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, or " of the ", is the martial art of Japanese fencing. ''Kendo'' developed from traditional techniques of Japanese swordsmanship known as ''kenjutsu''.
''Kendo'' is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sporting-like physical elements.
Practitioners of ''kendo'' are called ''kendoka'' (one who practices ''kendo'') or ''kenshi'' (swordsman).
''Kendo'' is "played" by ''kendoka'', wearing traditionally styled clothing and protective armour ''(bogu)'', using a ''shinai'' or two as weapons. ''Kendo'' may be seen as a Japanese style of fencing. The movements in ''kendo'' are different from European fencing because the design of the sword is different, as is the way it is used. ''Kendo'' training is quite noisy in comparison to other martial arts or sports. This is because ''kendoka'' use a shout, or ''kiai'', to express their spirit and when a strike or cut is performed, the front foot contacts the floor in a motion similar to stamping.
Around eight million people world-wide practice ''kendo'' with approximately seven million in Japan.
''Kendo'' is one of the Japanese budo and embodies the essence of Japanese fighting arts.

Contents

The Concept and Purpose of Kendo

The Concept of Kendo

The Purpose of practicing Kendo

Equipment and clothing

History

Modern kendo

Kendo outside Japan

See also

Notes and references

External links

The Concept and Purpose of Kendo

In 1975 the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) published and developed an explanation of the concept and purpose of studying ''kendo''.^[1]

The Concept of Kendo

''Kendo'' is a way to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the ''Katana'' (sword).

The Purpose of practicing Kendo

::To mold the mind and body.
::To cultivate a vigorous spirit,
::And through correct and rigid training,
::To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo.
::To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor.
::To associate with others with sincerity.
::And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.
::This will make one be able:
::To love his/her country and society.
::To contribute to the development of culture
::And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.

Equipment and clothing

''Kendo'' is practiced using a as a weapon.^[2] One, or more rarely two ''shinai'', are used. The ''shinai'' is the practice "sword" and is made up of four bamboo staves, which are held together by leather fittings.
''Kendoka'' also use ''bokken/bokuto'' (wooden swords) to practice more formal, set forms known as ''kata''.
Protective armour , is worn to protect specified target areas on the head, arms and body.^[2] The head is protected by the helmet-like , the forearms and hand by gauntlets called , and the body by the and . The clothing worn under the ''bogu'' comprises a jacket, or ''kendogi''/''keikogi'' and a ''hakama'', which is a trouser-like garment with wide legs.

History

Since the earliest ''samurai'' government in Japan, during the Kamakura period (1185-1233), sword fencing, together with horse riding and archery, were the main martial pursuits of the military clans. In this period ''kendo'' developed under the strong influence of Zen Buddhism. The ''samurai'' could equate the disregard for his own life in the heat of battle, which was considered necessary for victory in individual combat, to the Buddhist concept of the illusory nature of the distinction between life and death.

Those swordsmen established schools of ''kendo'' training which continued for centuries, and which form the basis of kendo practice today. The names of the schools reflect the essence of the originator’s enlightenment. Thus the Ittō-ryū (Single sword school) indicates the founder’s illumination that all possible cuts with the sword emanate from and are contained in one original essential cut. The Mutō (swordless school) expresses the comprehension of the originator Yamaoka Tesshu, that "There is no sword outside the mind". The 'Munen Musō-ryū’ (No Intent, no preconception) similarly expresses the understanding that the essence of ''kendo'' transcends the reflective thought process.
The formal ''kendo'' exercises known as ''kata'', were developed several centuries ago and are still studied today.
The introduction of bamboo practice swords (''shinai'') and armour (''bogu'') to ''kendo'' training is attributed to Naganuma Sirozaemon Kunisato (長沼四郎左衛門国郷 1688-1767).^[4] This is believed to be the foundation of modern ''kendo''. ''Kendo'' began to make its modern appearance during the late 18th century. Use of the shinai and armour (''bogu'') made possible the full force delivery of strikes and thrusts without inflicting injury on the opponent. These advances, along with practice formats, set the foundations of modern ''kendo''.
Concepts such as ''mushin'', or "empty mind" as professed by exponents of Zen, are an essential attainment for high level ''kendo''. ''Fudoshin'', or "unmoving mind", is a conceptual attribute of the deity Fudo Myo-O, one of the five "Kings of Light" of Shingon Buddhism. ''Fudoshin'', implies that the ''kendoka'' cannot be led astray by delusions of anger, doubt, fear, or surprise arising from the opponent’s actions. Thus today it is possible to embark on a similar quest for spiritual enlightenment as followed by the ''samurai'' of old.
The ''Dai Nippon Butoku Kai'' was established in 1895 to solidify, promote, and standardise all martial disciplines and systems in Japan. The DNBK changed the name of ''Gekiken'' (Kyūjitai: 擊劍; Shinjitai: 撃剣, "hitting sword") to ''kendo'' in 1920.

Modern kendo

''Kendo'' is ideally practiced in a purpose-built ''dōjō'', though standard sports halls and other venues are often used instead. An appropriate venue has a clean and well-sprung wooden floor, suitable for the distinctive stamping footwork used by the bare-footed practitioners.
In modern ''kendo'', there are strikes (or cuts) and thrusts. Strikes are allowed only to be made on specified target areas, or ''datotsu-bui'' on the wrists, head or body, all of which are protected by ''bogu''. The targets are ''men'' (top of the head), ''sayu-men'' or ''yoko-men'' (upper left and right side of the head), the right ''kote'', or wrist at any time, the left ''kote'' when it is in a raised position (such as ''jōdan-no-kamae'' also known as ''jōdan'') and the left or right side of the ''dō'' or torso. Thrusts are only allowed to the throat (''tsuki''). However, since an incorrectly performed thrust could injure the neck, thrusting techniques in free practice and competition are often restricted to senior ''dan'' graded ''kendoka''.



== Competition^[5] ==
In ''shiai'', or competition, a point is only awarded when the attack is made firmly and properly to a target point with ''ki-ken-tai-ichi'', or spirit, sword and body as one. This means that for an attack to be successful, the ''shinai'' must strike the specified target, the contact by the ''shinai'' must happen simultaneously with the attacker's front foot contacting with floor and the ''kendoka'' must vocalise an expression of ''kiai'' that displays good spirit. Additionally, the top third of the ''shinai'' must make contact with the target and direction of movement (''hasuji'') by the ''shinai'' must also be correct. Finally, ''zanshin'', or continuation of awareness, must be present and shown before, during and after the strike, then the player must be ready to attack again.
In a tournament, there are usually three referees, or ''shinpan''. Each holds a red flag and a white flag in opposite hands. To signal a point, the ''shinpan'' raise the flag corresponding to the colour of the ribbon worn by the scoring competitor. Generally, at least two ''shinpan'' must agree, for a point to be awarded. The match continues until a pronouncement of the point that has been scored.
The first competitor to score two points wins the match. If the time limit is reached and only one competitor has a point, that competitor wins.
In the case of a tie, there are several options:

★ The match may be declared a draw.

★ The match may be extended (''encho''), and the first competitor to score a point wins.

★ The winner may be chosen by a decision made by the ''shinpan'', or ''hantei'', in which the three referees vote for their choice. This is done simultaneously, by show of flags.



== Grades^[6] ==
Technical achievement in ''kendo'' is measured by advancement in grade, rank or level. The ''kyu'' and ''dan'' grading system is used to assess the level of one's skill in kendo. The dan levels are from ''sho-dan'' (1) to ''ju-dan'' (10). There are usually 6 grades below ''sho-dan'' known as ''kyu''. The ''kyu'' numbering is in reverse order with ''ikkyu'' (1) being the grade immediately below ''sho-dan''.
In the AJKF the grades of ''kyu-dan'' (9) and ''ju-dan'' (10) are no longer awarded. However, FIK grading rules allow national ''kendo'' organisations to establish a special committee to consider the award of those grades.
There are no visible differences between ''kendo'' grades; beginners may dress the same as higher-ranking ''yudansha''.
All candidates for examination face a panel of examiners. A larger, more qualified panel is usually assembled to assess the higher ''dan'' grades.
''Kendo'' examinations typically consist of a demonstration of the applicants skill and for some ''dan'' grades, also a written exam. The ''hachi-dan'' (8 dan) ''kendo'' exam is extremely difficult, with a reported pass rate of less than 1 percent.
==Kata^[7]==
There are 10 ''nihon kendo kata'' (Japanese ''kendo'' forms). These are performed with wooden swords (bokken/bokuto), the ''kata'' include fundamental techniques of attacking and counter-attacking, and have useful practical application in general ''kendo''. Occasionally, real swords or swords with a blunt edge, called ''kata-yo'' or ''habiki'', may be used for a display of ''kata''.

''Kata'' 1–7 are performed with both partners using a ''daitō'' or ''tachi'' (long sword) style bokutoh of around 102 cm. ''Kata'' 8–10 are performed with one partner using a ''daitō'' and the other using a ''kodachi'' or ''shoto'' (short sword), style ''bokutoh'' of around 55cm. During ''kata'' practice, the participants take the roles of either ''uchidachi'' (teacher) or ''shidachi'' (student). The ''uchidachi'' makes the first move or attack in each ''kata''. As this is a teaching role, the ''uchidachi'' is always the 'losing' side, thus allowing the ''shidachi'' or student to learn and gain confidence.
''Nihon kendo kata'' were drawn from representative ''kenjutsu'' schools and tend to be quite deep and advanced. In some areas the regular training curriculum does not include ''nihon kendo kata''.
In 2003, the introduction of ''Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keiko-ho'', a set of basic exercises using a bokuto, attempted to bridge this gap. This form of practice, is intended primarily for ''kendoka'' up to ''ni-dan'' (2), but is very useful for all ''kendo'' students.

Kendo outside Japan

The International Kendo Federation (FIK) was established in 1970 and in December 2006 admitted their 47th national or regional federation as an affiliate. The World Kendo Championships have been held every three years since 1970.

See also

★ Iaido

★ Budo

★ Gendai budo

★ Koryū

★ Jodo

★ Martial arts

★ Naginata

★ Fencing

★ Kyudo

★ Naginata-do

★ Kirikaeshi

★ Budo Senmon Gakko

Notes and references

1. Kendo Fundamentals, , Noriaki, Sato, All Japan Kendo Federation, ,
2. This is Kendo, , Junzo, Sasamori, Charles E. Tuttle, ,
3. This is Kendo, , Junzo, Sasamori, Charles E. Tuttle, ,
4. The History of Kendo
5. The Regulations of Kendo Shiai and Shinpan, , , , International Kendo Federation, ,
6. Standard Rules for Dan/Kyu Examination, , , , International Kendo Federation, ,
7. Nippon Kendo Kata Instruction Manual, , , , All Japan Kendo Federation, ,

External links

★ All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF)

★ International Kendo Federation (FIK)