Kom Doe (Samurai Sword)
Kom Doe -- also known as the Samurai Sword -- is a Martial Arts style that features three levels of focus and development based on the weapon being used. At the beginning level, students learn the Kom Doe Chae (also known as the Shinai or bamboo training sword) to develop strength and coordination with the upper body as they learn the shape of the blocks and attacks for the weapon. At the next level of training, students begin using the wooden Kom Doe Muk (also known as the Bokken) to develop sharpness and accuracy with the movement as they learn to align their body with the blade angle to achieve the correct cuts and blocks. At the highest level, students begin using and unsharpened version of the traditional metal Kom Doe (known as the Katana). As students progress with their Samurai Sword practice, they will develop both strength and flexibility in the shoulders, back, wrists, and arms. Mentally students will improve precision, focus, control, timing, and more as they strive toward the goal of making their mind as sharp as the edge of their blade.
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In the video (left) Instructors demonstrate Kom Doe Chae partner drills. Through practices like this, students learn the correct blade angles to protect themselves from the primary attack directions and develop the correct strength to support the movements. In addition they will build tremendous mental focus by trying to maintain eye contact with their partner throughout the exercise.
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See what you can gain with Samurai Sword training!
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Mental Focus
When using a Samurai sword, you must constantly be aware of the blade angle. Throughout the cut, the edge of the weapon must be angled correctly in order to make an effective strike. By extending your awareness into something beyond the length of your arms or legs, you are also extending your focus beyond yourself. This practice builds incredible mental focus which is very beneficial for daily tasks like work, school, driving, and family. It can even help with simply being present in the moment.
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Precision & Coordination
As a weapon with a long history of traditional training styles and movements, Samurai Sword training emphasizes very precise movements with both the weapon and the body. Through practice, students develop timing between the body and the weapon as they seek to make the strike finish at the same time the foot strikes the ground. The practice of snapping the weapon to an increasingly smaller target with speed and accuracy takes tremendous mental focus and excellent body control.
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Internal & External Strength
The movements in Kom Do are very quick, possessing high levels of both precision and power. As you progress, your mind, body and sword will become one, and as a result, you will develop incredible internal and external strength. These movements will teach you how to attack and block with power and correct alignment. This weapon will build muscle in your shoulders and arms, while also working on flexibility in your shoulders, arms and wrist.
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