Martial Arts Training Websites: Your Go‑to Guide

If you’re looking to improve your aikido, kendo, or any other martial art, the right website can make a huge difference. You don’t need to hunt through endless forums or guess which videos are legit. Below you’ll find the kind of sites that actually help you train smarter, not harder.

Why Online Resources Matter

Training at a dojo is priceless, but the internet fills the gaps between classes. It gives you a chance to review techniques, watch slow‑motion breakdowns, and try drills when you can’t make it to the mat. Good sites also offer gear reviews, so you know which bokken, shinai, or gi is worth your money.

Choosing the Right Site for Your Style

Every martial art has its own set of must‑have resources. For aikido, look for sites that focus on flowing movement and ukemi (falling) drills. For kendo, pick platforms that break down footwork and strike timing. And if you’re curious about iaido, you’ll want a site that talks about the nuances of drawing the sword.

One article that often pops up in searches is “Can I use a kendo's bokken for iaido's training?” It explains that a bokken can be used, but it isn’t the ideal weapon. A real iaido sword is lighter and better balanced, letting the blade move without resistance. Using a heavy bokken might cause bad habits, like dragging the sword or developing the wrong grip.

That’s a solid example of why you need a site that doesn’t just give you a quick answer but explains the why behind it. When a resource breaks down the physics of a weapon—weight, balance, swing arc—you can apply that knowledge to your own practice.

Here are three types of sites worth bookmarking:

  • Instructional video hubs – Channels that post full‑class footage, technique breakdowns, and Q&A sessions.
  • Gear review blogs – Sites that test bokken, shinai, and iaido swords, comparing price, feel, and durability.
  • Community forums – Places where students share tips, post progress videos, and get feedback from experienced instructors.

When you combine these three, you get a well‑rounded learning loop: watch, practice, get equipment, and then discuss what worked.

Don’t forget to check whether a site offers downloadable PDFs or cheat sheets. A quick reference for bow stance, basic grabs, or sword drawing steps saves you time when you’re training solo.

Finally, keep an eye on the update schedule. Martial arts evolve, and so do training methods. Sites that post new content every week are usually more reliable than those that haven’t moved in months.

Bottom line: the best martial arts training websites give you clear video demos, honest gear reviews, and an active community. Use them to supplement your dojo time, and you’ll see faster progress. Happy training!

Martial art: Can I use a kendo's bokken for iado's training?

Martial art: Can I use a kendo's bokken for iado's training?

8 Feb 2023

This article discusses the use of a kendo bokken (wooden sword) for iaido (a Japanese martial art that focuses on the drawing of a sword) training. It explains that the bokken can be used for iaido practice, but it is not the ideal weapon for this purpose. It states that a real sword is recommended, as it is lighter and has a better balance than the bokken. It also explains that the movements of iaido require the sword to move without resistance, which is not possible with the bokken. The article concludes by warning against using the bokken for iaido, as it could lead to bad habits and incorrect technique. In summary, a kendo bokken can be used for iaido training, but a real sword is recommended due to its lighter weight and better balance. The bokken can also lead to bad habits and incorrect technique.

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