practice, you'll want padding.

That said, have loads of fun so long as you're careful. Check your shinai for damage before use - if it breaks, it could leave sharp points that will easily kill.

.rai//

[That Dude]

I've owned a few bokkens and also sadly broken a few. I mostly just mess around with them, I have a hard time finding people who are actually willing to spar with me...

[Dante]

Too bad you didn't live in Flagstaff I'd spar with you!

[That Dude]

Well I might have a few people to spar with over the winter thankfully.

[Dante]

Lucky! (Maybe I'll have to convince my roomates)

[That Dude]

Yeah I am pretty lucky.