First impressions of a Kendo bout could be that it is aggressive, loud and of course, being a full-contact martial art, appears to be somewhat violent. This notion could not be further from the truth. Kendo, without a doubt, is totally dynamic. Practitioners of the art (Kendoka) display high levels of skill and concentration, while encompassing a freedom of movement, co-ordination, grace and agility that any dance choreographer would appreciate. The spectacle of Kendo being practised can look almost theatrical. The pure energy and noise generated cannot fail to send a shiver down the spine of any spectator. It is truly awesome.
Kendo, the art of Japanese Swordmanship, has a long and rich history. It is arguably one of the oldest martial arts. The origins of the art, as we know it today, lie back in the HEIAN period of Japanese history (around the year 940). It was about this period when sophisticated sword techniques, especially designed for the Japanese foot soldier, utilising lightweight protective body armour, began to appear. These techniques were developed, refined and tried and tested on the battlefield.
It can be suggested that the Kendoka's great mental triumph is to become one with the sword. The Japanese phrase for this is Ki-Ken-Tai no icchi. They say that the spirit, sword and body should be as one. If you only follow your instincts in Kendo you will be defeated. In Kendo you are trained to see things with your eyes, react immediately to the situation and make instant judgements with your mind. During a Kendo practice, session or match, you observe your opponent with your eyes, react quickly and positively to his moves and create the initiative for your attack, as seen through your mind. You must look at your opponent's heart, his spirit and eyes. You must see him as he is.
To do this you must defeat not only your own ego but also the eye of your opponent. Your mental attitude is important: it can decide whether you beat your opponent or yourself.
Kendo, the art of Japanese Swordmanship, has a long and rich history. It is arguably one of the oldest martial arts. The origins of the art, as we know it today, lie back in the HEIAN period of Japanese history (around the year 940). It was about this period when sophisticated sword techniques, especially designed for the Japanese foot soldier, utilising lightweight protective body armour, began to appear. These techniques were developed, refined and tried and tested on the battlefield.
It can be suggested that the Kendoka's great mental triumph is to become one with the sword. The Japanese phrase for this is Ki-Ken-Tai no icchi. They say that the spirit, sword and body should be as one. If you only follow your instincts in Kendo you will be defeated. In Kendo you are trained to see things with your eyes, react immediately to the situation and make instant judgements with your mind. During a Kendo practice, session or match, you observe your opponent with your eyes, react quickly and positively to his moves and create the initiative for your attack, as seen through your mind. You must look at your opponent's heart, his spirit and eyes. You must see him as he is.
To do this you must defeat not only your own ego but also the eye of your opponent. Your mental attitude is important: it can decide whether you beat your opponent or yourself.
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