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 2.4

Editorial
By Alex Bennett

Iran and Did Kendo
By Alex Bennett

Obituary for Nishiyama Yasuhiro
by Alex Bennett

Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645) – The Gorin-no-sho and Modern Kendo
By Sergio Boffa

Hanshi Says – Arimitsu Masaaki
Translated by Alex Bennett

2nd All Japan Sembatsu Kendo 8th Dan Tournament
By Alex Bennett

Obituary: Master Ando Kozo Sensei – 1940-2003
By Andrzej Kustosz

Unlocking Japan – The Funeral
By Lockie Jackson

Kendo Clinic – The Inversion Ankle Sprain: Ankle Lateral Ligament Injuries in Kendo
By Arima Saburo
Translated by M.I. Komoto

By the Way
By Lockie Jackson

Review: “Dueling with O-Sensei: Grappling with the Myth of the Warrior Sage” by Ellis Amdur
Review by Antony Cundy

The Beginner’s Guide to Bushido
By Alex Bennett

Nuts ‘n Bolts of Kendo – Part 8: The Principles of Hiki-waza
By Nakano Yasoji
Translated by Alex Bennett

The Role of Breath Control: Part 8
By Steven Harwood

Budo in an Age of Diversification
By Tanaka Mamoru

Zodiac Zone
By Kirk Doran

sWords of Wisdom – Kamiizumi Ise-no-kami (1508-1573)
By Tobe Shinjuro
Translated by Alex Bennett

Tradition and Transmission Part 8: Shindo Munen-ryu
By Antony Cundy

In the Deep End
By Bryan Peterson

Naginata World – The History of Naginata
By Alex Bennett

Jodo World – The Australian Iaido and Jodo Seminar and Championships 2004
By Antony Pickering and Marcus Lee-Steere

Jukendo World – Jukendo Kata: The Third Pillar
By Steve Kelsey

Gedatsukai

Martial Aids
By Greg Robinson

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