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 2.3

Editorial
By Alex Bennett

51st All Japan Kendo Championships
By Alex Bennett

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

By the Way
By Lockie Jackson

Tradition and Transmission Part 7 – Kobori-ryu
By Antony Cundy

41st All Japan Women’s Kendo Championships
By Alex Bennett

Dojo Files – Szigetkozi Junior Kendo Klub
By Haraguchi Nobuaki and Erdelyi Gabor

The Role of Breath Control Part 7 – Kakari-geiko
By Steven Harwood

Hanshi Says – Kobayshi Hideo
Translated by Alex Bennett

Belgrade
By Radosh Yukovic

Kendo Clinic – Kendo Elbow: Elbow Extension Posterior Compartment Syndrome in Kendo
By Arima Saburo
Translated by M.I. Komoto

A Year in the Lifeof an IBU Exchange Student
By Hamish Robison

The Value of Classical Martial Arts Texts
By Tanaka Mamoru
Translates by Alex Bennett

The Wrong Warm-up
By Jeff Marsten

Old School – Essays on Japanese Martial Traditions
By Ellis Amdur

Unlocking Japan – The Crying Game
By Lockie Jackson

Far East
By Adrian Jones

sWords of Wisdom – “Akuryo to naran” – Become an Evil Spirit
By Tobe Shinjuro
Translated by Alex Bennett

How to Become a Good Kendo Referee
By Louis Vitalis

Zodiac Zone
By Kirk Doran

Iaido World – Brief Notes on Hizen-to
By Clive Sinclaire

Naginata World – Great Naginata Masters of Modern Times
By Alex Bennett

Martial Aids
By Greg Robinson

Jukendo World – Cutting the Corners
By Steve Kelsey

Shinai Sagas – A Mountain in the Mists
By Charlie Kondek

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