Kendo, known as the Japanese art of fencing, derives its name from two characters: “Ken” or “tsurugi,” which means sword, and “Do” or “michi,” which signifies way or path. Together, they form “The Way of the Sword,” representing a life path forged through kendo practice.
No other sword martial art or educational sport is as popular as Japanese Kendo. It is a sword sport rooted in Japanese culture and still alive worldwide, and roughly six million people still practice it today.
Early Origins of Kendo
The single-edged, straight-bladed sword adoption likely occurred in Japan during the Sui dynasty (589–618) or early Tang dynasty (618–907) in China. The refinement of sword techniques peaked during the Kamakura period (1192–1333) with the emergence of the iconic Japanese curved blade. Subsequently, during the Sengoku period of ongoing civil war (1467–1568), renowned sworders began formalizing their battle-tested techniques into schools or traditions known as Ryu.
Kendo Swords
The primary focus lies on the Japanese sword in Kendo, which is the central tool for practice and fencing. This sword follows the katana’s design, the samurai’s iconic traditional weapon, which attained legendary status during Japan’s Edo Period. It was during this era that Kendo emerged as a sport.
However, the swords and equipment utilized in Kendo significantly differ from the original steel katana crafted for combat from traditional tamahagane steel. Instead, Kendo swords are constructed from materials that pose no lethal threat to individuals. This distinction leads to categorizing sword training into two main types: the bokken and shinai swords.
Bokken Sword
In Kendo, practitioners also utilize the bokken, a wooden Japanese sword, for training. While it is commonly used for practicing kata or katana techniques, it’s unsuitable for sparring or tournament use due to safety concerns associated with wooden materials, which have a higher risk of causing injury.
Similar in style to the laito, the bokken enables practitioners to simulate the movements of a curved samurai sword more closely. Within Kendo, it serves primarily for refining katana techniques and movements that can be applied in shinai duels. Bokken typically measures around 39 to 43 inches (100 to 110 cm) in length, offering practitioners a familiar tool for training purposes.
Shinai Sword
In Kendo, the primary training tool or sword is the shinai. Crafted from flexible yet robust bamboo, it is renowned for its durability, making it ideal for practice. Because it’s bamboo-based, it poses minimal risk of serious harm to opponents, particularly when they’re armored. Shinai can be fashioned from natural bamboo, common in various Asian regions, or modern synthetic carbon for enhanced durability.
Shinai swords boast a straight design with a two-handed handle (tsuba) and a smaller guard (tsuka). Traditionally, they measure approximately 45 inches (115 cm) in length for practice and tournament use, although variations exist to suit users of different heights. Leather straps or caps are typically tightly bound along the length of the blade.
Fundamentals of Kendo
Joining a Kendo club is all about discipline and mutual respect. The most important aspect of Kendo is the concept of “reiho,” which translates to rules of conduct and etiquette.
Origins of Reiho
These rules are deeply rooted in traditional Japanese customs, influenced by early Shinto, Buddhism, and Zen philosophies.
Key Rules of Reiho
Bowing: Respectful bowing to the master, fellow students, and the dojo is crucial.
Walking Barefoot: It’s customary to train barefoot, refraining from using outside shoes in the Kendo arenas or dojos.
Respecting Equipment: It’s important not to touch or jump over someone else’s equipment, showing respect for each person’s armour.
Meditation: Every Kendo practice traditionally begins with a brief meditation period aimed at calming the mind and spirit.
Respect for Training Partners: Recognizing that opponents in sparring or dueling are not enemies but fellow practitioners deserving respect. This fosters an environment where martial skills can be tested and developed.
Kendo Philosophy: The Immovable Mind and Overcoming the Four Sicknesses
In Kendo, achieving success hinges on mastering oneself before confronting opponents. Fudōshin, or the “immovable mind,” is a key aim in Kendo training. It entails remaining calm amidst pressure.
Fudōshin acts as a defense against the “shikai” or four afflictions of Kendo: anger, doubt, fear, and surprise. Practitioners are advised to maintain their cool in facing challenges, avoiding impulsive reactions to sudden attacks or feints. Instead, they should display courage and commitment in initiating and completing their attacks.
What Happens During Kendo Training?
Training sessions in Kendo primarily revolve around engaging in sparring matches and practicing the core offensive and defensive maneuvers. These maneuvers target four distinct areas: the head (referred to as “men”), wrists (“kote”), torso (“do”), and throat (“tsuki”). While there are only four designated target areas, there exist numerous variations of techniques aimed at striking them. These techniques are organized into attack (shikake) and defense (oji) categories, incorporating feints, parries, and blocks.
Kendo Kata
Additionally, kendo practitioners learn 10 choreographed forms known as kata. These forms involve a wooden sword (bokuto) or a sword replica called mogito. Unlike the straight cylindrical shinai used in regular practice, the bokuto resembles a real sword’s shape. The primary focus of kata practice is to emphasize correct form and technique for educational purposes rather than for competitive purposes.
Grading System
Kendo uses a grading system where beginners typically start at 6-kyu and progress upwards to 1-kyu. Beyond the kyu grades lie the dan grades, with the initial grade, shodan (1-dan), akin to a 1st degree black belt in disciplines like judo or karate. Previously capped at 10-dan, revisions in 2000 adjusted the highest grade to 8-dan.
Dan grades are earned through examinations assessing technical proficiency. Complementing these are shogo, honorary teaching titles such as Renshi (for 6-dan or above), Kyoshi (7-dan or above), and Hanshi (8-dan), awarded based on philosophical understanding, contributions to the community, and personal qualities. Thus, Hanshi 8-dan marks the pinnacle attainable under the current system.
Kendo Matches and Rules
Kendo sets itself apart from other combat sports, such as Judo and wrestling, through its distinct approach. Unlike these sports, Kendo doesn’t divide competitors into weight or size classes. Instead, participants wield bamboo swords, aiming to strike specific target areas on their opponents’ protective gear, primarily focusing on the men (helmet), the do (chest protector), and the kote (gauntlets). Points are earned by skillfully hitting these targets during the match.
In kendo matches, the action is intense. Competitors seek to score points by identifying openings to strike, defending against incoming attacks, or disrupting their opponent’s posture with well-timed strikes.
In a kendo match, three referees oversee the validity of competitors’ attacks. The match is won by the first participant to score two valid points within the allocated time frame, with a match typically lasting between 3 to 5 minutes. If only one competitor scores a single point during regular time, they are declared the winner. In cases where neither competitor scores, extra time may be granted to determine the outcome, or the match may result in a draw.
The dimensions of the match area vary, ranging from 9 meters to 11 meters (equivalent to 10 to 12 yards). Scoring points requires executing techniques with ki-ken-tai-itchi (unified spirit, sword, and body), meeting additional stringent criteria beyond merely striking the target, which may not be immediately evident to observers without kendo training.
Kendo competitions typically occur indoors but occasionally venture outdoors for what’s known as nojiai, or open-field matches. These outdoor bouts often occur in tranquil settings like shrines or temple grounds, enveloped by nature, offering a glimpse into ancient Japan.
