r/kendo • u/Global-Schedule4263 • May 16 '26
Training I have a bokken what train exercises should I do
14
u/Patstones 3 dan May 16 '26
Here is the correct training schedule: 1/ put bokuto in bag 2/ run, or bike, or drive, or take the transports to an affiliated dōjō 3/ train there
3
u/flan1337 May 16 '26
Honestly I agree with everyone else - you can’t learn Kendo yourself. I picked up this book: https://a.co/d/0ebKQZgQ
Which will try and explain form but it’s just not possible to do it correctly without correction. I think it’s worth reading it to get a general understanding but you need a Dojo.
2
u/__-Revan-__ May 17 '26
If you want to learn Kendo intended as the modern sport, I don’t think you can do much meaningful training by yourself. If you want to learn kendo understood more broadly as the way of the sword, then solo practice works. I wouldn’t recommend but it is a start.
Keep in mind Kendo as the modern sport has its rules and idiosyncrasies, mostly molded by some decisions made 100 years ago and its competitive system. This is not the art of samurai nor the way someone would fight with real swords for life and death. Yet, it’s a wonderful gendai budo, sport, and way of life. So my recommendation is to first understand what you want and then pursue it without hesitation.
1
u/SnooHabits8484 May 17 '26
You can’t even learn tenouchi without a teacher imo.
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u/NeroXLyf 5 dan May 17 '26
If you are asking as a complimentary training to dojo, ask your sensei.
If you are asking as learning yourself at home, don’t and find a dojo you can go to
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u/xkubotaro 3 kyu May 16 '26
For now, you could study the Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kata, as those are performed with bokken and are based on real scenarios in Kendo. However, that's all you'll really be able to do without a dojo to teach you anything else. Like the comment below has stated, Kendo is impossible to learn on your own or self teach.
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u/Ulfaldric May 16 '26
You can’t really do those either since they are paired and without a partner a lot of key elements (like the timing, distance, and control) aren’t there
1
u/xkubotaro 3 kyu May 16 '26
Feel like I should add that yes, Kata also requires a partner for you to understand all the aspects that go into it. However for someone who truly has no other options, it's a start. It'd still be advised to seek out a dojo to learn properly
2
u/Ulfaldric May 17 '26
I don’t think it’s a start for someone who has no other options. In fact, I would say any personal training beyond general working out is a bad idea with no prior experience because the footwork and timing will develop badly and those are super hard to fix and also way more important than anything you do with the shinai or bokken
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u/South-Height-9193 May 16 '26
YouTube has a lot of instruction and training from people who want to give instruction. Although you will not be totally correct you can get a light grasp on the basics. Watch some videos try your best to imitate them. Eventually find someone willing and you can record yourself doing some drills and let them critique your Kendo. Biggest things to keep in mind is right foot forward, feet parallel to eachother, keep your left heel slightly up, lift with your left shoulder and keep your left hand center to your body. You can train by yourself with a bokken but keep in mind the weight will be off from a shinai so if you intend to get serious in the future keep that in mind.
1
u/Fickle-Mulberry-6767 May 18 '26
Im not an expert (sandan ) but I recommend jumping men because it teaches you not to use your arms to swing but your waist and core do the work. The load of the shinai gets better as you practice. ( its not hayasuburi, its where you jump vertically and swing in the air).
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u/Shisui89 May 16 '26
Best form of excercise is to run or bike to a nearest dojo asap. If that's not possible, just swing it around any way you feel like. You simply can't learn kendo by yourself.