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.

Kendo World 4.4

Editorial
By Alex Bennett

Defining Budo

A Stitch in Time
By Alex Bennett

Hanshi Says: Matsumoto Akimasa (K8)
Translated by Bruce Flanagan

The Current Status of Kendo in Brazil
By Caio Abramo

The Chilean Kenshi
By Shiori Hiroyuki
Translated by Blake Bennett

56th All Japan Kendo Championships: DVD Review
By Michael Ishimatsu-Prime

From Korea: The Internationalisation of Kumdo
By Kato Jun’ichi
Translated by Imafuji Masahiro

Land of the Long White Shinai
By D. Hanson

Reidan-Jichi Part 8: Kamae
By Oya Minoru
Translated by Alex Bennett

sWords of Wisdom – ‘The Precision of the Short Sword’
By Tobe Shinjuro
Translated by Alex Bennett

Mumeishi Dōjō 40th Anniversary
By Michael Komoto

Nitō Part 5: Applied Techniques
By Yamaguchi Masato

Ideas and History of the Sword Part 3: Sword in Medieval Japan
By Ozawa Hiroshi

Old Scrolls: Bokuden Matsugo-ryū
By Baptiste Tavernier

Kendo Clinic: Ganglions – the “Bible Cyst”
By Arima Saburo

Unlocking Japan: Part 16 – Lifers
By Lockie Jackson

Tales of the Samurai Chapter 8: Honest Kyūsuke
By Miyamori A.

A Duffle Bag & A Bōgu Bag: Part 3: Bouncer
By Imafuji Masahiro

Shinai Saga: Three Rōnin
By Charlie Kondek

The Art of Devotion
By Aurelien Laine

From Jukenjutsu to Jukendo: An Interview with Kobayashi-sensei
By Baptiste Tavernier

Kendo That Cultivates People Part 7: The Role of Keiko at ‘Tanren-ki’ Level
By Sumi Masatake
Translated by Honda Sotaro

The Process of Making Japanese Swords: Part 2
By Mikami Sadano
Translated by Mick Mathys

Enhancing Science by Considering “Principles of the Sword”
By Stefan Maeder

Essentials for the study of Iai
By Katsuse Mitsuyasu Kagemasa
Translated by Antony Cundy

Cutting-Edge Iaido
By Kaneda Kazuhisa
Translated by Maki Miho

The Kendo Coach – Sports Psychology in Kendo: Part 1
By Blake Bennett

It’s a Long Hard Road
By Stuart Gibson

Suigetsu: “The Moon in Water” – The Zen Calligraphy of Yamaoka Tesshu and Terayama Tanchu
By Sarah Moate

Bookmark: “Training The Samurai Mind” by Thomas Cleary
Review by Michael Ishimatsu-Prime

Naginata Technical Special: Shikake-Ōji Part 6 Roppon-me
By Alex Bennett

An Overview of the Way of Naginata: The Perspective of a Traditionalist
By Ellis Amdur

Martial Aids: The “Men-gane Cover”

Bookmark: “The Edo Inheritance” by Tokugawa Tsunenari
Review by Michael Ishimatsu-Prime

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