The literal translation of the Chinese character (ken) is "sword", and (dou) is "way or art". Together this makes “kendou”, "Way of the Sword".
The art of Kendo is the result of nearly a thousand years of trial and error with the Katana. The katana is a slightly curved sword around 40 inches in length.
From the various budding procedures, many ryu (styles or schools) developed into refined techniques of swordsmanship. While it was practiced in its many forms, it was not until the Muromachi period (A.D. 1336-1568) that there was a rise in interest in kenjutsu (sword technique), and the beginning of fencing schools, dojo.
In the 1700's, Chuta Nakanishi wished to improve upon current models of the dummy sword. He first invented the kote, the protective fencing gloves, and then redesigned the dummy sword into a shinai, a sword made of four flexible bamboo reeds. Swordsmen began to realize that this would allow more freedom of natural striking, closer to that on the battlefield, without injury.
Next came the development of the tare, a heavily quilted hip protector worn over the hakama (skirt-like, loose-fitting pants), the do (chest armor), chest armor placed outside the keikogi (jacket)and lastly the men, a steel mask that covered the face and head. With the development of this equipment and organization, fencing schools began to flourish. Kendo gradually became a sport developing outside of schools and is growing today all over the world.
Q: What equipment do I need to practice kendo?
A: To begin kendo, you will need to wear athletic clothing such as sweatpants or a karate or judo uniform. Kendo is practiced in bare feet. You will want to purchase a bamboo practice sword (shinai) . Later, you will want to purchase a uniform consisting of a jacket (keikogi) and skirt-like trousers (hakama). The hakama should be dark blue or black. The keikogi may be dark blue or white. After a few months, you will probably be ready to purchase armor. Cheap sets are available from Taiwan or Korea for $300 to $400, but these usually do not fit properly and will wear out quickly. A better choice is a machine made set that is made to your measurements. A set like this will cost upwards of $700 and will last for many years. The only thing that will wear out is the leather on the palms of the gloves (kote) and this can be replaced. The more expensive sets feature more elaborate designs and better quality workmanship. We can connect you with suppliers who have very reasonable prices and good quality.
Q: Does one need to be physically fit or have previous experience in martial arts to practice kendo?
A: Kendo practice requires no previous experience in martial arts. Men, women and children all practice kendo. Kendo is great exercise. You can build your strength and stamina as you learn the basics and work your way up gradually to the full workout. In kendo, we encourage one another to do our absolute best, but we also allow for each individual's abilities and limitations.
Q: What happens in a kendo practice?
A: A typical practice consists of the following: warm-up exercises, practice swinging of the shinai, footwork practice, practice of basic techniques, special instruction by the sensei, and finally, free fighting practice. We also may practice the kendo kata, prearranged forms done with the wooden sword, or we may have a practice tournament (shiai).
Q: Do you ever use a real “samurai sword?”
A: The kendo kata are based on traditional combat with the katana, and are performed by two kendoists with wooden swords (bokken). Metal swords with blunted edges are used for public demonstrations of kendo kata. We never strike anyone or anything with the bokken or sword. Drawing the sword from various positions (iaido) and test cutting with the katana are not taught at the Miami Valley dojo.
How to fold a hakama. *
How to wash a hakama. *
Meaning of the pleats in a hakama. *
Anatomy of
the Shinai. *
Shinai
Maintenance. *
Promotional Exam Study Guide. **
* Kendo America
** All U.S. Kendo Federation
*** Courtesy Halifax Kendo Club
LINKS
Kendo World: Magazine and Online Community
All Japan Kendo Federation (Japanese)
All Japan Kendo Federation (English)
All United States Kendo Federation
Kendo America
Got a blister? See this Excellent Guide for Taping Blisters
Eastern Michigan University Kendo Club
Halifax Kendo Club (Lots of good how-to's, including an article on suburi)
EQUIPMENT MERCHANTS
eBogu.com
Bujin Design
Eguchi USA
Bogu Bag
This Is Kendo: The Art of Japanese Fencing, Junzo Sasamori and Gordon Warner, Tuttle Publishing 1964
ISBN: 0804816077
The Shambhala Guide to Kendo, By: Minoru Kiyota, Shambhala Publications 1995
ISBN: 1570629277
The Heart of Kendo, By Darrell Max Craig, Shambhala Publications 1999
ISBN: 1570624070
Kendo: The Definitive Guide, By Hiroshi Ozawa, Kodansha American Publications 1997
ISBN: 4770021194
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