About Kendo

Kendo, meaning "The Way of the Sword ". It is an ancient Japanese martial art that originated from old age samurai swordsmanship during the Edo period(1603-1868). People who practice kendo are called kenkoda. Bamboo swords (shinai) ,defensive armors (bogu), a helmet(men), breastplate(do), gloves(kote) and groin protector(tare) are the necessary equipments for practicing Kendo.Trainers undergo both mental and physical training.The goal of this martial art is to develop the spirit , sharpen the mind, improve respect, self improvement and discipline through intense practice.Want to learn kendo from top Kendo classes in Chennai? You’re in the right place!

History of Kendo

Kendo originated from Kenjutsu an ancient classical Japanese swordsmanship. Japan experienced a long peaceful era with fewer number of wars during the reign of Tokugawa Shogunate.With reducing count of wars the swordsmanship skills were also diminishing slowly.So people began practicing swordsmanship merely as a means of spiritual training and self discipline.To enable a safer Kendo practice wooden swords(bokken) and bamboo swords(shinai) were introduced along with bogu(protective armor).Once samurai’s fierce training slowly transformed into a disciplined pursuit for personal and spiritual growth today.Kendo upheld its warrior spirit throughout the evolution.Even today Kendo honors its cultural heritage with a perfect blend of tradition and practice.

Modern Development

Thanks to the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai, Kendo evolved into a formal martial art by standardizing its practices and techniques during late 19th and 20th centuries.This great organization have played a great part in shaping Kendo into a distinct discipline. Kendo faced a huge setback when the allied forces temporarily banned it post World War II.However in 1950, Kendo was reintroduced as a self-improvement focused sport rather than combat.To oversee the practice and promotion of Kendo the all Japan Kendo Federation (ZNKR) was established in 1952.

Philosophy and Objectives

Kendo is not only about physical strength,but also focuses equally on mental and spiritual growth by rigorously combining deep training with philosophical insights to shape practitioners into a resilient and balanced individual.Kendo not only refers to combat techniques but also inner strength and clarity.Key philosophical aspects include:

Rei (礼)

Respect- The cornerstone of kendo. Before and after every match (bout) the practitioners bow to each other symbolizing the importance of humility, courtesy and mutual respect .

Kiai (気合)

Spirit- The manifestation of one’s determination and inner strength.It is considered as a way of expressing the practitioners energy, fighting spirit and focus during each strike.

Zanshin (残心)

Awareness- Emphasizes that a practitioner must always be alert both physically and mentally to withstand any counterattack or potential threat from the opponent.

Mushin (無心)

No Mind- A relaxed state with a clear mind that is free from distractions, fear, or hesitation so that the practitioner can act naturally and instinctively.

Training and Techniques

Equipments (put like points 5 points 1 side, nearby nextside 5 pts)

Bamboo sword (Shinai)
Protective armor (Bogu)
Helmet (Men)
Padded gloves (Kote)
Breastplate (Do)

Waist protector (Tare)
Traditional pleated skirt (Hakama)
Thick padded jacket (Kei Kogi)
Wooden sword (Bokuto/Bokken)

Training Structure

Kihon (基本) - Basics: Fundamental techniques that are very basic and is practiced regularly until perfection achieved. Basic techniques includes head strike,wrist stike,body strike and thrust to the throat strike.
Atemi (足元) - Forms: Pre-arranged patterns of movement, often performed with wooden swords (bokken), emphasizing traditional techniques and principles.
Kata (形) - Forms: It is nothing but a set of pre-arranged pattern of movements that are carefully choreographed for a Kendo practitioner representing the strategies, principles and traditional techniques of Kendo.It is not only about physical techniques but also about spiritual and philosophical aspects of Kendo art.
Ji-geiko (地稽古) - Free Sparring: A dynamic aspect that combines strategic thinking and technical moves to simulate a real-life competitive environment. The aim is not only “winning” but also “improving” with continuous learning.
Conditioning (体力作り) - Strength and Conditioning: For a better performance physical conditioning is very crucial. Exercises like swimming, weight-lifting, sit-ups, sprints etc.. enhances the overall fitness and helps your body in a quick recovery.

Basic Techniques

Men (面)

Head Strike: A most iconic Kendo technique in which the strike is aimed for the opponent’s head with the Shinai (bamboo sword).

Kote (小手)

Wrist Strike: Targeting the opponent’s wrists to disrupt the opponent’s Shinai (bamboo sword) balance and grip.

Do (胴)

Body Strike: A powerful strike focused on the opponent’s torso especially the part of the body covered in armor.

Tsuki (突き)

Thrust: A direct strike focused towards the opponent’s throat. It is one of the most difficult and dangerous kendo technique.

Kendo in the Modern World

Competitions

Various levels of Kendo tournaments like local and regional tournaments, National and International championships are held regularly.

Regional and Local tournaments: Beginner and intermediate level kenkodas participate in these tournaments to gain a real-life competitive environment experience.

National Championships: This is a highly competitive event where top practitioners from across the country participate and representatives for international tournaments are also chosen here.

International Championship: The World Kendo Championship(WKC) is held once in every 3 years by the International Kendo Federation(FIK).Top Kenkodas from across the world participate in this and it is the toughest tournament.

Kendo as Education

Kendo is an old-aged martial art that originated in Japan. In Japan, it is frequently included as an extra curricular class in every school for students. People of Japan believe that Kendo not only improves physical fitness but it also plays an important role in shaping the character of the students. Kendo empowers students with discipline, confidence, determination, courage, humility etc..Learning Kendo also improves the mental stability, martial abilities and also supports the holistic growth of the students. Schools also conduct Kendo tournaments thereby encouraging students to participate in more and more competitions and also develop their overall personality.

Global Reach

Kendo is an ancient samurai warrior culture, that rooted in Japan during the early days and is widely practiced all over the globe today.The International Kendo Federation (FIK) has its headquarters located in Tokyo with a large list of member countries such as

Asia Zone: Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, India, Mongolia, Macau,

Europe Zone: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom