Kendo or Fencing?

[Cattlegod]

I'm thinking about getting into one of these two. I'd like to learn how to fight with a sword, but I really don't know much about either of these two. I'm not really into the thrusting type of Fencing, I hear there are some slashing techniques I may be able to do? Also, is Kendo just a ballet with a stick?

Looking for suggestions, which one would be better? or is there something else I should take to best learn how to fight with a sword?

EDIT: Also - I would like to have one that has significant combat as part of the training.

 

[artikk]

samurai sword fighting

 

[jlee]

If you fence foil, you have to strike with the tip of the foil on the torso -- head/arm/leg hits are off target and will not count. Saber would be the slashing type you may be looking for. However, it's fast 'tapping' -- if it was real, there wouldn't (usually) be enough force behind the blow to actually seriously injure someone.

My sister had a fencing tourney yesterday/today..lol

 

[Literati]

Well since using either in real life as a form of self defence is not really going to happen. Unless sword fights are common around your way I would suggest fencing.

I myself want to try fencing out. It just seems like such a thorough sport.

Personally I would pick Epee fencing.

[edit]

On second thought if I had to choose only one, I'd probably want to do Sabre.

 

[Cattlegod]

Originally posted by: MantisFistMonk
Well since using either in real life as a form of self defence is not really going to happen. Unless sword fights are common around your way I would suggest fencing.

I myself want to try fencing out. It just seems like such a thorough sport.

Personally I would pick Epee fencing.

[edit]

On second thought if I had to choose only one, I'd probably want to do Sabre.

Do you have any information on the Sabre form, is it as *girly* as the Foil type? Basically I want to whack the crap out of someone.

 

[isekii]

Originally posted by: Cattlegod

Originally posted by: MantisFistMonk
Well since using either in real life as a form of self defence is not really going to happen. Unless sword fights are common around your way I would suggest fencing.

I myself want to try fencing out. It just seems like such a thorough sport.

Personally I would pick Epee fencing.

[edit]

On second thought if I had to choose only one, I'd probably want to do Sabre.

You can do that without any lessons.
Just go hit up the batting cages.
Upon Completion, instead of a bat, use a 1-9 iron.


Do you have any information on the Sabre form, is it as *girly* as the Foil type? Basically I want to whack the crap out of someone.

 

[Cattlegod]

here are some kendo vid clips i found

http://www.mumeishi.co.uk/video.htm

 

[UbiSunt]

Fencing is really a bastardized form of sword-fighting but it would certainly help teach some basics, not like there is much of a choice, seeing as their are no known knights available looking for squires.

 

[Literati]

Yes I do. Am I allowed to post other forums on here etc.?

I'd like to post this stuff in public for anyones whose interested, but if not I can just contact you privately.

 

[Cattlegod]

What about learning how to fight with a bow/staff of some sort? Anyone know if anything like that is available?

 

[stover21]

Also, is Kendo just a ballet with a stick?
----------------------------------

No, you're thinking of iaido. Kendo is an active 1-on-1 combat form much like fencing is.

It seems like both art forms emphasize a "critical-strike" mentality where you try to finish off your opponent with one hit. I don't think either of these fighting styles could be considered serious combat training though ... i mean how often are you going to get into a real combat situation ... with a katana or foil hanging off your belt loop?

I don't have any fencing experience but I can tell you what I know about kendo.

- It's a great work-out. Really gets you to train that fast first step.
- prepared to get some bruises. when you are fighting grown men who really know how to hit hard and fast, the propective gear really doesn't do too much at times.
- great way to approach and learn about Japanese/Korean culture
- you can get pretty lethal with a medium sized stick

 

[Literati]

Ok this is getting crazy.

Just google whatever you decide to not want to look up yourself.

 

[jlee]

In all honesty, the 'skill' of modern fencing is practically useless except in fencing..as strange as that sounds. A 'professional' fencer can be great to watch..incredible form and control.

You will get quite a mental and physical workout, though...I enjoy it sometimes, but it's not something that I'm going to pursue. I have more fun doing other stuff, but my sister loves to fence, as do many guys and girls on our college's fencing team. To each his/her own

 

[Literati]

Yes but professional shooters don't go to the range to get their shot on so they can accurately pick people off throughout their normal work day you know?

People can't put skydiving down as a qualification for getting a desk job.

You do what you do because you enjoy it. It all doesn't have to be practical.

But if thats what your looking for, something applicable in everyday life, then doing other things won't make you happy.

You want something practical? Sign up for a real Muay Thai, Boxing, or BJJ school.

I learn how to apply everything I do into everyday things. I garuantee if I started fencing I would take home things I could use everyday. Not in the form of a flimsy sword fight, but mentally, discipline, etc.

But like you wisely stated earlier, "To each his/her own "

So good luck in finding something right for you. I think it's great your going out and trying new things.

[edit]

Why not try working out? I mean seriously. Get a diet plan down that's right for you and start getting healthier?

You'll feel great and it will improve almost every aspect of your life.

 

[Schadenfreude]

I'd personally take Iaido, but that's just me.

Just have to say, it's . . . "nice" to see so many authorities on the subject matter: I wonder how many people actually know what they're talking about instead of talking out of their ass?

 

[Cattlegod]

Originally posted by: Jehovah
I'd personally take Iaido, but that's just me.

Just have to say, it's . . . "nice" to see so many authorities on the subject matter: I wonder how many people actually know what they're talking about instead of talking out of their ass?

Do you have any information on this? After watching some of the videos from Kendo, I notice they back off after they get in a "locked up" position. I'm looking for something more along the lines of you bring your foot up and give them a swift kick to the gut if you get that close.

 

[Cattlegod]

Originally posted by: MantisFistMonk
Yes but professional shooters don't go to the range to get their shot on so they can accurately pick people off throughout their normal work day you know?

People can't put skydiving down as a qualification for getting a desk job.

You do what you do because you enjoy it. It all doesn't have to be practical.

But if thats what your looking for, something applicable in everyday life, then doing other things won't make you happy.

You want something practical? Sign up for a real Muay Thai, Boxing, or BJJ school.

I learn how to apply everything I do into everyday things. I garuantee if I started fencing I would take home things I could use everyday. Not in the form of a flimsy sword fight, but mentally, discipline, etc.

But like you wisely stated earlier, "To each his/her own "

So good luck in finding something right for you. I think it's great your going out and trying new things.

[edit]

Why not try working out? I mean seriously. Get a diet plan down that's right for you and start getting healthier?

You'll feel great and it will improve almost every aspect of your life.

That is exactly why I want to pick up something like this. I don't ever plan on using it in real life, if that were the case I'd just get a concealed permit or carry a can of mace or something. I will read up on your other suggestions too, that is why I posted on here because I really don't know the names or details of most of these fighting styles.

 

[kogase]

Originally posted by: Cattlegod

Originally posted by: Jehovah
I'd personally take Iaido, but that's just me.

Just have to say, it's . . . "nice" to see so many authorities on the subject matter: I wonder how many people actually know what they're talking about instead of talking out of their ass?

Do you have any information on this? After watching some of the videos from Kendo, I notice they back off after they get in a "locked up" position. I'm looking for something more along the lines of you bring your foot up and give them a swift kick to the gut if you get that close.

This is called "street fighting". Meaning, no one is going to teach you how to do it. You actually have to get out there and learn for yourself. You want to "beat the crap out of someone". Fine, go do it, you don't need someone to show you how. You either can or you can't. Fencing and Kendo are both art forms, not systems of self defense.

 

[StageLeft]

I took fencing for years. It's incredibly faggy, and I mean that seriously. Don't be the guy who "does fencing", whether it's with a foil or a saber. Both are kind of lame. I'm just being honest.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: Cattlegod

Originally posted by: MantisFistMonk
Yes but professional shooters don't go to the range to get their shot on so they can accurately pick people off throughout their normal work day you know?

People can't put skydiving down as a qualification for getting a desk job.

You do what you do because you enjoy it. It all doesn't have to be practical.

But if thats what your looking for, something applicable in everyday life, then doing other things won't make you happy.

You want something practical? Sign up for a real Muay Thai, Boxing, or BJJ school.

I learn how to apply everything I do into everyday things. I garuantee if I started fencing I would take home things I could use everyday. Not in the form of a flimsy sword fight, but mentally, discipline, etc.

But like you wisely stated earlier, "To each his/her own "

So good luck in finding something right for you. I think it's great your going out and trying new things.

[edit]

Why not try working out? I mean seriously. Get a diet plan down that's right for you and start getting healthier?

You'll feel great and it will improve almost every aspect of your life.

That is exactly why I want to pick up something like this. I don't ever plan on using it in real life, if that were the case I'd just get a concealed permit or carry a can of mace or something. I will read up on your other suggestions too, that is why I posted on here because I really don't know the names or details of most of these fighting styles.

Your best bet would be to find a local fencing club and attend one of their meetings. Suit up and give it a shot..get some basic instruction and see what happens. Our local community college offers a 6 week course for about 60 bucks..I'm glad I took it, just to have the experience.

 

[UbiSunt]

Try this site:

http://www.thehaca.com/

This too:

http://www.thearma.org/Videos/TPVideos.htm

 

[imported_Ziggy]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
I took fencing for years. It's incredibly faggy, and I mean that seriously. Don't be the guy who "does fencing", whether it's with a foil or a saber. Both are kind of lame. I'm just being honest.

Sir, sir, sir! I'm agonna have ta axe you to STFU!


Cattle god - I fence epee - ask me any questions you want about it

 

[imported_Ziggy]

Check out these websites as well

US Fencing

Forum

Another forum

 

[Reel]

I fenced in college for my school's team. Most fencing clubs are eager to introduce new people to the sport. Check one out. They will at least allow you to watch. You can probably find clips on the web too. It is not something that will translate directly to making you a better fighter if that is what you want.

 

[Literati]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
I took fencing for years. It's incredibly faggy, and I mean that seriously. Don't be the guy who "does fencing", whether it's with a foil or a saber. Both are kind of lame. I'm just being honest.

Great input.

Not only did you thoroughly state your side of the story, but you're also telling us what we should or shouldn't do according to your personal preferances.

Does this approach work out for you often?