Phorce

Ive been looking all over the internet for step by step instructions on the use of the Bowken (i believe thats how its spelt), only to come to a dead end. Can anyone tell me of some decent links please..!!!

bugei

If you want to learn how to use the Bokken, then your best bet is to go to Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com to find a good book. Dave Lowry wrote a book that i found helpful on proper striking, grip, stances and movement. Ted Tabura also wrote a book that is very helpful. Not many websites have good instructions.

Hikage

Books bad... Instructor good.

In all seriousness, I always cringe when someone tells me that they want to learn some kind of art on their own, especially through the use of online materials or books. Videos are better, but it's still pretty dangerous. Go out, find someone who knows what they're doing, and get it from them. It doesn't have to be some really high ranking guy. If you want all sorts of tradition and proper names and all the junk, then yes, find some high ranking guy. If you want some techniques, the cuts, blocks and a few extras, find a black belt in an art that studies the art and get it from him.

-Hikage

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bugei

Hikage's right, definitely, I just assumed that you were asking because there is no instructor nearby.

Phorce

There is one instrucor, although i prefer to learn most things by myself, but hes teaching me the basic attacks. I want to learn the katas really, just to add some spice into my trainin.

Hikage

Not to ressurect an older post, but I'm going to do it anyway...

Phorce,

I'm worried by your comment that you just want to learn the katas. That is good, however, katas won't teach you how to use it. We have 2 katas only, and they are designed just to teach the basic cuts so we don't have to say "This is cut #1. This is cut #2..."

Why do you want to learn it. I obviously can read that you want to "add some spice into {your} training." Ok, that's good but what are you looking for. I learn it for the self-defense aspect. Am I ever going to get into a confrontation while wielding a full-tang katana? Probably not (I just gave mine away to a student). But it teaches me principles. It opens my mind and body to a different mode of thought and movement.

Furthermore, the katana serves as the link between the staff and the knife. When used correctly, all weapons should be utilized in almost the same manner. All this crap some arts feed you that each one requires a whole new line of thought is just crap. Only slight variations should be needed. Looks for similarities to what you do, not dissimilarities. All the cuts are basically the same, all the footwork is the same, etc. The sword completes the circle. The martial arts are all about circles, cirular movement. Circles generated power in a small amount of space. This enables me to take a man down while I'm in an area as small as a phone booth. (What? You don't train in phone booths? Get a new instructor.)

Lastly, what art do you study, how far along are you and does your art offer the sword? I ask this because I've had many people come to me asking for sword stuff. I don't mind taking on a student to teach them sword play, but if it is a student (and it happens quite often) whose art does offer the sword, but not until the later ranks, then I tell them no. Obviously the instructor of that art has determined that this student is not emotionally, physically and spiritually to handle the discipline involved in learning the sword through that art and is reserving that aspect until a later time. Who am I to overstep this man who intimately knows his student and what he or she needs.

So, now that I have preached to you, talked down to you, and completely come across as arrogant, I ask you as Yoda to the padawan, search yourself and seriously ask, "Why do I want to learn from the sword?" and "What is it I want the sword to teach me?"

-Hikage

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IPON

Well, everything that Hikage said. Plus remember it may sound good "I taught myself" and around people that know nothing you may be impressive but that does not mean you really are. Books, dvds etc, are supplimental material only. It somewhat like eating cereal without the milk, yes it may still taste good but you are not getting the full effect (of course I am using this example infront of a bowl of shredded wheat )

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A person who is said to be proficient in the arts is like a fool. Because of his foolishness in concerning himself with just one thing, he thinks of nothing else and thus becomes proficient. - Hagarkure

Phorce

Weapons teach me principles. They open my mind and body to a different mode of thought and movement....

...exactly that i think. I can see myself in some sort of situation whereby i may be armed with my Bowken, this of course would be if someone is stupid enough to break into my house, and primarily because i enjoy using it thus far (ive gone over the 5 strikes), and i taught myself the CORRECT use of the Nunchakus, and i felt that i benefited from it, i cant really explain how or why, but it still feels good, not in the way that i now brag about using them, quite the oppsosite, not many of my friends know that I can use them untill they see them hanging on my wall. but back to the bowken- I had it last christmas and i just decided to learn it, and i now enjoy it.

Ive been trainin hand to hand karate for 11 years, and jujitsu for one year, and i feel that (and im sure some here will know exactly what i mean) that i have an advantage over most people in my certain natural/developed ability to use weapons, and using your last synopsis, it must be that there really is a circle- from hand to hand combat to the use of the staff, and that somehow the motor programs/schemas tie together niceley- once you can use one you have a good foundation for the rest. Yes i am emotionally, spirtually and physically ready for such a weapon.

No i havent been taught in a phone booth...wierd but sounds good and useful (in only one situation obviously).

And to end, no that didnt sound arrogant, i respect your thoughts and comments.


P