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Am I a HORRIBLE Swordsman? Sparring And Kenjutsu
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2018
- A video where I respond to the people who have attacked me saying I lack technique or my kenjutsu/Kendo/Swordplay is terrible.
This video is a point of reflection, and voice that brings an opinion to stimulate eloquent and interesting discussion in the martial arts community.
I hope to hear your opinions and value them as much if not more than my own.
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Signorie, You do not sit properly on the couch when you try to talk. Your right shoulder dips lower than the left, and this would allow me to yell in your right ear and withdraw without you being allowed to yell into mine. This of course proves that I am superior in sitting on my backside and talking nonsense. Enjoyed the video, grazie.
@Badass warrior Kratos and his army WERE battling ...
I bet Raf could destroy me in sparring with just his Italian hand gestures
This totally should be a secretly passed ancient secret italian martial art that can only be understood by a real master. But every Italian actually knows it, just can't use it because he lacks understanding.
He’d INCREDIBILLIS you, lol
/|
/ |
=°==°
Are u kidding that’s his most effective weapon and his most secret style of fighting
They're actually a kata containing an ancient Italian system of clinch fighting and pressure point techniques. He was practicing this whole time!
As a former competitive boxer, I can only say that he's not only 100% correct about how important sparring is, but that everything he says in this video is so damn on point. I cannot count the amount of times when collaborating with other gyms for training and sparring mix ups, that some people would just get in your face (or worse, behind your back) talking about your technique. Ok. Waiver signed, gloves and head protection on, random blabber mouth flat on the canvas. People should ENHANCE THEMSEMLVES. Not bring down others,just out of respect.
Totally agree, I boxed and competed in the martial arts. Sparring is the most important element of learning and improving technique. Moreso even than learning a particular style of fighting.
I always tell my nephew a wrestler-im a kickboxer- but I always tell him to train with everyone he can. Different body's, different body types, different temperaments. You can never figure out how to beat everyone. But you can at least get an idea of how to defend yourself from those people. I've pieced up tall guys in my class and got totally owned by a heavyweight and bantamweight. Even when I was doing judo I would train with both the beginners class and the class that was just the instructors. Got my ass kicked. But I started to get better at fighting strangers. And it was all because of switching up my partners. And you always have to tell yourself you don't know it all.
I come from a HEMA background, and I train it for a year now. It is amazing how technics complement sparring and vice-versa. Full support for you Metatron
Thank you for sharing your valued opinion
Techniques provide the form for the novice. But without sparring, the novice will never truly understand the context of the techniques.
It's through sparring that you get to experience that flash of insight as to why you use a particular position or stance in a specific situation.
Even in modern day combat/marksmanship we have a saying called shooters preference. Everyone's body is different. If a shooter is doing something a little weird or orthodox but he's landing all his shots.. leave him be.
I know I have much room for improvement, but I am pretty accurate in spite of my shooting form being pretty bad. My grip, my stance, and probably more is quite unorthodox.
@Caramel Johnson yeah I wish I had more time to practice though and some proper training. I think I would improve and be more consistent.
I recall my Drill Sergeant taught me an odd way of resting my rifle on my left hand. There'd always be someone around criticizing the way I hold the rifle from then on, but my shots were highly accurate and fast.
Yeah some hold their pistols upside down but they still get shots like crikey
I agree. When I joined the army, coming up on 40 years ago, (using the FNC1A1), I was taught to lean into it in an aggressive stance. When My son joined in 2006 (using the C7), they were allowed to use any stance they wanted, provided they could hit the target.
this is something i have preached for a very long time great video.
I very much appreciate your honesty and integrity. You are never disrespectable throughout the entire concourse of this video. Haters will hate, babies will cry; but Metatron lives forever.
I appreciate your kind words friend.
@@metatronyt In my opinion most of the historic heroes, the ones who ofught battles and won, they belong to the 3rd type of swordsman, they were just brutaly effective and kind of clumsy.
Of course some belong to the 1st type of swordsman, but I believe most would not be that good, because when we're talking military leaders, Captains, Generals, Warrior Kings and such, they don't have time to learn swordsmanship to perfection, they actually need to learn such a wide range of skills to rule, lead, negotiate, trade, etc., they just had no time to waste hours training swordsmanship every day.
No problem man, you are still my favorite weaboo.
The Armory, aye? get me a zweihänder.
I can't help it, alright?
@@metatronythe only Iaidoka I can see beating a Kendoka in a duel is one who practiced Toyama Ryu due to the fact that they have handled shinken aka sharp steel swords which are heavier than bokken, shinai, and aluminum Iaito plus have actually learned proper edge alignment to actually cut mats! A kenjutsuka who has handeled a real steel sword could possibly beat a Kendoka! But if each practitioner is sparring with shinai the Kendoka is going to win! If that makes sense!
In the previous school I was in, there were almost no sparring sessions.
Now when I'm in proper HEMA school, not some "elite military b*llshit" we have sparrings at every single training and after every sparring I'm getting knowledge of what I'm doing wrong and people who are more advanced gives me useful tips.
Few sparrings made me better swordsman than weeks of controlled training.
I totally agree with you Metatron!
How to be a good swordsman:
Step 1: get a sword
Step 2: Unscrew the pommel
Step 3:trow it to your opponent and wait for the explosion
@@Strop2198
Step 4: End them rightly
@siphosihle madondo trust me the explosion is part of the right end, I've seen skallagrim do it
I don't thing the saying, "there's always one" has ever been more appropriate
Wong canal
I think the question is: are you a good swordsman, or a good swordFIGHTER?
Agreed a HUGE difference
Best way to put it.
The only good swordsman is the one standing at the end.
Craig... A good swordsman is a swordsman who dies with honour. Outmatched, best they can do is live up to there principles and tenant's and fight till the end.
I say that because there are many ways to go around that saying. Like being dishonourable and going for the wanker-supply (Testicles) or the back which honestly is acceptable since it would be your opponents fault that they exposed there back to you.
@@DZ-1987: A dead swordsman is of no use to their lord...
Metatron, I have the highest admiration for you. I believe you have your degrees in history and to me, I accept the truth that you know how to fight with swords. Here’s something you should know about me: I took South Korean martial arts for two years. I got above a blue belt (halfway to Black belt) and I was proud of myself. I was a high blue belt (blue belt with black stripe in middle). The martial arts that I took happened to be Hapkido Sun Moo Kwan. I miss it and had the best master. You’re awesome and keep making more videos on history.
Thank you very much for your words
@Caramel Johnson and @Metatron Ji Han-jae founded Hapkido Sun Moo Kwan.
Such a beautiful video! When i watch your videos what i feel is that not only one can learn about the content of those videos but also about your beautiful systematic, analytical and intelligent way of presenting the information and elaborating it. I am grateful, truly, because of your channel's existence on the youtube.
Thank you very much indeed!
The haters are Norman spies.
Maybe Marukhati Selectives
No they are members of the Spanish Inquisition
Haters hate being hated.
Metatron, let me tell you that hearing you talk in English is such a pleasure. I´m delighted to listen to you talk in your videos not only because you are one of the people that I know that know so many things and are so incredibly cultured and are capable to talk about such interesting things like you do, but also because your accent and English are sooooooo good and pleasant to hear. I could literally go to sleep while listening to you debate about which pasta is best.
P.d: I´m Spanish so I might have butchered the English language xd
As always, great video. Keep up the good content!
Gracias!
@Metatron Almost! You forgot the "¡" in "¡Gracias!". This is not to be pedantic, but since you are a language teacher and all, I thought you might appreciate the correction.
Respect. Haters will hate, but Metatron IMO has one of the best channels on UA-cam simply because he says what he thinks and backs it up with facts.
I'm glad you think so :)
Truth.
Hmm, you're better than 99.9% of the online sword people...
Watching this makes me rethink my own practices. I NEED a sparing partner!
Hey! Good to see you here bushi motter, I'm glad you sticked around.
Of course, im always watching ^,^
you're*: Witch is a shortened verion of "you are". No offense intended just trying to solve the common problem of the misuderstanding between: you're your.("Your" beeing a word refering to possesion, for exampe:" Is this your book?"
Haha, I just noticed that. Auto correct on phone prolly. Thank you for the correction.
@Azir Ya boyyy
Which*
A "witch" is the sort of woman with a long nose, flying on brooms.
Version*
You forgot an "s".
Misunderstanding*
You forgot an "n".
Referring*
You forgot an "r".
Possession*
You forgot an "s".
Example*
You forgot an "l".
We all make mistakes :D
Daniel: Hey, what kind of belt do you have?
Miyagi: Canvas. JC Penney, $3.98. You like?
Daniel: [laughs] No, I meant...
Miyagi: In Okinawa, belt mean no need rope to hold up pants.
Damn that was dark...
I just wish belts still only cost $3.98
was it really that dark?
What many people obssessing with correctness of technique fail to understand is that these techniques, stances and positions were originally developed by a single "master". They were custom made to HIS body and anatomy.
That doesn't mean that the techniques and stances are optimal for any user. We have different arm lengths. Differently developed musculature. Differently shaped femurs and leg bones in general.
From a fighters perspective, the "correct" posture, technique and positioning is determined through the most effective and optimal form for a particular bodytype.
When it feels comfortable, natural AND applies the maximum amount of force and speed to your cuts and thrusts, THAT'S when you've got a PROPER technique. Regardless of what the "master" says.
If a technique just does not work at all with your body mechanics, then the honest truth is more than likely you either: have a physical disability, are in terrible shape, or are misinterpreting how the technique actually is performed.
@@calebcampbell9280 he didn't say "doesn't work at all" what I think he's referring to is when Raph said he was critiqued because his elbows were x centimeters out of position. It's not going to be spot on for every person's build. Yes someone could train the technique to get it perfect, but it's not always necessary if you can more effectively get the job done another way.
@@calebcampbell9280: So for instance, being left-handed means you're "terribly out of shape" or a "physical disability"?
Because there are plenty of martial arts that insist on gripping the weapon in a way suited to right-handed users "because the master says so".
That's just one of many examples of ridiculous overzealousness to tradition in the martial arts world that has little to do with actual fighting.
@@sevenproxies4255 Sorry dude, but from perspective of HEMA, what you say is complete nonsense. Being lefthanded is not deformity and whole anatomy and geometry works the same as for righthanded.
@@Tkoutlosh: I didn't specifically mention HEMA in my example.
Hard work wins from talent until talent starts working hard
Excellent commentary. Very inspiring.
Thank you very much indeed!
I have 0 experience in any fighting style or combat experience so it's not my place to say this, but I believe it's true that those who have more actual combat experience will always have an edge over those who don't (sparring in this modern day case). They had to face the fear of their opponent actually hitting / killing them if they screw up back in the day, and that fear would changes things in a real battle. This is why I love the idea of sparring since it's the closest way to emulate that feeling.
Also @Metatron from what I've seen of your videos I'd say you're a good Swordsman. Don't let the haters get under your skin. They'll imagine what they want, but that doesn't make their thoughts and opinions fact. xD
Respectively, yes and no. While sparing is intense; on a good day time slows down and you can think and plan while blocking and attacking. I never worried about being injured(i have been injured). I think it would be an entirely different experience to face real wounding or death. It would make me much more focused on defence, much harder to win if you're just trying not to get hit.
Background: I was heavy into Martial Arts for 22 years and over 10 different styles. I taught privately for over 8 years in Aikido, practical self-def, and practical swordsmanship. I trained old school, taught old school, and was always considered a "very harsh" sensei.
To Meta,
YOUR AREAS TO WORK ON:
Your positioning is sloppy.
Your body does NOT move as one when striking.
You need to learn to use less of your core when cutting.
Focus on your body alignment and drawing power into your cuts from your toes.
You don't pivot badly, but not well either.
Precision.
Circular strikes.
WHAT YOU ARE GOOD AT:
Assessment of openings.
Shifting your hand position smoothly and effectively.
Speed of motion.
Power.
Control.
Linear strikes.
Response.
Concepts.
Innate affinity.
You need work. But I would say you'd be an excellent opponent for me to spar with. 7 out of 10.
Well done.
Pretentious post
@@heishephaestion4178 Entitled post.
@mxt mxt Absolutely correct. 😉
I was speaking of the positioning of one's self in opposition to another, not stances, however. Stances are static. Real life is not. My point in stating that as a negative is that he needs time anf experience to learn how to properly deviate to gain advantage. Right now, he chooses what seems easiest and safest to him. What he's most comfortable with. In his case, that is very limited and that comes from his previous learned Arts and the years spent in those. In time, with more free form combat practice, he will learn how to turn what he knows that is static more fluid. He has the ability. He just needs the time.
@@heishephaestion4178 *Constructive Critique
I grew up fighting all my life Tbh and I grew to love it but with no real time or resources to get professional training. One day in 2017, my boxing friend wanted to see how I'll do against him so I threw on some gloves and we "boxed" in an alley behind his apartments. Needless to say, his 2 years of boxing was put to shame when I beat the crap out of him in the spar. We were in the same weight class and he was more fit than me but he was no match for my 18 years of growing up with the hood kids 👌
I completely agree with your mindset on martial arts metatron, keep up the great work
Bruce Lee famously said the same thing especially about the obsession with form when a real fight should be formless and flow after having learned the forms and techniques. The purpose of kata is to train reflexes and muscle memory so you don't have to think about how to effectively do the technique under stress as it's become reflex but once that's down you absolutely have to spar to be able to effectively apply all the techniques.
The downside of sparring before you've mastered a technique is you build muscle memory for improper form which makes extra work for you down the line to not only get the proper form down but avoid falling back on the improper form under stress. I suspect at least some criticism of your form is meant to make you away of this so you can polish it up before it becomes habit and makes things harder for you later.
I know the core purpose of the video is addressing the dojo warriors who think they're Rambo with no fighting experience and you're 100% on point
As a martial arts practitioner i can confirm that sparring is the last step to fully assimilate and master a technique. Other training methodes only teach you what you should "try" to do during sparring and real figthing. Stress management is also essential during sparring. Great video Metatron! keep up the great work!
I didn't watched your sword moves, but if you are actively training (and you haven't been training for at least a year) there is nothing that can't be solved by training and being tough by your sensei. Just take in account the fact that (as you already say in the video) the waza now is not the waza that was trained back in the day (or the jidai, if I am allowed) for battlefield fight.
Anyways, about the jodan no kamae you mentioned before, I will just say that you could consider to position your elbows closer to each other, pointing forward instead to the sides, so the armpit is not exposed; you will also be a smaller target. If this doesn't interfere with what your sensei teaches to you, just think about it.
Greetings from a fellow budoka, by the way.
Thank you for your suggestions!
Support man. Very well said. Practice without application won't get you very far. Sparring helps one gain further understanding of the techniques they practice and helps the body learn to ADAPT quicker against an opponent. This is rather important for those that seek practicality in their martial art. I'm glad you spoke of this.
1. Range control
2. Footwork
3. Head movement
Are things I emphasize in the boxing gym I work at. Defense should always come first in any Martial art. It allows you to see clearly
Self-defence is founded on the wish to do into others as they would do unto you, especially if they mean ill. In reality, one can walk away, or one be carried off. That is the criterion. ☆ nothing like the odd unprovoked assault, to learn why fair play has no place in a real attack. Protect your head.
Metatron, if I may suggest you a youtube channel "Academy of Historical Fencing
".
Nick, the guy who runs the channel is a great guy with a huge knowledge in sparing. It would be also great if you two would make a video together.
This can also be applied to modern warfare. Take an Olympic sport shooter, who can hit insane targets at insane distances, and pit him against a US Marine, SAS Operative, IDF soldier, what have you. That guy is dead as hell. The soldier may not be accurate at the same distance, but he'll lay down suppressing fire and the Olympic shooter will break and just duck for cover, because he is not battle-hardened, not trained to stay on target and return fire despite being shot at. Efficacy vs form.
Yeah but... this elite soldiers still has a form, high quality equipment a lot of training, drilling and so on, I am not sure this is good example.
@Adrien Lasbleiz Yeah, but there is no analogy to video. I own few firearms, know some pretty good people from army I know the issue pretty well but I don't see any connection to the topic from video. For example being military or even police sniper is freaking science... it requires not only streght and some talent and athletics training, but also ton of theory, millions iterations of drilling some basic thing and so on... you cannot use this comparison between olympic target shooter and military specialist as argument to support for what Metatron is talking about :D
Debatable.
Combat athletes have also point competition (yes, even MMA and thai boxing), yet the very aspect of competition and sparring gives them edge over generalist (ie. soldier), who is trying to do 20 different things in his training and might go weeks without pressure testing them.
I wouldnt bet on soldier vs. MMA fighter in hand to hand combat. And I wouldnt bet on a soldier vs. olympic shooter.
I think that your getting better at swordsmanship. One video I did criticize an instance where your footwork wasn't perfect. But your form is good and your definitely talented. And your definitely not a bad swordsman either. You'll get really good
I appreciate your words man
Most soldiers in the past were likely just as skilled as you. Not many people got into a lot of real fights, so sparring was how people learned to fight. Fencing teachers were extremely expensive, so HEMA was a rich nobels’ thing
Eh, the middle classes also trained with fencing masters (though, depending on the time period, those fencing masters may have been less reputable). In fact, many of the treatises we have are from masters who were primarily training the middle class and trying to get a position training a noble. Moreover, even the lower classes had opportunities to gain some degree of martial capability, such as through stick-fighting and wrestling traditions.
Caramel Johnson You are right, but those were too expensive for a regular peasant, and if not, the people teaching there learned to fight through sparring. I agree with your point nonetheless.
In medieval time you basically lived in the army as a man. You farmed your land but any time your lord needed soldiers, you had to go fight. No "5 year tour", no "assignment/mission". Technically you were 24/7 a soldier, that happens to have extended downtimes so he can farm. And as in almost every year there was some kind of siege or war even in relative peace time (raids) not to mention "official war", if you stayed alive for 5 years or so, you were a very decent fighter. Also the concept of SWORD-man is modern. Meaning dude that specializez in sword. In those times you trained with every weapon in existence
Well during serfdom feudalism: every man 18-35 or so. During late feudalism (renesaince) the profession of "soldier" appeared and the percent dropped but not that much, as a lot of peple still choose the army. Only in late renesaince did the middle class appear but at that time sword was an obsolete weapon, as rifles started to be the main thing. But at the same time highwayman/banditism was on the rise (unarmoured vs unarmoured or light armour), so the sword changed (it got more and more rapier like) and rise again as the main self defense weapon
There was one big war where pretty much everyone was expected to fight, and it was over a century after the middle ages ended: the 30 years war from 1618-1648. A lot of fighting took place in the center of the HRE, which is now Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic, and these countries were more than decimated. There had to that date been no greater war in the history of human kind, and it was ended with the Peace of Westphalia, and the solemn vow of all participants to never, ever wage war over Religion again - the war started with the counter-reformation of the Jesuit Order. Other than that, during medieval times, you could expect to experience a war in your general region once or twice every generation, and if you weren't a knight who would have had to go on multiple campaigns during his life time, your chances of not being affected directly by war as a peasant was about 2 in 3, and your chances of being killed in a war as a non-combatant throughout your life time - if you lived through adulthood at all - were actually not too bad. The bubonic plague killed a lot more people in 100 years than have. ever. fallen. to. military. actions. in 6 million years of hominids on earth
Dojo practice is not a MMA fight in the cage, and neither are street fight
I've found a lot of people who think is the same.
And I need to remind myself everytime my ego takes control.
Metatron. Dont take them seriously. Unless they defeat you in sparring their words mean nothing.
Sorry to hear people are hating on you and glad to have someone like you on youtube. And I have personally had the instance where I was wrestling and there was a lot of muscle memory work, but also a lot of sparring and I found 99% of the techniques went out the gate the moment it turned to a real fight
Ok ok, I know you are a good swordsman and the like. Now can I see a video of you fighting? Please?
There are a few, just write Metatron sparring or Metatron HEMA vs KENJUTSU
@@metatronyt Thanks!
You mean i can’t wear a halberd on my belt? That explains the look i get from people
Metatron, you will totally kick ass the day you can teach people martial arts, you really know how to drive your points home. I have never seen the topic of this video put so solidly, absolute respect for you, keep training and getting better.
Metatron, favorite UA-camr for 6 months and the position hasn't changed
Thanks!
These videos where you just talk are so comfy. I wish you had podcasts I could listen, maybe in collaboration with other youtubers or I don't know.
Can we add, there is no right position in martial art, There is basic position, Those things are something that changes after the copy state. There are 3 states in martial arts. the copy, the adaptation, and the mastering. You start copying the basic techniques, when you can do the basic things, you start adapt it to your own body, we are not all physical alike, so we have to adjust an technique to fit your own body. After that the mastering, that is where you have both the adaption, and the basic is combined, to make the most effective way to do it.
One thing is also for sure, kenjutsu it doesnt matter who is better. We will never know because we can not try it in real life, Even sparing you stil hold back, or else you risk getting really hurt.
Excellent points Friend...and these points can be carried through into so many other aspects of life,not just fighting...technical knowledge is good, however actually being able to physically apply that knowledge is another matter
Oh my, don't bother with that. When keyboard warriors can tell people like A. Kohutovic or A. Linnard that they fight badly, than sure they can criticize you or me.... Luckily they've no merit, as anyone who has actually done some sparring has respect for another fighter and probably would not write down this kind of bullshit.
Btw the difference in your comparison at 6:40 is the use of time and distance, tempo and measure. They are the most important and allow you to actually hit. What the hit will do to the target matters on your technique, strenght, balance and so on. For example, a modern sabre fencer will be excellent at touching the opponent, because he covers the distance very effectively and chooses the best time for attack. But his cut has probably no martial value. On the other hand, somebody who does a lot of weapon testing like cutting stuff, is not able to make a hit so effectively, but when he does hit, it's devastating. And lastly, a guy who does not do actuall test cutting, and also does not train working with the opponent in time and space, can look pretty like heaven in his form, but can be totally useless in actual fighting.
Ah sorry, you've said that to the end of the video... my bad :D
And to add, I completely agree. You talked about something like this in another video, where you said something along the lines of "Warrior back then were so hardened simply by having the mentality of having a duel to the death, and the physical activity just in their day-to-day lives." paraphrasing obviously, but that's extremely important to understand.
Age, experience, and desire will beat youth, skill, and theory every time.
To the haters...The words of the Metatron are wise, and delivered with Honor.
They are very wise and accurate indeed. That and his mindset is a very good one and he speaks what he likes. To add to that he can back up what he's saying which makes it even better.
Cheers, Raf, and a Respectful warm Hello from NZ.
My Sensei taught that Iaido was akin to being the Swordsman version of a Sniper: in as much as:
Sniper - one shot, one kill - ; Iaidoka - draw sword and kill in one flowing movement.
Having thus opined, Sensei said further that an Iaidoka was "usually" also an experienced Kendoka or Kenjutsuka; and thus also more-than-familiar with sparring, on a regular basis: that same point you so correctly make in this-above video.
I agree with you, Raf. Many times over the decades since Sensei's death have I debated exactly these same points with other folk.
My Respects and Thanks to You, Raf; for your very clear and cogent exposition of these important points and factors.
Kind and Respectful Regards, Raf, Your Friend, Uyraell, NZ.
3:16 Dominicans have been using machetes in NY for years. And it recently became legal to carry a sword around in Texas.
When will they carry Buster sword?
I may move to Texas.
momo lolo probably soon. You know what they say. Everything is bigger on Texas xD
I have many many years of martial arts, training, which included a lot of sparring. I cannot agree with you more. You are spot on! We used to go around to other schools, trying to get that free lesson in just so we could spar with their students. Usually we would destroy them because our Sifu had us spar every single lesson (I was going 5 days a week back then). We sparred full contact with no pads, however, only black belts could slap at the face (for safety reasons, our Sifu only wanted people who could control their power attacking peoples faces). I was in fact a black belt, but the point is that we were freaking good! We destroyed other martial arts systems, not because ours was better, but simply because we sparred so often.
I just began kickboxing and I spar once a week with older people (I'm 16 and some of them are like 22) already realized that practicing shadow boxing can't work alone, you HAVE to spar and try those techniques in an actual fight to become effective, I completely agree with you Met
Great video 👍
Well said, I totally agree with you, learning martial arts without sparring is like going to a restaurant and reading the menu trying to get full. Theory without practical application is only Theory. Practical application of one's knowledge in combat or sparring is skill, true skills!
I totally agree. As someone who trained in Taekwondo for two years (not a very long time at all, but I was a green belt), I had no idea what I was doing during a sparring session (sparring was on Wednesdays and Fridays, and I almost never went). My opponent used practices that were completely impractical, and if I had known what I was doing in the ring then I could have easily beaten him. But... I had no idea what to do because I had zero practical experience.
Dear Metatron, I would say that you're on point when you talk about the need to spar with a partner in order to understand how to apply the techniques in a non-coreographic context. As a Chinese traditional martial artist, who practices with and without weapons, I practice a lot of forms, but sparring is a part of our training too. I believe that correct technique is fundamental, and by correct technique I mean good body mechanics and knowledge about the application of the movements. There is no point in having good movements but not knowing how to apply them. At the same time, doing sparring without honing your technique is useless, and I believe that we , as humans, would have never developed martial arts if we had not thought that good technique could give us an edge in a fight, especially if you think about larger and physically stronger opponents against smaller ones. When I look at European fechtbücher or at living martial traditions, I see fascinating sophisticated fighting system which perhaps cannot be truly mastered in an entire life. I see people devoted to the art itself, who tried to explore their limits even if they knew that the most basic techniques are the best in a fight. I think that they found something more in martial arts rather than the "art of killing".
Just food for thought. Enjoy your training!
I agree with this video. My own brand of martial arts was simply "steal what is needed and go". I don't ground with the whole idea of a single art. Rather I focus on surprise, grind and maim by using whatever technique I can find.
I remember joining an join event where Karate and Taekwondo had friendly matches. I was from the Taekwondo school. I felt bad for the Karate students where I'm from because after talking to them about their training, all they do is Kata (patterns). And when we started free sparring 9/10 times the Taekwondo practitioner would beat up the Karate practitioner. I really hate it when martial arts get watered down to the point you cannot even land a hit in sparring. Their footwork was slow, distance measurement was bad, intuition totally off. One more point, I was a green belt and beat 2 black belts winning my 1st gold medal at a regional tournament. So I do not believe if your technique looks beautiful means you can beat someone who's form isn't as pretty.
There is a nice fitting quot from 3227a, a medieval fencing treatise:
"Practice is better than art, since practice is viable without it, whereas art is not viable without practice."
Just one thing to add. Medieval people concidered fencing back then also an art. German fencing treatise often refere to it as "die Kunst" (the Art).
Really, you can't learn fighting if you don't fight. You may master technique and understand the philosophy, but mastering a weapon meant for fighting is by fighting - sparring today. There's a lot more to the arts than just this and a lot is learned during sparring, that you can't learn by mastering techniques. Nerves of steel, the importance of distance and stances in certain situations, applying tactics, and much more. It's like trying to learn cutting by hitting the air with a sparring sword - you don't know if you're doing it right if you don't actually cut something. Or like maths. You may understand it, but using your knowledge and understanding to solve a practical problem is important to learn how to actually solve problems!
But you're right, today it's not necessary to master the sword. If you want to do it to be fit or for a philosophical reason, do it! Have fun and be dedicated to whatever draws you to it!
@Chris C In a real duel you have the stress that if you lose you might die or at least get actually wounded. While many duels were fought with first blood, death or serious wounds were not uncommon.
Sparring really doesn't have this. You do sparring because you want to train without this pressure to prepare for duels (well, not today but you get the idea)
However, people who fought dues professionally or made fighting in general their profession, probably were raised with the idea that this is merely a part of life. Knight get raised for war - if they fight in a duel they consider death or injury just one part of it. Same with 19th or early 20th century duels. The students and gentlemen at that time knew how to fight and were probably not as scared of injury or death as a modern person is. Ofc, this is a generalisation and there are accounts of duels fought with both parties being inexperienced and, while staying true to their decision to duel, nervous and even scared.
So, to go back to the original question. Real duels are more stressfull, way more that duels in a German completion for money or title, while sparring is theoretically the situation where you train for duels. No stress, so that you can keep a cool head when your life depends on it
Absolutely agree, even as a black belt in ITF Taekwondo I never felt like I would be good enough for a proper fight. While my technique was satisfactory, my physical ability; strength, reflexes and most critical to me stamina held me back from applying any technique or fighting for long during sparring sessions.
Love to hear that from you! This is exactly the reason why I stopped doing martial arts. After doing Kyukushin Karate for 2 years and trying different Kung Fu styles for 3 years afterwards, the only thing that made sense to me is to learn fighting by doing a lot of sparring with experienced fighters. So I started doing "Free Fight" which is basically UFC-Style MMA. However, at some point I figured out that coming to work with black eyes on a regular basis is not good for my career. :-D So I decided to just go climbing instead. :-)
I haven't spar in 4 years but I've never spar with swords.
I have worked on technique for 3 years, consistently training alone.
I want to spar so bad.
This video just puts my thughts in words.
Love ya Metatron-san
Hi Metatron! I'm a Kenjutsu practicioner since 2 and half years... and we really don't have enough Gekiken... And i'm really hyped when we combat. Practically bogu of kendo and cut in Kesa, men, do, tsuki (even in do), kote.... Everything even with short shinai and two shinais.
Clearly in some schools of Kenjutsu we have sparring, and is beautiful.
I respect you totally. Even i want to become better fighter in sparring... So i'm going to practice Kendo AND Kenjutsu for fulfill my needs. Maybe i can help my Sensei in some point with the actual fight. :D
I did Judo for half a year and from my experience I fully agree. Throwing someone who's letting you throw them is very easy, but it's extremely difficult in a spar. I always got wrecked by some of the more experienced judo practitioners in the dojo, especially by my sensei (didn't last 5 seconds).
I have never won a spar in my life, but the experience I got from Judo is very valuable to me, because I used to think that I can actually destroy people fighting with me using knives. From that experience and from your video about knife fights, I say I absolutely cannot destroy anyone and I need to be very careful in fights.
Came here for swordplay talk, stayed for the accent. Great points, though. You're absolutely right, that how you train is how you fight. And if you don't train TO fight, then you're not going to fight very well. I think you need both (and to be clear, I think you're saying that). You need the solo practice to discipline your mind and body because you can't train with other people all the time. If you're a shooter, you need that range time to become better and better. If you're a martial artist, practicing your kata and other stuff. But if you intend to be a competent combatant and not put yourself and others in danger, you also need combat training, either sparring or other tactical training if you're studying firearms.
This makes me really excited to learn. I've now added kendo and kenjitsu to my list of martial arts, along with Krav Maga, aikido, jujitsu...
But seriously, this is one of the most fascinating accents. Taking mental notes as a voice actor. :D
100% agree with the whole thing and something I talk about constantly. I dont have any formal training in martial arts, but I do have basic knowledge of combat. I have been in a lot of fights out of self defense or the defense of others, I'm not trained but I would consider myself good out of necessity. I'm a good example of a practical fighter, but on a technical level I'm terrible. I would also consider my experience in actual fights more valuable than training with no actual experience. People in real life dont let you hit them, something you point out, once the first thing doesn't go as planned it's the person who adapts quicker who wins.
I am a Kenjutsuka of over 20 years currently. And my school unfortunately did not do a whole lot of sparring. I had to do it more with friends outside of the dojo. But It was when I started training in HEMA, where sparring is done frequently, that I saw the importance of full contact sparring. Just as it is in empty hand fighting. Everyone has a plan until they get hit in the face. If your goal is to be a practical, effective sword fighter, application training > techniques. Both are paramount to fully understanding your discipline. But my money will always be on the guy or gal with more fights.
Just saw this now. I agree 100% though. As a KSR practioner who has branched out into HEMA, the sparring has made me a better all around swordsman. Though there are some gaps in HEMA that are conversely filled with KSR. Its quite interesting.
Volevo dire che ho visto il video dove facevi sparring e per me sei un bravo studente di spada, però questa estate ti ho chiesto dove poter mangiare un buon panino.con la milza a Palermo e non mi hai risposto. Quindi ti sfiderò a duello.
Ahahahah
@@metatronyt evabbè se mi metti il cuoricino al commento come faccio a sfidarti a duello però! Uffa... vabè tanto il panino l'ho mangiato lo stesso all'antica focacceria san francesco... buona continuazione nello studio della spada!
*google translate*
Edit: YES! AN EPIC REVENGE BATTLE FOR THE SANDWICH!
Oh gosh I should really learn Italian properly. It's really hard to read just knowing Spanish
I 100% support what you say here. When I was 15, I began to practice at a Mixed Martial Arts gym. I came from a background of doing Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Tae Kwon Do. I had done BJJ for about 15 months and I had done TKD for about 8 months. Both of those involved 2 of the 5 nights of classes being sparring focused. When I began doing MMA I was set to spar against someone who'd had more BJJ experience than myself, but who was also just starting into MMA. I tapped out the more experienced BJJ practitioner because he came from a school that only sparred once or twice a month. He was the better technical grappler, but because I had been in more sparring situations I was able to win. Training and experience are two very different things.
Thank you Metatron for more good material, and for the opportunity to speak about something that has nagged me since ~1980.
I am male, 175lbs, 6', somewhat long arms, good overall strength and agility, yet nowhere near a fighter. A good friend of the 1970's, Golden Gloves boxer and a colored belt in Karate, more on that below, said I was a "natural." I never want to find out.
The moves that I would later incorporate into daily life have been limited primarily to deflecting blows from a door that I was near, that was suddenly opened from the other side.
Leaving out names, I was soon to take karate classes from a good USA sensei, in a small town's rented recreation room. Years later, the internet exists, and I discover that he's never lost a tournament, something like that, and that his star student from long ago has never lost a fight. I'm grateful for the foundation that I did get, only being a white belt for a short time, and sparring rather little. I still have my ghi, as I think it's spelled.
~1980, I took aikido for a few months, under a good Japanese sensei who studied under the developer of Aikido, is how I recall it. Again, I'm fortunate for the quality of whatever I did learn.
During one aikido class a problem came up. (I was too shy then to speak up to ask a question, plus it was crowded and busy). We students had paired to practice some move involving grabbing the wrist while standing.
My partner was wearing a black belt in karate, details unknown, and she was a small lightweight woman, a size I'd call extra-large Barbie Doll. It seemed that I was supposed to do all the moving and falling down by myself, and she'd hang on someplace to make it look good. This didn't seem right, so I stood there with my arm extended and wrist available, and she couldn't budge me and gave me sort of a dirty look.
It was obvious that no matter what her karate skills, if I could get a grab someplace, I could fling her around like a rag doll, with one good slam to ground ending the whole thing.
Did this woman have a false sense of security? Metatron's video seems to be asking this type of question.
I should mention that I recently saw a UA-cam video, dashcam looking at crosswalk, and a big lunking kind of guy was harassing a small woman, not much different from the woman in aikido, and she gave a spinning kick which knocked his head back a bit, and he went away.
I completely agree with you. I just recently started training Kenjutsu as well as Iaido after 3 years of kickboxing, and the one thing I'm really missing is sparring. I don't know what, but its something about sparring that lets you learn so much in just a few moments even if you get your ass handed to you. even if you don't know if you learned something during sparring, you gained precious battle experience and that counts. I'm not trashing on Kenjutsu or Iaido as a matter of fact i freaking love it, thats why i continue training it, but I know that I personally really like the more physically demanding and practical parts of martial arts, as compared to Kata and such. That makes me want to see what Kenjutsu would be like if it included sparring.
I learned kenjutsu for about ten years and helped teach it for a couple, too. I still practice fairly often to help prevent myself from becoming rusty (and because I enjoy it, of course). Throughout learning, my biggest gripe was the lack of sparring. We would perform tachi-uchi (paired adversary kata) and sometimes we would change up the temp and often go FAST at the higher levels. I think there are a number of immense benefits to this, but sparring, in my opinion, is still a different ballgame, in my opinion.
That said, I do have that confidence forged through effort and training that convinces me that I can beat anyone I dual with. :P
I have also sparred a little with friends who had little to no experience, against whom I would pretty much always win. Another unfortunate oversight to most styles of combat, even to many of those that do spar, is focusing only on one weapon in the hands of both the practitioner and the opponent. Of course, you see this egregiously in kenjutsu.
One thing that many people may also not recognize is that different kamae (i.e., stances) and kata can look vastly different depending on a number of factors. Styles, instructors (even teaching the same style), level, etc., can change the way you perform a technique. There are multiple forms of jodan, for a simple example, that are legitimate and there are different advantages to different styles.
As a final note, I would say that if you want to be the best, don't just learn the forms and kata, don't just spar, do BOTH. And with intention.
I want the return of swords and dueling. I’d love to see it happen. Dueling in general, that is; I have no problem with another Hamilton vs Burr duel, haha
That's an absolutely horrible idea and you should feel bad
I do feel bad... that dueling isn't legal again :P
+Metatron another great video it's always great to watch Ur videos and Ur opinions on these subjects. While I know I have no right to say anything about Martial arts since I only had a few years of training in Taekwondo years ago. I have practiced swordsmanship in a very improvised way and probably not a very skilled swordsmen but I still hope to practice Kenjutsu and learn to use it in a sparring scenario
Dynamic Pressure is very important in learning any martial art. Metatron is right on.
I completely agree on your points. In my opinion, to consider yourself trully skilled at using japanese sword, you need to train all disciplines available, be it iai, tameshigiri or sparring (or gekiken as we call it ). Only combination of those skills can give you any sign of meaning what it truly ment to wield japanese sword in history. Thats why I am so pleased that at our Hakuzan dojo in Prague, in which we mainly train in the way of morinaga-ha Toyama ryu, we also do sparring and gekiken practice and organise gekiken tournaments with surprisingly good responses from other japanese martial art schools in Czech republic.
I really enjoyed this Video. We share exactly the same views so Im happy to see you address these Trolls and not give in. I went from tkd to luta livre (basically no-gi bjj) and chose the German Tradition longsword for my hema, because both of them are proven systems and prefer practicality over good looks
Dont listen to them!
They are basicly persians...
YOUR THE BEST #METATRON
I have a perfect example for your point on there being no time stops in combat.
Years ago, I discovered that a coworker of mine shared my enthusiasm for martial arts. We became semi-regular sparring partners, and I consider him to be my equal in terms of skill.
Once, we were sparring, and for quite a while, neither one of us could land a blow. It was just constant dodges and parries. I was in waki gamae, and as I moved to parry a blow aimed at my shoulder, I saw an opening. I quickly transitioned to jodan no kamae to deliver a finishing shomenuchi.
In the time it took me to change positions, he had recovered from the parry and delivered a thrust to my liver just as my bokken made contact with his head.
We debated for some time if either of us would have survived, had that been an actual duel.
Hey there Metatron. I have an…intense question for you. Maybe you could make a video on this?
Basically it comes down to how hard it is for a trained swordsman to fight an untrained swordsman. (also apologies for the length)
I was having a discussion with a friend. To add context, we were speaking specifically of the Roman Era and the episode in the Bible where Peter lops off a servant’s ear, which is how this started. The rest isn’t important.
So I say swords are not easy to use effectively without training.
He responds with:
Friend: “As a black belt in mixed martial arts, I can assure you that you do not need training to use a sword or knife or any weapon of that type. That’s why they’re so scary.
Then I say:
Me: “To be fair, swords do require skill to use effectively. Not to use, period, but me vs. a man who’s been training with the sword all his life is…pointless. Theres a lot more than “SWING”….That’s why spears, clubs and maces were historically the weapon of choice for commoners and peasants, because they were so much more simple, cheaper, and easier to use and forge than the sword.”
He responds with:
Friend: “Ah-ha, but that’s where you are wrong! Or, at least partially.
Swords can actually be used quite effectively without skill. You against a guy with sword training is pointless … for him. See, unless he has mastered swordfighting, then he’s going to be worse than someone with no training. My martial arts instructor explained it all once and I’ve since done other research that confirms this. And even if you’ve mastered those skills, someone just swinging at your head over and over isn’t very easily defendable. Also, the kind of swords that were around during that time were much different from the swords we see in the Middle Ages. The sword Peter had was most likely a shorter, broader blade, which would make it easier for just swinging at people.
And spears are harder to use effectively than swords, for the record. It was more a matter of what peasants could get their hands on.”
I said: “If said person swinging wildly doesn’t know what they’re doing they would potentially and likely leave themselves vulnerable in all kinds of crazy ways…assuming they’re even swinging properly…If I swing and don’t compensate or think ahead for the counter attack most definitely coming for me, I’m dead…And trained swordsmen think like 5 freakin moves in advance and have dealt with untrained swordsmen before anyway…There are reasons soldiers were trained to use the things.”
So, who’s correct here? Speaking mostly of the weapons used in the Roman era, like the gladius, would an untrained swordsman easily defeat a trained one for these really weird reasons? What about in the medieval period? If a 17 year old guy like me with zero sword fighting experience faced, say, a Roman soldier or a knight or whatever, who'd been training his whole life, who would have the advantage?
as a person with a black belt in Taekwondo with the same mindset as metatron here... i agree with literally everything he just said in this video, the people that dont do sparring but look good with moves only have an ego given to them by peers and such... its just how things are...
that is one of the nice things in the german language:
You have "Kampfkunst" and "Kampfsport" - both translate to "martial arts", but they have slightly different connotations to them.
Kampf-*Sport* is the sport-variation, being pretty much just a sport that happens to be centred around fighting. usually with fixed rules (like weight classes and prohibited moves) and in some extreme cases the fighting aspect is totally removed and it is just a show, a display of body mastery.
"Kampf-*Kunst*" - the Kunst-part is using the old meaning of the word which translates pretty much to Skill. The arts/skill of a craftsman or a fighter. It usually is a bigger topic as it also includes the lifestyle and philosophy associated with the respective martial arts.
When we would apply that to your 4th tan teacher and the 1st tan fighter - it is the difference between the kampfsport and the kampfkunst.
The teacher is "better" in his techniques and focuses on perfection and teaching others, while the fighter is about - fighting.
Fuck, it's such an overused example, but Avatar TLA. The episode where Sokka decided to train the swordfighting. No perfection of movement, no stances, Just "Use your strenghts, use the terrain, be creative, think outside the box". Loved it. Bending needs form, because it's a dance, a spiritual chaneling. Fighting just needs quick thinking and skill.
I don't have any experience or practice in martial combat, but from my understanding of practice and application of technical skills, I've learned that in practice the ultimate goal is to achieve as close to perfection and until you are confident in executing everything you've learned competently. However, once you step onto the court, stage, field, etc., you don't think about your form or technique. Those things should be automatic or instinctive because you've practiced these things like a thousand times that you already know what you want to do without thinking about it. When you talked about the three fundamentals in sparring: time, space, and creativity, I agree with you that utilizing these are key to determining the better competitor/opponent when engaged in the "real thing". If you can dominate the tempo, distance, and decisiveness of actions over your opponent(s), then you have created a domain where you're in control. Perhaps power is also another factor, for example, if your opponent can deliver more force than you. Overall, great video about your thoughts. I think your haters have short-term expectations of you, whereas some people know that mastery now is unrealistic than over time. Keep up the good work.
You've forgotten to mention one thing you learn when sparring: reading your opponent.
@ Metatron: When it comes to my own practice of weapons fighting, (although the vast majority of my experience and skill set are in unarmed styles) I'm basically a novice of sword fighting, but I always took naturally to the Bo. (6ft. staff) The first time I ever picked up a staff when I took Taekwondo, I was told by my masters/instructors that I handled it as though I had been using it for at least two years. I've always loved the staff almost as much as the sword, and hearing that was a huge compliment to me. So while I do still work on swordsmanship, the staff is the one I focus on the most. I love this video because effective strikes don't have to be pretty in order to work. Technique and form is important to hone of course, but being able to make your mark so to speak is (to me anyway) is more important. A long while back, a couple of marital arts acquaintances arguing over what kind of punch from what style is the most effective. I told them, "The one that connects." I also spar with a friend of mine when it comes to sword fighting, who is much better at Kenjutsu and also has experience with longswords, great swords, Kali sticks, and of course, katanas. In all honesty, when it comes to weapons, I could only best him using a staff. I also teach him unarmed methods because that is my wheelhouse so to speak. He is a weapons guy, I'm more of an unarmed guy save for staff. Neither of us look super great, but we are both effective in our own respective skill sets and keep enough form in sparring (or even in a street attack) that we do well and don't end up hurting ourselves in the process, while still showing improvement. We have both had to use our unarmed experience to defend ourselves, so we both are aware of how sparring and pressure-testing is a 100% must. I love that you touched on improvisation, because I find one of the reasons that I do ok so far with the staff is because it is a dynamic weapon that my improvisation using it seems to turn out well for me more often than not. I also hate the conceit of those who hold their higher rank over one's head, even though there are only a few people who have done that to me. I approach new lessons as something of a blank slate, but I also discard moves that I feel are too flashy for me because I have had to fight and I still spar regularly. I listen, but I also ask questions. I feel that being able to ask questions is a very important when it comes to learning and growing, and the best masters I have trained under have always encouraged me to not only ask questions but also to share my own methods that I have learned from other methods. Anyway, your analysis here was excellent and you have my respect, admiration, and gratitude.
Metatron - your common sense based analysis is much appreciated. Do not let haters get you down, their rigid and parochial opinions show that it is they who are constrained by convention.
I am a student of martial arts myself. After decades of practice and dedication, I have attained the coveted white belt. I have even mastered the Foot to my Face Technique
I totally agree. As a KungFu blackbelt myself, I can say that the belt doesn't say anything about the fighter. It is so dependent of school, sensei/shifu, and the practitioner himself. I wouldn't say that I'm good, but i have a good understanding of how everything works.
And in a fight it is also very important how you think about your opponent. Are you better than him/her? You'd probably be more offensive, is he far better and you are afraid? You'll be very defensive.
At least that is my experience.
Although i have to admit that i'm looking more to form than function... when it looks like crap, what am i doing it for. But i learn and every time a chinese master comes visiting, i see that form is not everything. The understanding is.
I would say that the belt is for knowledge and knowledge is for teaching, but not for being a good fighter or applicant of the art.
I tend to see as a problem that people, in particular in this online world, will look at the strong fighter who cannot teach or has no deeper knowledge and discard the better teacher for the worse one just because competition winner. It is like taking a programmer from some software company and replace your algorithms professor with him. Sure, the programmer can code better, but that is not all you need.
Hey another very well thought out and spoken video.I haven't done any of the japanese sword martial arts but I have taken Sho Rin Ru judo and Jujitsu as well as Kung Fu I also participated in the SCA for a while and if you don't spar your not as effective. I have seen it first hand. Great job on this and all your other videos. Thank you for all your work and the information you provide and the other guy can piss off lol
I get what you mean. My friend does Brazilian jujitsu. By all means I, as a marshal artist who specializes in strikes and momentum, should lose massively. However, when we spar I usually win. While he focused on making sure his movement and techniques are perfect I’m focused on the his movement and finding an opportunity to strike. I’m by no means good at my fighting style. My kicks are sloppy and sometimes unbalanced. My punches and blocks aren’t perfect but they get the job done. If I faced a person that focused on getting the job done I would lose 100%. I can beat most of my class because I like to spar while everyone else likes to do patterns or focus on perfecting their form.
I have around of 18 yrs of experience on swordcraft and Im 100% agree with you mate. we need efficiency not paraphernalia.
I've always liked the tune you use for the end of the videos. Also an interesting contents of course! Thanks for sharing your idea!
I would summarize this video to 'technique is a means to an end.'
This applies to SOOO MANY THINGS. Martial arts is one of them.
Not saying proper technique is bad, but if you already are achieving the end goal, you shouldn't throw that out of the window. Improve on it of course but it doesn't make you bad. As the saying goes, "it's not stupid if it works."
Having both the MOST efficient means to achieving the end result is obviously better, but in the time of war, a soldier don't have time to master a skill. They only have time to be proficient enough to survive. That's their most immediate goal. They can work on perfection if they survive. It depends what you are practicing historical martial arts for, and that should determine how you train yourself.
I quite agree. I've always incorporated sparring into any martial arts that I've practiced, including swordsmanship (fencing & HEMA primarily). There are just some things you can't learn until someone else is trying to win at the same time as you are trying to win.
I just admire that Metatron can learn you so much from only one video, yet there is always something I learn from another videos of his. Big respect.
About "a lot of people who hates you". I would rephrase it as a lot vocal people who hates you, because this lot is a few lot. I love you, mate!
You make a lot of good points. It reminds me of Kurosawa's film "Rashoman" when the fight between the bandit and the samurai is described from different perspectives. Tajōmaru, the bandit (played by the great Mifune Toshiro) describes it as a classic, beautiful battle with exciting swordplay and clever moves. Kikori, the wood cutter (played by the equally great Shimura Takashi) describes a shambles, the samurai and the bandit are slipping and falling, frantically running away, clumsily hitting at each other and missing. In other words, a real-life battle as opposed to a choreographed stage fight. In such a fight, oddly enough, the bandit and the samurai would be evenly matched. The samurai would have not only been "properly" trained, but would also have experience in real battles. The bandit would have been to the school of hard knocks, so to speak. To survive as a bandit, he needed to know how to fight effectively, not just beautifully. It's ironic that the bandit's ego results in a description of a noble, choreographed battle since he wants to appear as an equal to the samurai in fighting technique. The woodcutter (an effectively disinterested observer) sees a street brawl, which is probably closer to reality.
Rule of combat: "If it looks stupid but works, it's brilliant. If it looks brilliant but doesn't work, it's stupid." Videos showing applied-system practitioners wiping the floor with non-sparring "sensei" or "masters" are all over the internet. One of the old proverbs: "His 'way' (do) seems to have gotten tangled up in my 'system' (jutsu)," referring to the historical transition into sport/theory styles from applied/war systems, and what happened when they clashed. If the kenjutsu people aren't going to spar, maybe they should change their name to "sword dancers."
People who study multiple styles generally end up looking "irregular" or "sloppy" when sparring, because they are working multiple possible options from different frames of reference. Unorthodox but mechanically valid stances and moves are Nature's way of saying: "Don't mess with survivors." (The people who think pretty = effective are usually being proud of themselves for recently getting their first green belt.)
Funny example: A little ways into working on my 3rd style, one of the upper students made a remark (approx): "I hate it when you drop your guard like that. I just know if I go after it then, I'm walking into trouble." It was a sparring-practical dojo with several multi-style people, so everyone was cautious when we saw something unfamiliar. BTW: He was right, of course. I often lowered my front arm to draw people into a passblock & sweep combo, but I hadn't thought about how it looked in context.
I have to say, you pissed me off the first time I watched one of your videos, but I've warmed to you since then. I agree with you on your points raised in this video. I'd even stretch to say that although kendo has regular sparring and a high intensity it fails to prepare most people for a "violent" encounter. Its still all consensual, and the techniques are limited as well as incidental strikes are generally not acknowledged. I do think there are martial artists who can still glean a more "martial" form of training from many of these arts buy applying themselves. It will generally not be taught to you though. If weapons arts had leagues run a bit more like MMA you could get closer to experiencing something like real violence. There's no one really asking for this on mass it seems. I'm sure there are major hurdles to overcome anyway in order to make it happen from a safety perspective.
basically
Peace time: spiritual way
War time: Stick 'em with the pointy end.
I have experience in kendo and with the HEMA community, everything you said in here is 100% accurate.
I do a lot of LARP as well, the amount of people coming in there thinking they are "excellent fighters" because they took a year of whatever without sparring experience is frankly hilarious.