Comments for Is it possible to use my own stance?

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Jul 28, 2015
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by: RFoxMich

Two comments I want to add. The first is not so diplomatic. Avert your eyes if you are faint of heart.

1. Why do you think, after not having tried kendo that you can invent a brand new stance and style? To me that seems a bit arrogant. Like saying "I don't know anything about kendo but I know more than the people who developed it over 100's of years".

Perhaps by wanting to use your own form and stance it is you that is rigid. In kendo, and in other martial arts, there is the concept of Shoshin - beginner's mind. There is a famous story that is told about Zen which applies to you and describes why Shoshin is important:

A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor's cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. "It's full! No more will go in!" the professor blurted. "This is you," the master replied, "How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup."

2. Part of learning a martial art like kendo is to respect and maintain the traditions of that art. If you don't then what you are doing is no longer kendo. It's something else.

Many years ago, we hosted Dr. Gordon Warner sensei as the guest of honor of one of the events our dojo hosted (look him up if you don't know that name). He gave a welcome speech to the participants. I always remember the first three words; "Keep the traditions!".

Best wishes to you on your journey. I hope that you can open your mind to truly enjoy something new.

Kendo-Guide.Com: Thank you, sensei, for your very precise and to-the-point comment. There are not many true sensei of martial arts out there. Hence, their students think they can do whatever they want to do. I hope many realise that as soon as possible.

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