Comments on: Jodan Renaissance?

By: hchoi

hchoi — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:47:04 +0000

Thanks George. I was going to put a reference and link to the original, not least to put a disclaimer saying “comments expressed are not mine” :)
It’s not restricting at all; it is your work after all. I hope you won’t mind if I disseminate other wonderful articles from kenshi247.net under the same conditions.

By: George McCall

George McCall — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:04:24 +0000

Of course, I love the idea that articles here will be available in other languages!!

However, I’d ask that you keep my name and place a prominent link to the original articles as well as to kenshi247.net itself. I would also like a copy of any translation to place on this site in the translations section.

If you wish to use the picture above then please go to it on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eikenkai/2999354528/) and link directly to it. Its a picture I will probably publish in a book at some point, so its not one I want to give away free.

Hope this isn’t too restricting, and thanks for reading!!

By: hchoi

hchoi — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:48:00 +0000

Hi George,
Can I get your permission to translate and post this to a kendo site in Korean?
There does seem to be a renewed interest in jodan no kamae, and this is a great background info for those who want to start jodan.
Thanks!

By: Leiv Harstad

Leiv Harstad — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:06:04 +0000

Great comment Nick. Thanks for sharing.

By: George McCall

George McCall — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:20:57 +0000

Thanks Nick. Glad you are enjoying the site and the articles.

Good luck practising Jodan!

By: Nick Sordon

Nick Sordon — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:46:14 +0000

Dear George,
Greetings from Australia. My good mate Dave Banbury (who I understand you know) put me onto this website and your article on Jodan. Firstly, great piece on the renaissance of Jodan – I enjoyed reading it as it particularly resonates with me, being a new Jodan player myself.
At Sydney Kendo Club, I am one of three Jodan players. Our Sensei are quite strict on this and only once a person has reached a suitable level (ideally 2nd – 3rd Dan) and permission asked and granted is that Kenshi able to play from Jodan. This has resulted in our club being quite good at playing against Jodan Kenshi. This strictness may not be the same at other clubs however I think that even though Jodan is in the spotlight at present, the serious Kenshi will likely be distinguished from the players who want to “give-it-a-go”. The road to learning Jodan is challenging, including having to learn footwork in reverse. Further, being a Kote, Tsuki and Do punching bag is a humbling experience that a Jodan player needs to prepare well to endure.

I was thrilled to watch Kenji Shoudai win the 56th AJKC because of the many Jodan players, he (and of course Chiba Sensei) is my favourite player. Further, it’s good to see a Jodan Kenshi attain this amazing achievement as it will hopefully dilute some of the negative opinion about Jodan. While personally I have essentially received positive reinforcement, I am told that there appears to be an underlying element that Jodan is not “real” Kendo. I agree that Chudan is the foundation of Kendo however my own belief is Kendo is not so much what Kamae you take but your mental attitude to Kendo and how it shapes you in life.

You discussed the topic that Kenji Shoudai’s success could increase the number of people interested in playing Jodan – which is likely to be true. I am pleased that Jodan players are increasingly coming to the fore because I’ve found that, outside of Japan, it is very difficult to (a) find information on Jodan; and (b) find someone who is able to provide instruction in Jodan.

Which brings me to my next point in my very lengthy response (apologies!) regarding your reasons as to “why” there are more players. To your valid points, may I add the following? Barring the over zealous coach reason (which I agree is valid and Chiba Sensei has made a similar point), I imagine that the increased number will either come from young or relatively newer players switching or aspiring to Jodan admire Shoudai’s strength, spirit and “cool” Kendo. This is always going to be the case in every sport. Following this thought, I believe that the experienced Kenshi will appreciate Shoudai’s victory for what it is and carry on training in Chudan as they have.

Thanks again for the article and your patience to read my response.

Regards,
Nick
PS – I am also a fan of Musashi no Ken… ;-)

By: 56th All Japan Kendo Championship « ALSER Kendo Club Milano

56th All Japan Kendo Championship « ALSER Kendo Club Milano — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:42:02 +0000

[...] Novembre 4, 2008 · Nessun Commento Shodai Kenji (di Kanagawa), è il nuovo campione giapponese 2008. Shodai ha battuto in finale Wakau (di Hokkaido) nel 56th All Japan Kendo Championship tenutosi il 3 novembre al Nippon Budokan di Tokyo Articolo di Kendo World per approfondire. La nota curiosa di questa edizione: Shodai è il primo kendoka dal 1983 a vincere il campionato nazionale combattendo in Jodan (Kenshi247.net). [...]

By: Shodai Kenji All Japan Kendo Champion 2008. « ..::kÁoS-白隼 ::..

Shodai Kenji All Japan Kendo Champion 2008. « ..::kÁoS-白隼 ::.. — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:30:44 +0000

[...] Jodan Renaissance – Article by kenshi247.net [...]