I came across this video, which seems to be a National Geographic special on the Kendo 8th Dan test: http://kendoshop.com/images/8dan.wmv The 8th dan is like an 8th degree blackbelt in other martial arts, and it is the highest grade awarded in Kendo through taking a test. The video follows two kendoka as they attempt to […]

Arthur sent me this passage yesterday: “Language is an imitation of sounds heard in nature, each word holding the pattern of energy of that which is imitated. Resonance is the transfer of that energy. For example, the samurai’s fighting cry kiai induces in the opponent a catatonic fear, creating partial paralysis which reduces blood pressure. […]