Albert Vela

does anyone know where a school is located that still trains Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo? ("Hiding in the Clouds" school) The reason is pretty long and boring so I won't bore you with it, but it is very much appreciated if someone knows.

Just looking for opinions

I started training with a bokken using techniques outlined in "The Book of Five Rings" (without guidance from an instructor). My main focus has been torque with the hips and shoulders while pushing the elbows forward and squeezing with the bottom three fingers during the strikes, trying too make it quick from point a to b without pulling back the bokken first. Part of my question is if any of that is necessary/proper or even remotely coherent for use with a bokken. Part two of my question involves my striking targets, which are dummies consisting of cow and deer bones on a two by four built like a person my height, 6 foot (thanks to road kill cleanup being tossed near my house) to make sure I'm striking hard enough to break them. The other is a heavy chain (from scrap pile at a steel manufacturer) hanging from an oak limb so I have to move or block in order to not be whipped by the end of the chain. I trained in escrima, but not a whole lot, so most of the movements are modified for a longer heavier weapon.

Any constructive criticism or tips to keep in mind would be appreciated. The only reason I don't train at a dojo is because I live in the foothills at least an hours drive from any sword training dojo.

my bokken is the polypropelene one from cold steel, i found out quick enough that a wooden one that would last long enough is too costly for me. (my white oak bokken shattered after a few hours total use).

how much would it cost to send a seven pound 30"x6"x6" package from california to new zealand?

http://www.handmadesword.com/503.html

If you've seen it anywhere else please let me know.

Thanks

has anyone ever trained iaido or kendo in this facility, and what did you think? I'm focused on Iaido but information about the Kendo classes could help too, thank you. they do not have a website up or much information besides contact.

Nevada Budo

2243 Park Place

Minden, Nevada 89423

I have a completely dried piece of manzanita perfectly formed for hands using a sword. what do I do so that it will last a long time without falling apart. (cracking is already under control).

I would appreciate a link or two. also, are the caps supported by a rod in the middle, or are they jst pinned on the ends? I really appreciate the help, thanks.

I practice shaolin iron body training and iron palm/fist training. I also have been doing Wing Tsun for about 1 year now and was hoping I could tutor someone. If you are interested please e-mail me.

I like to do 180 degree sit ups and handstand push ups with a wall support for balance. I like them, but I don't know if there are any risks (besides falling over or on my head). I practice Wing Tsun kung fu and these exercises with shaolin balance exercises seem to help a lot.

Oh and if there are any acai adds, or other adds, please report that user.