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Kendo is done with bamboo swords and its become a sport as opposed to a method of warfare, but by learning Kendo, can a person learn anything about real japanese swordsmanship and technique?
I would have to disgree with you having practiced and taught both for over 45 years. It's Kenjutsu not kenjitsu. Generaly targeting unprotected areas although some wear specific protection. To have 'full cup' and have a reasonable understanding one needs to practice all the facets. I managed to do all as it was a job but the problem with most is having the opportunity and the time to do it.I've studied both Kendo and Kenjitsu. In Kendo I learned the rules and the strategy to score points on a person with a Shinai. In Kendo you can only strike to certain areas and must do it in a very particular way. In kenjistu you learn the art of the sword, it's not about scoring points but about how to fight with a sword.
Can you learn "real" Japanese swordsmanship from it? Maybe. If you have a Kenjitsu class you can attend I would recommend it over kendo, kendo would be my second recommendation.
Good Luck
I would have to disgree with you having practiced and taught both for over 45 years. It's Kenjutsu not kenjitsu. Generaly targeting unprotected areas although some wear specific protection. To have 'full cup' and have a reasonable understanding one needs to practice all the facets. I managed to do all as it was a job but the problem with most is having the opportunity and the time to do it.
Based on the messages on this thread, it seems Kenjutsu is the way to go if you want to learn to use a real sword instead of just a Shinai and you want an art that hasn't been made into mostly a sport. That same kind of transformation happened with fencing. Also, Im wondering about Iaido if that would be a good art for learning how to use a real sword instead of a practice sword as those used in Kendo. From what I do know about Iaido it focuses mostly on drawing, and cutting from when you draw.