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Samurai, How Hard Can It Be?

1/19/2008 By Michael

kendo.jpg

Most know I love film. I have a particular affinity for Kurosawa Samurai classics. Tonight I got curious about Kendo, the Japanese martial art of fencing (swords). I found an interesting National Geographic documentary focusing on a life-long Kendo practitioner making his 5th attempt at 8 Dan (Hachi-Dan). What is amazing is that less than 1% of those who even attempt it each year succeed. They hold two tests a year in Japan with 700-1400 applicants each; all of whom are already revered practitioners, most having been competition champions and/or instructors. (Also they have been 7 Dan (Nanadan) for at least 8 years.) It is refreshing to see something where the standards have not been “eased” over time, either you succeed or not. No appeals. There are only 200-300 living Hachi-Dans in the world out of 8,000,000 active Kendo practitioners. Talk about elite! The testing process is interesting to watch. What seems physical at first, turns out to be an exhausting mental exercise. [Via YouTube]

Filed Under: General

Filed Under: General

About Michael

Michael W. Geoghegan is founder and CEO of GigaVox Media. NewMedia Entrepreneur & Podcast Pioneer/Pundit. Author of two books. Creator of two time James Beard Award winner GrapeRadio.com
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Michael W. Geoghegan is founder and CEO of GigaVox Media.

As a pioneer of podcasting, Michael created some of the first corporate podcasts, including efforts by Disney. Michael is also creator of the 2008 & 2011 James Beard Award winning "GrapeRadio" and "Reel Reviews: Films Worth Watching."

He is editor-in-chief of the Podcast Academy™ book series and co-author of Podcast Solutions: The Complete Guide to Podcasting.

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