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 2.1

Editorial
By Alex Bennett

Hanshi Says – Furuta Yukitaka
Translated by Alex Bennett

The Winning Edge
By Damian Carmody-Stephens

By The Way
By Lockie Jackson

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

Zodiac Zone
By Kirk Doran

The 1st Otsu Cup
By Lockie Jackson

The Technical and Psychological Methodology of Kendo
By Oya Minoru
Translated by Steven Harwood

A Philosophical Look at Kata
By Hanshi 8-dan Inoue Yoshihiko
Translated by Alex Bennett

Budo and Business
By Ken Wells

Kendo Clinic – Rear Foot and Heel Pain in the Kendo Practitioner
By Saburo Arima

Gentleman and a Scholar Part 2 – Kaneda Kazuhisa
By Adrian Jones

F,J. Norman: The Saga Continues
By Alex Bennett

Breath Control Part 5
By Steven Harwood

Unlocking Japan Part 5 – Making Sense Out of Sensei
By Lockie Jackson

Female Touch – Karukome Mitsuyo
Interview By Kevin Grounds

Bogu
By Alex Bennett

Survey: Bogu
By Mark Gingras

Jukendo World – Tankendo
By Steve Kelsey

Dojo Files 4 – Orange County Buddhist Church Kendo Dojo
By Jason Yamamoto

Tradition and Tradition Part 5 – Bichu Den Takeuchi Ryu
By Antony Cundy

sWords of Wisdom – Emono wo erabazu
By Tobe Shinjuro
Translated by Alex Bennett

Kendo in Poland
By Witold Nowakowski

Iaido World
By Clive Sinclaire

Naginata World – Naginata Kata
By Alex Bennett

2003 Budo Seminar Photos

Martial Aids
By Greg Robinson

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