Kendo meaning “way of the sword” is a modern art of sword fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship (or Kenjutsu). It is physically and mentally challenging that combines strong martial arts values with sport like physical elements. The object of the art is to score points by striking your opponent’s head, arms and torso in strategic places. Not to worry though – everyone wears heavy, protective armor.
Published in 1975 by the All Japan Kendo Federation, “The Concept and Purpose of Kendo” states that the concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of principles of the Katana (“the sword”).
The principles are:
- To mold the mind and body
- To cultivate a vigorous spirit,
- And through correct and rigid training,
- To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo.
- To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor
- To associate with others with sincerity.
- And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.
Thus will one be able:
- To love ones country and society;
- To contribute to the development of culture;
- And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.
By following the principles of the Katana, or “the way of the sword”, it is worth noting that the instrument used is the principle applied. It only makes sense that a traditional material such as bamboo would be used to practice this traditional art.
The shinai is the wooden sword made from longitudinal strips of bamboo culms that are tightly bound together with string. While some modern-day shinai are made from other materials, there is still a high demand for the traditional bamboo shinai.
In the earliest samurai government in Japan, during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), sword fencing was one of the main marital pursuits of the military. Kendo developed under the strong influence of Zen Buddhism. The samurai could equate the disregard for his own life in the heat of battle, which was considered necessary for victory in individual combat, to the Buddhist concept of the illusory nature of the distinction between life and death. Buddhist concepts such as Mushin, “empty mind”, or Fudoshin, “unmoving mind”, are considered essential for attainment of high-level kendo.
Schools of kenjutsu were formed by the early masters and continued for centuries, forming the basis of kendo practice today. The introduction of bamboo swords (shinai) and armor (bogu) to “ken” training is attributed to Naganuma Sirōzaemon Kunisato during the Shotoku Era (1711-1715).
Kendo began to establish itself in modern martial arts during the late 18th century when use of the shinai and armor made it possible to deliver strikes and thrusts full force without seriously injuring one’s opponent. Modern kendo techniques comprise both strikes and thrusts. Strikes are only made towards specified target areas on the wrists, head or body, all of which are protected by armor. Kendoka use a shout to express their fighting when striking and execute an action similar to a stamp of the front foot when making a strike. As a basis for the practice, there are 10 Nihon Kendo Kata performed with wooden swords that include fundamental techniques of attacking and counter-attacking, and have practical application in general kendo.
Worldwide there are roughly 6 million practitioners, called kendoka or kenshi, with the largest base in Japan. To find a dojo near you, visit KENDO America.
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