This book addresses advance level kendo skills including equipment, exercises, wazas and the last three katas of the all japan kendo federation, which uses the short. Kendo, literally the way of the sword, is the art of japanese fencing. Kendo is literally translated as the way of the sword. Students in robes and strange armor searched with bamboo swords for openings in each. Shinai is written with the kanji, meaning bamboo sword, and is an irregular kanji reading in kendo, it is most common to use a single shinai, sometimes called itto style. We meet three times a week and accept all members of the community, regardless of experience, at the start of fall semester. The art of kendo kendo training the way of the sword. Practicing kendo helps you cultivate and build humility, respect, honor, calmness, and agility. The story of the rise of modern kendo begins with the samurai and extends over the culture of several centuries. Kendo, or the way of the sword, is the traditional martial art of bamboo fencing the origins of kendo can be traced back to ancient japan and the samurai and while the martial art has evolved throughout history to include elements of competition and physical training, kendo has continued to emphasize the importance of molding the mind, body and human character through the way of the sword. Kendo, the way of the sword is the traditional japanese style of fencing that today is a modern martial art practised throughout the world. As mentioned before, kendo is practically the modern form of kenjutsu. Also, kendo has preserved the ancient customs and equally values mental and physical development. In a more complex meaning, this way is a complete devotion to a view of life.
Although a number of the legendary 16th and 17th century japanese sword masters such as miyamoto musashi and keijiro sasaki showed expertise in sword technique, kendo as a. Kendo is a way to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the katana sword. Although it may be broadly categorized as the ritualized, sportive version of japanese fencing, kendo. Kendo sword way is a traditional japanese martial art, which descended from swordsmanship kenjutsu and uses swords shinai and protective armour bogu. The merger of that traditional approach with the modern sport ideals represents contemporary martial art of kendo, the way of the sword the way of the sword is. History of kendo the way of the sword sifu och wing chun. Kendo or the way of the sword, has seen many changes over the last sixty years partly as a result of the dissemination of budo culture outside japan. The alljapan kendo federation, a government program in japan, works to promote amateur kendo training. Kendo literally means way of the sword in japanese, and is steeped in the culture and way of the samurai bushido.
Kendo federation auskf and the southern california kendo organization scko. Were also a proud fundraiser for habitat for humanity and relay for life. This documentary was a pure indivdual project, and is not supported or affirmative with any kendo. Japanese historians mean that there were three periods in the ancient history of swordsmanship. The old kendo teachers loved to ask their new students what is kendo.
This is part of the reason why most kendo teachers work essentially as volunteers. Its practice teaches respect, focus, discipline and it is a great cardio workout. Plano kendo dojo was the dream of christopher yang sensei, who wanted to provide an opportunity and location for students to learn the beauty of. Colorado springs group practices traditional japanese martial art of kendo, using bamboo swords. Kum sword pronounced goom do method, path, journey or way pronounced doe kumdo literally translates from korean to english as sword way or way of the sword. The traditional japanese martial art of kendo is steeped in tradition and has a strong and growing following in australia. Today, it is widely practiced within japan and many other nations across the world. Kendo kendo, meaning way of the sword, is a modern japanese sportmartial art, which descended from swordsmanship kenjutsu and uses bamboo swords shinai and protective armour bogu today, it is widely practiced within japan and many other nations across the world. Kendo came to california with the first japanese immigrants at the turn of the century. The way of the sword and samurai spirit 1 whats cool. Take a tour and meet our professional coaches today. Then they would sit back and listen to them philosophize about the way of the sword. Defined by kendo america as japanese fencing, the martial art can be translated as way of the sword, with ken using the character for sword and do can be defined as way. The focus of the course will be on the basic skills associated within the discipline of kendo.
Yes, that simple, but practicing it has a tremendous benefit on your life if its done with the right attitude. The roots of kendo, the way of the sword, are to be found in kenjutsu, the art of wining a real fight with real swords. Evolving out of samurai swordsmanship, kendo has a strong history. A path in life which is followed through the training of kendo. Kendo, meaning way of the sword, is a modern japanese martial art of swordfighting based on traditional japanese swordsmanship, or kenjutsu. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Maybe they have an interest in japanese history, a passion for martial arts, want to get in shape. Kendo, or the way of the sword, is the traditional martial art of bamboo fencing the origins of kendo can be traced back to ancient japan and the samurai and while the martial art has evolved throughout history to include elements of competition and physical training, kendo has continued to emphasize the importance of molding the mind.
When taking up kendo the student must keep in mind that the japanese sword is like no other sword in the world and the skills required to master it are as ancient as time itself. A master kendo sensei discusses how timeless notions of stillness and movement come together through the modern lens of japanese sword fighting. Since then, it has spread nationwide with organizations in georgia, new york, chicago, texas and washington. Burlington kendo club weekly kendo practice in tansley. The word kendo is constructed from the character ken tsurugi and the character domichi the first one means sword and the second path. The word kendo is constructed from the character ken tsurugi and the character do michi the first one means sword and the second path.
As the roots of kendo can be traced to early samurai time and later on to the studying of bushido the way of the samurai knowledge of the past is a determining factor to really understand the meaning of kendo. The forbearer of kendo is the sword fighting as practiced by the samurai known as kenjutsu, which literally means sword technique. The word kendo can be split into two parts, ken, meaning sword and do, meaning the way or path. In kendo there is a strong mentality of community and giving back. It is one of the oldest and most respected martial arts budo of japan and traces its origins to the techniques and methods used by the samurai to gain mastery of the sword katana, and ultimately of the mind. Kendo, japanese kendo way of the sword, traditional japanese style of fencing with a twohanded wooden sword, derived from the fighting methods of the ancient samurai warrior class. Kendo is the way of the sword, which would develop yourself both in physically and spiritually. Kenjutsu gave way to kendo, the way of the sword, which used bamboo swords as a means to train and strengthen the mind and the body. Origin of kendo modern kendo bears but faint resemblance to kenjutsu and to its feudal origins of sword wielding samurai warriors. Its a great martial arts class to learn for kids, men and women in the central coast. At jung martial arts family center, the susquehanna kumdo club trains in a combination of two different schools of. History, uchi strike of kendo, training, shiai, kata and of about an junior children kendo club. Tusha buntin, who has studied kendo for 38 years, explains the history and cultural importance of the modern japanese martial art. Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines martial arts.
The unification of japan about 1600 removed most opportunities for actual sword combat, so the samurai turned swordsmanship into a means of cultivating discipline, patience, and skill for building character. Combined, these two character represent kendo, or way of the sword. A recent addition to this long list is the pune kendo club, where you can learn the japanese martial art of sword fighting that evolved from feudal samurai culture. In these pages wed like to provide some information about kendo and kendo in the united states. Kendo is, essentially, a traditional japanese martial art of fencing. Kendo, way of the sword, is a very traditional and immensely popular sport in japan. This martial art of samurai origin will develop the technical and mental skills associated with this japanese philosophy. It is about being superior to the self you were yesterday. Our chief instructor is taro ariga renshi, 7 dan, head of butokuden dojo. The character for door michi includes the meaning way or path which translates as the way of the sword.
Kendo, translated into english literally means the way of the sword. This is all part of reihou a code of respect for your sensei, yourself, your opponents, and your dojo. Iaido is the art of simultaneously drawing and cutting with the sword. The purpose of the kendo club of virginia tech is to uphold the principles and teachings of traditional japanese kendo through physical training, discipline, and community. Kendo the way of the sword is a japanese martial art that will make your dream come true, which is to become a heroheroine fighting with a cool weapon such. Today, kendo has evolved into a sport played in 52 countries and regions, with a world championship held every three years. Central coast kendo is a branch dojo of butokuden dojo in irvine ca.
Kendo, the way of the sword, is the most respected form of modern budo in japan, and has perhaps the closest links to many aspects of the classical martial tradition. The use of bamboo swords and protective armour came about in the late 17thearly 18th century, allowing the practise of full force attacks in many sword fighting martial arts. The way of the sword keeping skills sharp abc news. Kendo, the way of the sword is the art of japanese samurai swordsmanship. Kendo, literally translated, the way of the sword, cannot be traced to a single founder or given an exact founding date. Therefore, kendo is translated to mean the way of the sword. Way of the sword, located in ridgefield ct, is home to three team usa clubs. In its simplest, the way of the sword is an intense focus on learning how to use the samurai sword in the most effective way. Colorado springs kendo kai is a nonprofit kendo dojo teaching the concept of kendo described as to discipline the human character through the application of. Today, kendo is practiced for its mental and physical rewards.
The purpose of practicing kendo is to mold the mind and body, to cultivate a vigorous spirit through correct and rigid training, to strive for improvement in the art of kendo, to hold in esteem human courtesy and honor, to associate. Often referred to as japanese fencing, kendo the way of the sword uses sword techniques to train and condition the mind and body to deal with another person determined to attack. I cannot count the number of times the kendo community has gone out of their way to help me in and out of the dojo. The ancient japanese way of the sword taiken japan.
Plano kendo dojo offers kendo instruction to kids and adults of all ages living in plano and the north dallas communities. Coincidentally, kendo derives its name from the same. This tradition of mixing techniques with philosophical, way of life teachings, is the kendo practice we know today. Ken or tsurugi is from the character meaning sword. The implication, then, is that the way of the sword is a complete philosophy as well as a military technique which centers on the sword. The way of the sword kum do at susquehanna kumdo club.
As an authority in his field he has appeared on various occasions on british television and. Its rooted in the traditions and combat philosophy of japanese feudal. Through training in kendo, a student learns not just the physical elements of the sword, but also cultivates mental clarity, directness, sincerity, and intensity. Kendo structures its art around the japanese sword. The word shinai is derived from the verb shinau, meaning to bend, to flex, and was originally short for shinaitake flexible bamboo. Way of the sword kendo is a modern japanese martial art based on traditional swordsmanship originally created by the samurai class of feudal japan. The organization strives to instill civil etiquette, knowledge, sincerity and courtesy as a way of life. Kendos visual impression proved no less unsettling. It is difficult to find accurate dated historical studies about kenjutsu but in the three volumes of kojiki. In 1967 he won the british national police judo championships and in 1970 represented great britain in the world kendo championships. Thus, despite being the art of fighting with the sword, it also teaches the meaning of life, the way of life through the sword. Kendo means way of the sword bu today boston university. Kendo is a japanese word meaning the way of the sword.