Kyan Chōtoku and Protective Gear Kumite Match

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This article describes how Kyan Sensei wrote about the use of protective Kendo gear to be used in kumite matches.  At almost the same time a Japanese University group started doing the same thing.

 

Shimabuku Tatsuo did the same thing and used that gear in his dojo back as early as the 1960’s. Surely his practice was influenced by Kyan Sensei.

 

When Lewis Sensei trained in Agena there was sparring there with the kendo gear.

Here is a photo of Sensei with a set of the gear he possessed in the Salisbury dojo.

I remember Sensei telling us it was a hot as hell to spar in, nor could you get your breath. You had very limited tunnel vision to see, and as you could not be injured most fignts in the dojo were till the partner was on the ground. He also said the Okinawans often used a front heel thrust kick to knock their opponents to the ground.