Kendo

Kendo, known as the “way of the sword”, is a thrilling and ancient Japanese style of fencing that involves wielding a two-handed bamboo sword. Originally developed from the techniques of the fierce samurai warriors, the art of swordsmanship became a way of fostering discipline, patience, and skill for building character as opportunities for real sword combat dwindled after the unification of Japan in the 1600s. By the 18th century, practitioners had invented protective armour and the shinai, a bamboo sword, which enabled them to engage in realistic sword-fighting without fear of injury. In a kendo match, participants grip the shinai with both hands and aim to land blows on specific scoring areas of their opponent's body, such as the head, wrist, and trunk. A thrust to the throat also counts as a point. The attacker must call out the name of the point they have struck at the same time they land their blow, which is verified by judges. The first combatant to score two points is declared the winner, making kendo a fast-paced and thrilling martial art to watch and practise. In terms of numbers, kendo is the most popular budo discipline in Japan, and is gaining a large following internationally.

2024.10.22
Kendo

Kendo World 1.3

Editorial – The book of five rings
By Alex Bennett

Road to the Olympics? The Formation of a World Kendo Federation in Korea?
By Kendo Nippon Magazine (April 2002 edition)
Translated by Alex Bennett

The Search for F. J. Norman: Western Kendo Pioneer
By Alex Bennett

Kenjutsu or Japanese Fencing
From The Fighting Man of Japan: The training and exercises of the Samurai
By FJ Norman

Kendo Amigo- Guatemala
By Alex Bennett

The Nuts and Bolts: Men-waza
By Nakano Yasoji
Translated by Alex Bennett

Shinpan from Scratch (Part 2)
By Fukumoto Shuji
Translated by Alex Bennett

Unlocking Japan – Part 3: Do you know Ray?
By Lockie Jackson

Kendo Clinic: Kendo and Back Pain – Part 2
By Arima Saburo
Translated by M.I. Komoto

Hanshi Says – Ishihara Katsutoshi
Translated by Alex Bennett

Japanese Academy of Budo: Abstracts

The Role of Breath Control – Part 3
By Steven Harwood

Caned with Carbon
By Alex Bennett

A Philosophical Look at Kata – Part 2
By Inoue Yoshihiko
Translated by Alex Bennett