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 3.1

Editorial
By Alex Bennett

A Brief Synopsis of the History of Modern Kendo
By Alex Bennett

The Nuts ‘n’ Bolts of Kendo: The Principles of Katsugi-waza
By Nakano Yasoji
Translated by Alex Bennett

Hanshi Says – Okuzono Kuniyoshi
Translated by Alex Bennett

Tales of the Samurai Part 1: Ungo-zenji
By Miyamori A.
Translated by Alex Bennett

Bookmark: “Rediscovering Budo: From a Swordsman’s Perspective” by Roald Knutsen
Review by Antony Cundy

Reidan-jichi: Part 1 – How to Understand Kendo
By Oya Minoru
Translated by Alex Bennett

By the Way
By Lockie Jackson

West Point: The 1st Kendo Tournament
By Garrett Huehner

Unlocking Japan: The Way of the Bath
By Lockie Jackson

Zodiac Zone
By Kirk Doran

Lecture: The Theory of Kendo
By Tsurumaru Juichi
Translated by Imafuji Masahiro

Kendo Clinic: Toenail Injuries Part 1
By Arima Saburo

Dojo Files: 6 – Kendo in Michigan
By Eric Abbey and Charlie Kondek

Looking After Your Bogu
By All Japan Budo-gu Association/ Japan Budo Equipment Manufacturers Association

Breath Control Part 9
By Steven Harwood

DVD Review: Tru Flyte Martial Arts
Review by Antony Cundy

The Gogatsu Taikai
By Ken Wells

Tradition and Transmission Part 9: Morishige-ryu
By Antony Cundy

sWords of Wisdom: Horobosenu kokoro
By Tobe Shinjuro
Translated by Alex Bennett

19th Annual Kodokan International Kendo Seminar
By G. O’Donnell

Naginata World: Ishu-jiai
By Alex Bennett

Jukendo World
By Steve Kelsey

A Gaijin’s Path Into Kendo
By Bryan Ie

Shinai Sagas: The Invaders
By Charlie Kondek

Martial Aids
By Greg Robinson

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