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 Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 5:34 pm
I really really want to do Kendo and there's two dojos relatively close to my house but I'm a born again Christian and I don't want the meditation and other kind of beliefs pushed on me. Do you think that will be a problem? I know my parents are concerned about that too.
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Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 5:55 pm
First off, religion and Martial Arts really shouldn't mix. OBJECT ALL YOU WANT YOU SHAOLIN MONK WANNABES.
Most religions are against anything Martial. You know, the whole hurting people thing, that's one thing that sets them off, and it's not just religious folk either, it's also Soccer mom types.
And then of course we have the whole "Meditation" thing. The dojo's shouldn't push this on you, and probably won't if you ask. Hell, I don't even think they'd have meditation stuff in Kendo (but I COULD be wrong, as I don't take Kendo, so please anyone feel free to correct me).
Basically, don't get involved if they are going to try to push meditation stuff on to you. And to reiterate, Martial Arts shouldn't be mixed with religion. It's a physical activity, not intellectual or spiritual.
Realize that, and you'll be fine. Good luck.
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Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 10:32 am
You shouldn't let such fears get in the way. If your teacher wants you to "meditate", I'm sure s/he will let you sit quietly instead. However, I think I should address some of Shuma's points. Shuma-Gorath First off, religion and Martial Arts really shouldn't mix. I am so glad you realize that. You'd be surprised how many alleged teachers put portraits of Jesus in their schools. Quote: Most religions are against anything Martial. You know, the whole hurting people thing, that's one thing that sets them off, and it's not just religious folk either, it's also Soccer mom types. A little safety gear is enough to keep the monks happy, and a ridiculous amount of safety gear is enough to keep the soccer moms happy. Quote: And then of course we have the whole "Meditation" thing. The dojo's shouldn't push this on you, and probably won't if you ask. Most schools won't even force Muslims to bow. Quote: Hell, I don't even think they'd have meditation stuff in Kendo (but I COULD be wrong, as I don't take Kendo, so please anyone feel free to correct me). Depends on how you define "meditation". Quote: It's a physical activity, not intellectual or spiritual. That depends on how you take it. Some people experience positive psychological development, increased self-esteem, and a stronger sense of respect by consistently practicing martial arts. Some even become gentler and kinder, at least when they're not beating their classmates senseless. In conclusion, don't stereotype the martial arts; just practice them. P.S. Sorry if I'm not articulating as well as I should. I just recovered from a ghastly migraine.
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Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 11:10 am
Dr. Awkward That depends on how you take it. Some people experience positive psychological development, increased self-esteem, and a stronger sense of respect by consistently practicing martial arts. Some even become gentler and kinder, at least when they're not beating their classmates senseless. In conclusion, don't stereotype the martial arts; just practice them.
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Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 11:38 am
Shuma-Gorath Dr. Awkward That depends on how you take it. Some people experience positive psychological development, increased self-esteem, and a stronger sense of respect by consistently practicing martial arts. Some even become gentler and kinder, at least when they're not beating their classmates senseless. In conclusion, don't stereotype the martial arts; just practice them. I agree. I tend to stress the other benefits, though. It's nice to know how to fight; but I really don't want to get into a violent confrontation. I find it enjoyable to develop all those nice character traits, as well as developing nasty bruises. That's why I do martial arts. Mind you, bringing up the importance of self defense would be rather off topic for a thread about Kendo. In any case, it's best just to practice, and enjoy.
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Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2007 9:42 pm
Shuma-Gorath
And then of course we have the whole "Meditation" thing. The dojo's shouldn't push this on you, and probably won't if you ask. Hell, I don't even think they'd have meditation stuff in Kendo (but I COULD be wrong, as I don't take Kendo, so please anyone feel free to correct me).
Basically, don't get involved if they are going to try to push meditation stuff on to you. And to reiterate, Martial Arts shouldn't be mixed with religion. It's a physical activity, not intellectual or spiritual.
Realize that, and you'll be fine. Good luck.meditation in kendo isn't exactly spiritual in the fact that you are praying or something to another god or the like. mokson[i don't know the spelling?] is to focus your mind before you train and after training it is to calm/settle the mind. the sensei should not force you to do something you are not willing to do if it conflicts with your beliefs and show some respect. kendo is a physical activity but i have to argue that it is intellectual and debatable about spiritual. for you need to think about your actions, your opponents actions and ways to counteract etc is very intellectual because you can't just train and not think because it leaves you open. the yelling in kendo is considered spiritual where it brings your ki, spirit, inner energy to give you confidence in your attack and in yourself.[thats why my ki goes way up before gradings to try raise confidence] it adds a sort of strength to your body to add some oumph to your activities. any questions just ask. iv been training kendo for 3years now
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Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 8:01 pm
If your serious about learning traditional swordsmanship, find a traditional school, a "Ryu." Kendo is the sport form of Japanese swordsmanship, ask a proffessional kendo practicioner (try online, maybe there is formal kendo league or something, but not some mook who just says he teaches kendo) and ask him if kendo is primarily a sport or a martial art.
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Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 8:08 pm
the immortal fire meditation in kendo isn't exactly spiritual in the fact that you are praying or something to another god or the like. mokson[i don't know the spelling?] is to focus your mind before you train and after training it is to calm/settle the mind. Mokuso, pronounced "mok-so." If you have interests in that, I reccomend Takuan, famious for his writings as a warrior and one of the most practical and honest Zen buddhists. "Muga mushin" no self, no mind.
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Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 9:12 pm
Herr Grimm the immortal fire meditation in kendo isn't exactly spiritual in the fact that you are praying or something to another god or the like. mokson[i don't know the spelling?] is to focus your mind before you train and after training it is to calm/settle the mind. Mokuso, pronounced "mok-so." If you have interests in that, I reccomend Takuan, famious for his writings as a warrior and one of the most practical and honest Zen buddhists. "Muga mushin" no self, no mind. thanks for informing me biggrin
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Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 3:41 pm
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Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 12:39 am
black_electric_raven718 I really really want to do Kendo and there's two dojos relatively close to my house but I'm a born again Christian and I don't want the meditation and other kind of beliefs pushed on me. Do you think that will be a problem? I know my parents are concerned about that too. A lot of the martial arts aren't as based on the religions that were in the cultures they originated in. Also, it's important to realize that there's nothing non-chrstian about meditation. As long as you're not actually mentioning a deity as part of your practices, you're not going to burn in Hades. I see plenty of fellow Christians missing out on martial arts because they exibit nigh paranoid behavior in relation to the martial arts they practice. I would suggest Kenjutsu anyways, it's much better for actual combat.
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Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 6:15 pm
Christianity isn't against meditation. I am a Christian and I use meditation to reflect upon God and myself.
As for pushing their beliefs on you, as long as you are comfortably familior with the basics of Christianity, knowing the weaknesses and nuances of various religions and cults can strengthen your walk.
In other words take the good and discard the bad.
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