Ready to step up and say hi...with Pics!
Nov 6, 2011 19:52:03 GMT
Post by Isshogai on Nov 6, 2011 19:52:03 GMT
Hi everyone,
It's been a long time coming but I have finally decided to take the plunge and become an active member of the SBG community. For the most part this reluctance to post is due to the fact that I didn't think I could offer an opinion without experience. So I went and got some, and while I am still very much a beginner when it comes to swords and the martial arts, I figure I'm always going to be and the best way to learn anything is through correction. As such I welcome any insights those experienced members may have and look forward to developing a greater understanding of all things balded.
Paul's newsletters are a monthly delight, and the reviews are some of the best I have read. It's been great to have come across a resource such as this forum I'm only sorry I didn't know about this place 12 years ago - would have saved me a fortune in poor choices.
Still those poor choices gave me joy at the time and experience so it all balances out I suppose.
A quick note on my background and experience.
I'm 30, living in Ireland and have been collecting swords since my 18 birthday, when I acquired what I thought at the time to be the greatest sword ever made - the Conor MacLeod Katana. Except it was a cheap Chinese knock-off, not even a Marto, but I was young and new to the game.
I've studied the martial arts since I was 4, starting in Shotokan Karate and training consistently up until I was 21. I had the pleasure to be on the Irish Team and the lessons I learnt in the dojo formed many of the core beliefs I have today. My focus then shifted to Reality Based Training and I spent 6 years travelling and studying under different masters and styles.
Having found what I what set out to learn in RBSD, I returned to the traditional martial arts and have dedicated myself over the last 3 years to the study of the koryu, focusing primarily on Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu, though I have been privileged to study a little of Niten Ryu, Muso Shinden Ryu, Ona-ha Itto Ryu, Kendo and Katori Shinto Ryu. I have spent the last year adding tanren training into my daily practice as well.
I'm a HUGE movie buff to boot and over the last 12 years that has formed the primary focus of my collection of over 30 blades (mostly very pretty wall hangers - again - VERY young and stupid), though today I try to focus on quality katana and iaito.
Finally, I happen to have written for a martial arts publication for about 6 years now including doing a series of amateur sword reviews and features on Iaido that I think may be of interest to some of you guys here.if folks here are interested I'd like to provide some comprehensive reviews of some of my collection, through up a few pics and maybe even a video or two.
Glad to be here and finally getting the opportunity to share a passion with like-minded individuals.
Before I get into proper posting, thought I'd share a few quick snaps of the wall hangers, not on the wall.
My first swords - Duncan MacLeod Chinese Knock-offs
The Conner MacLeod Chinese Knock-off
Slayers Axe - Factory X
Blade, Daywalkers Swords - Factory X
Hero Sword
Last Samurai 5 Blade Collection
The Green Destiny ( Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon)
O-Ren Sword, (Kill Bill) autographed by David Carradine - Hanzo Blades
V for Vendetta Dagger
Group shot....
It's been a long time coming but I have finally decided to take the plunge and become an active member of the SBG community. For the most part this reluctance to post is due to the fact that I didn't think I could offer an opinion without experience. So I went and got some, and while I am still very much a beginner when it comes to swords and the martial arts, I figure I'm always going to be and the best way to learn anything is through correction. As such I welcome any insights those experienced members may have and look forward to developing a greater understanding of all things balded.
Paul's newsletters are a monthly delight, and the reviews are some of the best I have read. It's been great to have come across a resource such as this forum I'm only sorry I didn't know about this place 12 years ago - would have saved me a fortune in poor choices.
Still those poor choices gave me joy at the time and experience so it all balances out I suppose. A quick note on my background and experience.
I'm 30, living in Ireland and have been collecting swords since my 18 birthday, when I acquired what I thought at the time to be the greatest sword ever made - the Conor MacLeod Katana. Except it was a cheap Chinese knock-off, not even a Marto, but I was young and new to the game.
I've studied the martial arts since I was 4, starting in Shotokan Karate and training consistently up until I was 21. I had the pleasure to be on the Irish Team and the lessons I learnt in the dojo formed many of the core beliefs I have today. My focus then shifted to Reality Based Training and I spent 6 years travelling and studying under different masters and styles.
Having found what I what set out to learn in RBSD, I returned to the traditional martial arts and have dedicated myself over the last 3 years to the study of the koryu, focusing primarily on Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu, though I have been privileged to study a little of Niten Ryu, Muso Shinden Ryu, Ona-ha Itto Ryu, Kendo and Katori Shinto Ryu. I have spent the last year adding tanren training into my daily practice as well.
I'm a HUGE movie buff to boot and over the last 12 years that has formed the primary focus of my collection of over 30 blades (mostly very pretty wall hangers - again - VERY young and stupid), though today I try to focus on quality katana and iaito.
Finally, I happen to have written for a martial arts publication for about 6 years now including doing a series of amateur sword reviews and features on Iaido that I think may be of interest to some of you guys here.if folks here are interested I'd like to provide some comprehensive reviews of some of my collection, through up a few pics and maybe even a video or two.
Glad to be here and finally getting the opportunity to share a passion with like-minded individuals.
Before I get into proper posting, thought I'd share a few quick snaps of the wall hangers, not on the wall.
My first swords - Duncan MacLeod Chinese Knock-offs
The Conner MacLeod Chinese Knock-off
Slayers Axe - Factory X
Blade, Daywalkers Swords - Factory X
Hero Sword
Last Samurai 5 Blade Collection
The Green Destiny ( Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon)
O-Ren Sword, (Kill Bill) autographed by David Carradine - Hanzo Blades
V for Vendetta Dagger
Group shot....
