Kendo

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Kendo

Japanese Name
Japanese	剣道 Kendō
Kana spelling	けんどう
Rōmaji (Hepburn)	Kendō
Kunrei-shiki	Kendô
Nihon-shiki	Kendô

Kendo (剣道, Kendō^?) or "way of the sword", is the martial art of Japanese fencing.

Kendo developed from traditional techniques of Japanese swordsmanship known as kenjutsu.

In 1920, Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (developer of the Japan Martial Arts Foundation) changed the name of Gekiken (Kyūjitai: 擊劍; Shinjitai: 撃剣, "hitting sword") to kendo.

Since 1975 the Concept of Kendo, as stated by the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF), is "to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the katana".

The AJKF state the purpose of practicing kendō as:

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 Kendō,

To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor,

To associate with others with sincerity,

And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.

This will make one be able:

To love his/her country and society,

To contribute to the development of culture

And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.

Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sporting-like physical elements.

Practitioners of kendo are called kendoka (one who practices kendo) or kenshi (swordsman). The latter may also be applied to practitioners of other traditional Japanese sword arts. Around 8 million people world-wide practice kendo with approximately 7 million of them in Japan.

1 Equipment and costume
2 History
3 Modern kendo
4 Competition
5 Grades
6 Kata
7 Kendo outside Japan
8 See also
9 External links

[edit] Equipment and costume

Kendo is practiced using "swords" made of split bamboo called shinai and extensive protective armour (bogu) is worn to protect specified target areas on the head and body. Kendoka also use bokken|bokuto (wooden swords) to practice set forms known as kata. The costume, worn under the bogu comprises a jacket, or kendogi/keikogi and a hakama, which is a garment with wide legs.

Kendo is ideally practiced in a purpose-built dojo, though standard sports halls and other venues are often used instead. An appropriate venue has a clean and well-sprung wooden floor, allowing safe use of Kendo's distinctive stamping footwork for the bare-footed practioners.

[edit] History

Kendo embodies the essence of the Japanese fighting arts.

Since the earliest samurai government in Japan, during the Kamakura period (1185-1233), sword fencing, together with horse riding and archery, were the main martial pursuits of the military clans. In this period 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.

Kendō at an agricultural school in Japan around 1920

Those swordsmen established schools of kendo training which continued for centuries, and which form the basis of kendo practice today. The names of the schools reflect the essence of the originator’s enlightenment. Thus the Itto-Ryu (Single sword school) indicates the founder’s illumination that all possible cuts with the sword emanate from and are contained in one original essential cut. The Muto (swordless school) expresses the comprehension of the originator Yamaoka Tesshu, that "There is no sword outside the mind". The 'Munen Muso Ryu’ (No Intent, no preconception) similarly expresses the understanding that the essence of Kendo transcends the reflective thought process.

The formal Kendo exercises developed several centuries ago, are still studied today using wooden swords in set forms, or kata. Kendo teaching emphasise a co-ordinated whole body movement.

The introduction of bamboo practice swords (shinai) and armour (bogu) to kendo training is attributed to Naganuma Sirozaemon Kunisato (長沼四郎左衛門国郷 1688-1767). This is believed to be the foundation of modern kendo.

Kendo began to make its modern appearance during the late 18th century. Use of the shinai and armour (bogu) made possible the full force delivery of strikes and thrusts without inflicting injury on the opponent. These advances, along with practice formats, set the foundations of modern kendo.

Thus today it is possible to embark on a similar quest for spiritual enlightenment as followed by the samurai of old. Concepts such as 'mushin', or 'empty mind' as professed by exponents of Zen, are an essential attainment for high level kendo. Fudoshin, or 'unmoving mind', is a conceptual attribute of the deity Fudo Myo-O, one of the five 'Kings of Light' of Shingon Buddhism. Fudoshin, implies that the kendoka cannot be led astray by delusions of anger, doubt, fear, or surprise arising from the opponent’s actions.

Kendo bogu (armour) is essential for protection when performing keiko.	Bogu set.	Nihon Kendo Kata.	Kendoka perform sonkyo before combat.
Two kendoka in tsuba zeriai.	A shinai.	Armour and costume Components	Kendo target points, or datotsu-bui.

[edit] Modern kendo

In modern kendo, there are strikes (or cuts) and thrusts. Strikes are allowed against only seven specified target areas, or datotsu-bui on the head or body, all of which are protected by bogu. The targets are men (top of the head), sayu-men or yoko-men (upper left and right side of the head), the right kote, or wrist at any time, the left kote when it is in a raised position (such as jodan) and the left or right do or torso. Thrusts are only allowed to the throat (tsuki). However, since an incorrectly performed thrust could injure the neck, thrusting techniques in free practice and competition are often restricted to senior dan graded kendoka.

Men

Kotê

Tsuki

[edit] Competition

In shiai, or competition, a point is only awarded when the attack is made firmly and properly to a target point with ki-ken-tai-ichi, or spirit, sword and body as one. This means that for an attack to be successful, the shinai must strike the specified target, the contact by the shinai must happen simultaneously with the attacker's front foot contacting with floor and the kendoka must vocalise an expression of kiai that displays good spirit. Additionally, the top third of the shinai must make contact with the target and direction of movement by the shinai must also be correct. Finally, zanshin, or continuation of awareness, must be present and shown before, during and after the strike, then the player must be ready to attack again.

In a tournament, there are three referees, or shinpan. Each holds a red flag and a white flag in opposite hands. To signal a point, the referees raise the flag corresponding to the color of the ribbon worn by the scoring competitor. Generally, at least two shinpan must agree, for a point to be awarded. The match continues until a pronouncement of the point that has been scored.

The first competitor to score two points wins the match. If the time limit is reached and only one competitor has a point, that competitor wins.

In the case of a tie, there are several options:

The match may be declared a draw.
The match may be extended (encho), and the first competitor to score a point wins.
The winner may be chosen by the referees decision, or hantei, in which the three referees vote for their choice. This is done simultaneously, by show of flags.

[edit] Grades

Technical achievement in kendo is measured by advancement in grade, rank or level. The "kyu" and "dan" grading system is used to assess the level of one's skill in kendo. The dan levels are from 1-dan (sho-dan) to 10-dan (ju-dan). There are usually 6 grades below 1-dan known as kyu. The kyu numbering is in reverse order with 1-kyu (ikkyu) being the grade immediately below 1-dan.

There is no physical test for 9-dan (kyu-dan) and 10-dan (ju-dan); those levels are awarded by a special committee set up for the purpose. Those grades are now extremely rare.

There are no visible differences between kendo grades; beginners may dress the same as higher-ranking yudansha.

All candidates are examined by a panel of examiners. A larger, more qualified panel is usually assembeled to assess the higher dan grades.

Examinations typically consist of a demonstration of the applicants skill and for some dan grades, also a written exam. The 8-dan kendo exam is extremely difficult, with a reported pass rate of less than 1 percent.

[edit] Kata

There are 10 nihon kendo kata (Japanese kendo forms). Performed with wooden swords (bokken/bokuto), the kata include fundamental techniques of attacking and counter-attacking, and have useful practical application in general kendo. Occasionally, real swords or swords with a blunt edge, called kata-yo or habiki, may be used for a display of kata.

Kata 1–7 are performed with both partners using a bokken (long sword) of around 102 cm. Kata 8–10 are performed with one partner using a bokken and the other using a kodachi (short sword) of around 55cm.

During kata practice, the participants take the roles of either uchidachi (teacher) or shidachi (student). The uchidachi makes the first move or attack in each kata. As this is a teaching role, the uchidachi is always the 'losing' side, thus allowing the shidachi or student to learn and gain confidence.

Nihon kendo kata were drawn from representative kenjutsu schools and tend to be quite deep and advanced. In some areas the regular training curriculum does not include nihon kendo kata.

In 2003, the introduction of Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keiko-ho, a set of basic exercises using a (bokken/bokuto), attempted to bridge this gap. Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keiko-ho is intended primarily for kendoka up to 2-dan, but is useful for all kendo students.

[edit] Kendo outside Japan

Kendoka at the 2006 World Fencing Championships in Torino, Italy.

The International Kendo Federation (FIK) was established in 1970 and in December 2005 admitted their 44th national or regional federation as an affiliate. The world kendo championships have been held every three years since 1970.

[edit] Asia

Kendo India Federation (Bharatiya Kendo Mahasangh).

see kumdo

The Penang Kendo Club in Malaysia was established in July 2005 under the tutelage of a 6-dan instructor, Arimatsu-Sensei.

Republic of China (Taiwan) Kendo Federation.

Thailand

[edit] Africa

South Africa

The South African Kendo Federation is the official body not only of kendo but also Iaido and Jodo. Recently kendo activities have started in Mozambique and Malawi.

[edit] Oceania

Australia

The Australian Kendo Renmei grew from the beginning of kendo in Australia in the 1960's and is a founding member of the FIK (formerly the IKF). Australian Kendo Championships have been held in Australia annually for over 31 years.

New Zealand

The New Zealand Kendo Federation.

[edit] Pacific Ocean

Hawaii Kendo Federation (HKF) The Hawaii Budo Kyokai was established in 1947 (even before the All Japan Kendo Federation) and was renamed Hawaii Kendo Federation in 1955. The HKF consists of 16 dojo practicing kendo and iaido on the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Kauai and Maui.

[edit] North America

All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF) consists of 14 regional members. The regional members comprise a minimum of three kendo clubs, each with a minimum of 50 members. Individual people or clubs cannot be members of the AUSKF.

Many universities also host collegiate clubs that promote kendo among student communities.

Canada

Canadian Kendo Federation (CKF) consists of over 55 member clubs. Clubs belong to CKF directly, although they may also belong to a regional federation. Such federations exist in BC, Ontario and Quebec.

Mexico

Federación Mexicana de Kendo (FMK) Mexican Kendo Federation, consists of 4 regional members.

[edit] South America

In South America, the practice of Kendo has existed simultaneously with the Japanese expatriate community there, since the arrival of Japanese immigrants as early as 1908. Since then and with Brazil as its centre, kendo has spread over South America. Now kendo practitioners and kendo federations exist in many countries in South America such as: Brazil, Argentina, Venezula, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, Aruba and Chile.

At the December 2005 meeting of the IKF (International Kendo Federation) held in Taiwan, the formation of the CSK (South American Kendo Confederation) was discussed and accepted and is expected to ratified in December 2006.

Argentina, Aruba, Chile, Brazil and Venezuela are affiliated with the IKF. The next South American Kendo championships will be held in Chile during 2007.

Aruba

Brazil

Chile

Kendo in Chile started in 1990. The Chilean Kendo Federation was founded in 1997 and became a member of the FIK in 2003. It consists of about 250 kenshi, is part of the CSK (South American Kendo Confederation), and holds Kendo championships annually.

Ecuador

Kendo in Ecuador started in 1999 in the facilities of the Japanese School of Quito. The head instructor is Keiji Kosakai Sensei.

[edit] Europe

European championships of kendo have been held since 1974 and are organized every two years. The first took place in England. Kendo has enjoyed increasing popularity in Europe since then. Today there are european championships every year, except in years with world championships (usually every 3 years).

The European Kendo Federation, which 32 countries/regions belong to, also promotes jodo and iaido.

Austria

The Austrian Kendo Association was founded in 1985.

Croatia

Kendo is promoted by the H.K.S., Hrvatski Kendo Savez in Croatia.

Finland

Kendo is promoted by the Finnish Kendo Association in Finland.

France

After the end of World War II, many masters of kendo visited France and introduced kendo in the 1950's. The first French kendo championship was held in 1959.

Germany

Kendo was introduced in the mid sixties as a part of judo practice.

Hungary

Kendo is promoted by the Hungarian Kendo Federation (HKF) in Hungary.

Italy

Kendo is promoted by the C.I.K., Confederazione Italiana Kendo.

Ireland

Kendo is promoted by Kendo Na h-Eireann, Irish Kendo Federation.

Netherlands

Kendo is promoted by the NKR, Dutch Kendo Renmei.

Portugal

Kendo is promoted by Associação Portuguesa de Kendo (APK), which is affiliated with the European Kendo Federation and the International Kendo Federation.

Serbia

Kendo is promoted by the Serbian Kendo Federation in Serbia.

Sweden

Kendo is promoted by the kendo section of the Swedish Budo & Martial Arts Federation.

Switzerland

The Swiss Kendo & Iaido SJV/ASJ was founded in 1967.

Turkey

Kendo is promoted by An-Ken in Ankara and Kendo Society in Istanbul.

A community site Kendo-Turkiye represents Turkish Kenshi.

United Kingdom

Kendo was introduced to the UK by R.A. Lidstone (a western fencing master). Two organisations promote Kendo in the UK, the British Kendo Association,which is affiliated with the International Kendo Federation and the British Kendo Renmei which is not.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

National or Regional Kendo Federations

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Categories: Combat sports | Japanese swordsmanship | Japanese martial arts