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 2.2

Editorial
By Alex Bennett

Judges in Court
By Alex Bennett

12th World Kendo Championships Report
By Alex Bennett

A Few Thoughts on the 12th World Kendo Championships
By Sergio Boffa

By the Way
By Lockie Jackson

Hanshi Says – Harada Genji
Translated by Alex Bennett

My Nittaidai Experience
By Arpad Maksay

Nuts ‘n’ Bolts of Kendo
By Nakano Yasoji
Translated by Alex Bennett

Kendo Clinic – Biomechanics of the Left Leg in the Kendo Attack
By Arima Saburo
Translated by M.I. Komoto

The Role of Breath Control
By Steven Harwood

Tradition and Transmission Part 6 – Suio-ryu
By Antony Cundy

Kirk’s Zodiac Zone
By Kirk Doran

Far Far East Part 1
By Adrian Jones

Kendo, Iaido and Jodo: A Comparison Between Japan and Europe
By Louis Vitalis

sWords of Wisdom: “Hito no hyoteki tare” – Stand out from the crowd, be the aspiration of others
By Tobe Shinjuro
Translated by Alex Bennett

Unlocking Japan: Ken’s Story
By Lockie Jackson

Online Overhaul – The Kendo World homepage

At the Cutting Edge
By Fay Goodman

Iaido World – A Conversation with Fay Goodman
By Trevor Jones

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

Kendo in Scotland
By George McCall

A Godan Experience
By Jean May Yien

Jukendo World: Jukendo and Cross Training
By Steve Kelsey

Shinai Sagas – Long Day
By Charlie Kondek

Martial Aids
By Greg Robinson

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