On a serious note though, I thought id throw my 2 cents into this samurai discussion. I may be wrong, but im pretty sure that to become a samurai, one must be born or adopted into a samurai family. So with that said, it doesnt matter how much training or skill or "warrior spirit" one has, one cannot simply become a samurai. Sorry to crush the dreams of all you youngins out there. A samurai is not a rank in Japanese swordsmanship, it is an abolished social class.
No offence but if you're going to claim to be a 6th Dan at least get your spelling right. I'm not saying you're not I'm just saying act like it. All 5th Dans and above I've met apply the priniples of Kendo to every aspect of life and as such have few flaws other than they constantly look for ways to improve.
"The Spirit of the Thing" was coined by the late Abe Shinobu sensei. This disitingushed gentleman was not only an 8th dan in Kendo & former headmaster of the famous Nihon Taiku Daigaku, but was also Abbott sensei's mentor. It would stand to reason that Abe sensei's influence can be seen in Abbott sensei's teachings.
All martial arts offer benefits to the practitioner. If you enjoy the activity, by all means please continue to train regardless of what discipline it may be.
BTW, in Japan, battodo & iaido are essentially synonymous. Regardless of the curriculum, both offer the knowledge of drawing, cutting & sheathing a sword.
In my opinion, No I don't think it's "bad" to learn Iaido. But it is only a piece of the entire art.
Additionally, in Iaido you use an "Iaito" or practice sword, which is not sharp, but more importantly generally does not have the same weight, balance, and perhaps most critically, a short handle.
To me this is a disservice to "real" sword practice as you are not practicing with an appropriate training tool--but in many cases a "toy" weapon.
Not talking down necessarily, but for serious sword work I feel you need to train with a weapon that simulates the real thing as much as possible. But being mindful that practicing with a live blade katana probably isn't the wisest choice either (as I have done).
Again, I do not consider myself an expert. Just experienced enough to know what is what.
Ultimately *some* training is better than *no* training, so certainly don't let minor details stop you.
Every ryu has different requirements for equipment, such as the weight of shinken & iaito (mogito). For instance I train with heavy, medium & light mogito...it helps develop different abilities.
Concerning combat effectiveness, each ryu has their own unique curriculum, some include sparring, some do not. Being that some schools are 500+ yrs old, it would be unwise to judge them as ineffective.
As I wrote before, enjoy the training rather than worry about what is the best...there is no best.
Since Abbott sensei is, as well as I am, ranked through the All Japan Goshindo Federation whose curriculum includes kenjitsu (sparring), battodo (Toyama/Nakamura ryu) & tameshigiri, I guess you would be right that he is not an "iaido-guy". Iaido in itself typically doesn't have a sparring component & some schools do not even practice test cutting.
Being that I am usually his uke (sparring dummy), I would agree with you that his combative skill is phenomenal.
Yes he is amazing to spar against. And I've done enough of Iaido to know its glaring weakness--there is no combat component to it. It's simply all ritual. While that may work for some, I personally think it's silly to train with a sword, and not train in the use of its' main purpose--which is cutting. There is value in refining the formalities tho.
I have the highest respect for Shihan Abbott. If I were in Phoenix I'd be at his dojo.
many of these people dont know what they are talking about... I have trained with shihan abbott for over 4 years, and i would love to see what you guys have. Post some videos of yourself, so we can critique you as harshly as you critique him.
I had a look at samuraisports & I'm not very impressed. What's with the suit & tie, & katana - quite silly. He may have taken some of those martial arts, but that doesn't make him a master. If you would like to see some actual Iaido, come to Vancouver B.C. Canada in the middle of June 08. Esaka sensei (10th dan) will be coming from Japan. Maybe karatevideoguy & mr. Dana Abbot would like to come by & learn a thing or two. I'll be going see one of the actual masters of Iaido and learn myself
I have no doubt the Esaka Sensei is a great man. Shihan Dana Abbott after a quarter century of extensive study including 14 years in Yokohama. Also, he is honored to hold the esteemed rank of Kyoshi 7th Dan, in the sword art of Goshindo, obtained at the Hombu Dojo in Yokohama, Japan. In 1995 he was appointed to the position of Kokusai Bucho (International Director) for the All Japan Goshindo Renmei and the International Sports Chanbara Association, which has more than 200,000 members worldwide.
I actually do know what I'm talking about. Not only have I been to Japan, I have studied Iaido for nearly ten years and see a lot of experts from japan, and what I see in this video, I don't want to see any more or here any more about him. I have no doubt that he has had some traning in Iaido, but seems to have forgotten some of the most important fundamentals of Iai. Your loyalty to your instructor is admirable, but maybe you should look at some real masters of Iaido and have an open mind.
It is a shame when people post who have no idea what they are talking about. go to samuraisports dot com and go to the about section and read all bout this white guy.
@drumplumb Being a samurai isnt in the skin, but in ones spirit and soul. Its true that just because you train a japanese martial art dosent make you a "samurai", but following the principles of bushido sure put you on the road towards it. Ive seen alot of "white guys" been better at Iaido than japanese.
@YajimaKenji I agree that heritage is not part of ones skill with a sword, but logic suggest that a culture which runs through the family would be more versed with it then a foreign one.
Such things such as clan history and bloodlines, are more relevant to the Japanese, and as such their principles are more likely to be held in a higher esteem.
Its also ashame when people attempt to tell someone that they cannot be something becuase they are 'white'
There is a group called young bushido who properly train people in the way of samurai, they all live by bushido, most are shinto-buddhists and are masters with there swords amongst many other things that make them samurai, they didn't even ask for the title, it was given to them, many are asian, many are white, they are all samurai, not becuase of race, but becuase of deeds.
If you think you can learn Iaido or a sword art (without previous instruction) from a video, gambate is all I have to say. Have you guys even read the info on this so called master of this art? He has a made up grade and teaches various "martial arts ". Sure he learned some "way" or another in Yokohama, Japan,but there is so little info about it that I doubt it's real. This guy maybe got a Dan in an Iaido style and is out to make a buck teaching people how to swing a katana like a baseball bat.
You are so misguided. Master Dana Abbott has trained for more years than you have been alive. Go to Phoenix and train with him and you will come back with allot more respect in your writings. Please think before you let your ass over ride your mouth.
@karatevideoguy I believe it is your ass thats been riding your mouth. You didn't even stop to considered whether a person's point is valid, you just idolise him in everyone of your responses. I may not be a practitioner of martial arts, but i am a practitioner of courtesy, and that leads me to believe that it is you who is being offensive. If he is a "master" then the video itself did not clearly show it. That is either HIS fault OR the camera mans fault. Be nice and have a 2 way conversation.
As I wrote earlier, the video & text book are intended as supplemental sources for the serious student, not the main source. As for your opinion of Abbott sensei, I do not share it. He is my instructor and I have never experienced anything but hard & traditional JSA training. Please view other Youtube clips of Toyama Ryu & Nakamura Ryu practioners, I think that you will see very similar technique.
Wow, these are not even "basics". It doesn't even mention how to hold the katana at all... Watch this video and become the baseball bat samurai you always dreamed to be...
This clip is just an advertisement for "Cutting Through the Mysteries" instructional video & only shows a short segment. The video, along with its matching text book, is intended to be used as a supplement in conjunction with traditional and proper instruction of Toyama Ryu batto do.
if you think you can learn technique from a video is obviously an idiot. it takes years to develop technique. Ive got a 2nd dan in tkd n study Iaido and kubudo and you can learn things by watching them BUT you need the school to learn how to apply them correctly.
agreed. ichi kyu in MJER at the moment. the 'basics' are just not what you understand them to be from just watching a video. HAVE to do it under supervision. otherwise your just going to flay yourself open in any number of ways and maybe kill yourself. at very best you'd be a joke and anyone with real experience could pick you out a mile away.
Of course you can learn from video as well. Watch the vid as many times needed. Some sensei would kill you, if you ask the same question again and again. Just need a mirror to compare your movement with the motion of your video-sensei and the slomo-function of your DVD-Player. I learned techniques from DVD. Dojo is not automatically a guarantee for precise execution.
Maybe there are 2 groups of students: one can learn from DVD the other can't.
You must know some pretty harsh sensei. And as far as I know, you don't typically ask questions when you train. You learn more by observation. A cultural thing perhaps.
that is how they do intructional video in Japan. This was done very traditional. Dana studied for many years in Japan. You can learn the katana very quickly with this video.
I woudl discagree with you You cannot learn how to handle a Katana properly by watching a video. The only wany to learn is by attending a legitimate Dojo training in Japanese Sword Arts. Videos can only help to remind you what you have been taught by an instructor/Sensei. By relying on a video you will only install poor posture,poor posture, and poor technique.
Yay, now I can count!
On a serious note though, I thought id throw my 2 cents into this samurai discussion. I may be wrong, but im pretty sure that to become a samurai, one must be born or adopted into a samurai family. So with that said, it doesnt matter how much training or skill or "warrior spirit" one has, one cannot simply become a samurai. Sorry to crush the dreams of all you youngins out there. A samurai is not a rank in Japanese swordsmanship, it is an abolished social class.
LotusDragon09 7 months ago
this looks good i kinda like toyama ryu wonder where i can get classes...
jung567 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I like this vid becuz Iv'e trained in ShinKendo for 19yrs.. and im a 6th Dan..
unHolySamuraiXevil 3 years ago
No offence but if you're going to claim to be a 6th Dan at least get your spelling right. I'm not saying you're not I'm just saying act like it. All 5th Dans and above I've met apply the priniples of Kendo to every aspect of life and as such have few flaws other than they constantly look for ways to improve.
Momotaicho 3 years ago
Err...yeah, and also Toshishiro Obata who founded Shinkendo does not employ "dan" rankings in that system. There are no Shinkendo anything-dans.
neohilander 2 years ago
That is right. Shinkendo doesn't use the Kyu-Dan ranking.
jackchn 2 years ago
This guys such a joke. Part of me doesn't even want to dignify his crap with comment but I feel compelled....
Grow up kiddo.
rinjimaikeru 2 years ago
Wao.... So humble.. True warrior... :P
herasmito 2 years ago
right. And I'm masamune.
AceVendetta 2 years ago
Beautiful...
artrauco 3 years ago
Spirit of the Thing? wow superhero
Kendomaster215 3 years ago
"The Spirit of the Thing" was coined by the late Abe Shinobu sensei. This disitingushed gentleman was not only an 8th dan in Kendo & former headmaster of the famous Nihon Taiku Daigaku, but was also Abbott sensei's mentor. It would stand to reason that Abe sensei's influence can be seen in Abbott sensei's teachings.
tomurso 3 years ago
I agree with what you said. However, it's not really bad to be able to learn iaido and etc. is it?
Munz997 3 years ago
All martial arts offer benefits to the practitioner. If you enjoy the activity, by all means please continue to train regardless of what discipline it may be.
BTW, in Japan, battodo & iaido are essentially synonymous. Regardless of the curriculum, both offer the knowledge of drawing, cutting & sheathing a sword.
I wish you well in your training.
tomurso 3 years ago
In my opinion, No I don't think it's "bad" to learn Iaido. But it is only a piece of the entire art.
Additionally, in Iaido you use an "Iaito" or practice sword, which is not sharp, but more importantly generally does not have the same weight, balance, and perhaps most critically, a short handle.
To me this is a disservice to "real" sword practice as you are not practicing with an appropriate training tool--but in many cases a "toy" weapon.
pavXX 3 years ago
Not talking down necessarily, but for serious sword work I feel you need to train with a weapon that simulates the real thing as much as possible. But being mindful that practicing with a live blade katana probably isn't the wisest choice either (as I have done).
Again, I do not consider myself an expert. Just experienced enough to know what is what.
Ultimately *some* training is better than *no* training, so certainly don't let minor details stop you.
pavXX 3 years ago
Every ryu has different requirements for equipment, such as the weight of shinken & iaito (mogito). For instance I train with heavy, medium & light mogito...it helps develop different abilities.
Concerning combat effectiveness, each ryu has their own unique curriculum, some include sparring, some do not. Being that some schools are 500+ yrs old, it would be unwise to judge them as ineffective.
As I wrote before, enjoy the training rather than worry about what is the best...there is no best.
tomurso 3 years ago
Since Abbott sensei is, as well as I am, ranked through the All Japan Goshindo Federation whose curriculum includes kenjitsu (sparring), battodo (Toyama/Nakamura ryu) & tameshigiri, I guess you would be right that he is not an "iaido-guy". Iaido in itself typically doesn't have a sparring component & some schools do not even practice test cutting.
Being that I am usually his uke (sparring dummy), I would agree with you that his combative skill is phenomenal.
tomurso 3 years ago
Yes he is amazing to spar against. And I've done enough of Iaido to know its glaring weakness--there is no combat component to it. It's simply all ritual. While that may work for some, I personally think it's silly to train with a sword, and not train in the use of its' main purpose--which is cutting. There is value in refining the formalities tho.
I have the highest respect for Shihan Abbott. If I were in Phoenix I'd be at his dojo.
Enjoy your sparring with him.
pavXX 3 years ago
many of these people dont know what they are talking about... I have trained with shihan abbott for over 4 years, and i would love to see what you guys have. Post some videos of yourself, so we can critique you as harshly as you critique him.
GuitarMan1015 3 years ago
I had a look at samuraisports & I'm not very impressed. What's with the suit & tie, & katana - quite silly. He may have taken some of those martial arts, but that doesn't make him a master. If you would like to see some actual Iaido, come to Vancouver B.C. Canada in the middle of June 08. Esaka sensei (10th dan) will be coming from Japan. Maybe karatevideoguy & mr. Dana Abbot would like to come by & learn a thing or two. I'll be going see one of the actual masters of Iaido and learn myself
drumplumb 4 years ago
I have no doubt the Esaka Sensei is a great man. Shihan Dana Abbott after a quarter century of extensive study including 14 years in Yokohama. Also, he is honored to hold the esteemed rank of Kyoshi 7th Dan, in the sword art of Goshindo, obtained at the Hombu Dojo in Yokohama, Japan. In 1995 he was appointed to the position of Kokusai Bucho (International Director) for the All Japan Goshindo Renmei and the International Sports Chanbara Association, which has more than 200,000 members worldwide.
karatevideoguy 4 years ago
I actually do know what I'm talking about. Not only have I been to Japan, I have studied Iaido for nearly ten years and see a lot of experts from japan, and what I see in this video, I don't want to see any more or here any more about him. I have no doubt that he has had some traning in Iaido, but seems to have forgotten some of the most important fundamentals of Iai. Your loyalty to your instructor is admirable, but maybe you should look at some real masters of Iaido and have an open mind.
drumplumb 4 years ago 5
DrumpIumb:
For someone accussing another of lacking the necessary fundamentals, you very much seem to lack perhaps the most important trait of all...humility.
I wish you well in your training & may you take your own advice & have an open mind.
Thank you
tomurso 4 years ago
you are right. thank you for humbling me & pointing out one of my weaknesses. I now feel shamed for my own actions. I went too far.
drumplumb 4 years ago 2
seppuku, its your only option now drumplumb ol' buddy
madbuzz90 3 years ago
keep training. It's a shame when white guys get into Iaido and think they have become a Samurai. I am shamed just watching this.
drumplumb 4 years ago 4
It is a shame when people post who have no idea what they are talking about. go to samuraisports dot com and go to the about section and read all bout this white guy.
karatevideoguy 4 years ago
@drumplumb Being a samurai isnt in the skin, but in ones spirit and soul. Its true that just because you train a japanese martial art dosent make you a "samurai", but following the principles of bushido sure put you on the road towards it. Ive seen alot of "white guys" been better at Iaido than japanese.
YajimaKenji 1 year ago
@YajimaKenji I agree that heritage is not part of ones skill with a sword, but logic suggest that a culture which runs through the family would be more versed with it then a foreign one.
Such things such as clan history and bloodlines, are more relevant to the Japanese, and as such their principles are more likely to be held in a higher esteem.
WhiteWingedBaka 7 months ago
@drumplumb
Its also ashame when people attempt to tell someone that they cannot be something becuase they are 'white'
There is a group called young bushido who properly train people in the way of samurai, they all live by bushido, most are shinto-buddhists and are masters with there swords amongst many other things that make them samurai, they didn't even ask for the title, it was given to them, many are asian, many are white, they are all samurai, not becuase of race, but becuase of deeds.
wheresthecorporal 2 months ago
HABLAME EN ESPAÑOOOOL !!!!
eumani 4 years ago
The blind leading the blind. ...
DoorHangerH1 4 years ago
If you think you can learn Iaido or a sword art (without previous instruction) from a video, gambate is all I have to say. Have you guys even read the info on this so called master of this art? He has a made up grade and teaches various "martial arts ". Sure he learned some "way" or another in Yokohama, Japan,but there is so little info about it that I doubt it's real. This guy maybe got a Dan in an Iaido style and is out to make a buck teaching people how to swing a katana like a baseball bat.
DoorHangerH1 4 years ago
You are so misguided. Master Dana Abbott has trained for more years than you have been alive. Go to Phoenix and train with him and you will come back with allot more respect in your writings. Please think before you let your ass over ride your mouth.
karatevideoguy 4 years ago
@karatevideoguy I believe it is your ass thats been riding your mouth. You didn't even stop to considered whether a person's point is valid, you just idolise him in everyone of your responses. I may not be a practitioner of martial arts, but i am a practitioner of courtesy, and that leads me to believe that it is you who is being offensive. If he is a "master" then the video itself did not clearly show it. That is either HIS fault OR the camera mans fault. Be nice and have a 2 way conversation.
WhiteWingedBaka 7 months ago
As I wrote earlier, the video & text book are intended as supplemental sources for the serious student, not the main source. As for your opinion of Abbott sensei, I do not share it. He is my instructor and I have never experienced anything but hard & traditional JSA training. Please view other Youtube clips of Toyama Ryu & Nakamura Ryu practioners, I think that you will see very similar technique.
Thank you
tomurso 4 years ago
you can't learn from videos alone, but you can get basics from them. Still...nothing compares to hands on learning from a master
jayshewman 4 years ago
Wow, these are not even "basics". It doesn't even mention how to hold the katana at all... Watch this video and become the baseball bat samurai you always dreamed to be...
DoorHangerH1 4 years ago
This clip is just an advertisement for "Cutting Through the Mysteries" instructional video & only shows a short segment. The video, along with its matching text book, is intended to be used as a supplement in conjunction with traditional and proper instruction of Toyama Ryu batto do.
Thank you
tomurso 4 years ago
Thank you for the comment. So many people think that this is the entire video. But you are right it is only a small part.
karatevideoguy 4 years ago
if you think you can learn technique from a video is obviously an idiot. it takes years to develop technique. Ive got a 2nd dan in tkd n study Iaido and kubudo and you can learn things by watching them BUT you need the school to learn how to apply them correctly.
gouldsdragon 4 years ago 2
true but this video is very helpful in learning the basics
karatevideoguy 4 years ago
agreed. ichi kyu in MJER at the moment. the 'basics' are just not what you understand them to be from just watching a video. HAVE to do it under supervision. otherwise your just going to flay yourself open in any number of ways and maybe kill yourself. at very best you'd be a joke and anyone with real experience could pick you out a mile away.
heteroglossic 4 years ago
I have seen much, much worse.
Burankhan 4 years ago
apparently you never heard of kiai
boonmasomchan 4 years ago
you cant learn iaido just by watching a video...
gianksp 4 years ago
I enjoyed the vid & music very much.
Of course you can learn from video as well. Watch the vid as many times needed. Some sensei would kill you, if you ask the same question again and again. Just need a mirror to compare your movement with the motion of your video-sensei and the slomo-function of your DVD-Player. I learned techniques from DVD. Dojo is not automatically a guarantee for precise execution.
Maybe there are 2 groups of students: one can learn from DVD the other can't.
IrvMstr 4 years ago
You must know some pretty harsh sensei. And as far as I know, you don't typically ask questions when you train. You learn more by observation. A cultural thing perhaps.
nii87 4 years ago
that is how they do intructional video in Japan. This was done very traditional. Dana studied for many years in Japan. You can learn the katana very quickly with this video.
karatevideoguy 4 years ago
I woudl discagree with you You cannot learn how to handle a Katana properly by watching a video. The only wany to learn is by attending a legitimate Dojo training in Japanese Sword Arts. Videos can only help to remind you what you have been taught by an instructor/Sensei. By relying on a video you will only install poor posture,poor posture, and poor technique.
Davidmclean 4 years ago