What is Kendo? 剣道とは？
Kendo is the art of Japanese fencing. Ken or tsurugi is from the character meaning “sword.” The character for do or michi includes the meanings “way” or “path,” which translates as "The way of the sword," a path in life which is followed through training in kendo.
Origin of Kendo
Modern Kendo bears but a faint resemblance to Kenjutsu and to its feudal origins of sword-wielding samurai warriors who are today depicted in movies and television. Kendo, literally translated as “the way of the sword,” cannot be traced to a single founder or given an exact founding date. The story of the rise of modern Kendo begins with the samurai and extends over the culture of several centuries.
Kendo began to take its modern appearance during the late 18th century with the introduction of protective equipment: the men, kote and do and the use of the bamboo sword, the shinai. The use of the shinai and protective armor made possible the full delivery of blows without injury. This forced the establishment of new regulations and practice formats which set the foundation of modern Kendo.
Today, Kendo continues to grow under the auspices of the All Japan Kendo Federation, the International Kendo Federation, and federations all over the world. Sei Ken Kai Kendo Dojo is located in Atlanta, Georgia and we are under the Southeastern US Kendo Federation, and it is a member of All US Kendo Federation.
Although the outward appearance and some of the ideals have evolved with the changing needs of the people, Kendo continues to build character, self-discipline and respect. Despite having a sport-like atmosphere, Kendo remains steeped in tradition which must never be forgotten, for therein lies its strength, carrying it throughout history and far into the future.
Kendo Equipment
Kendo equipment consists of swords, a uniform, and armor.
There are two types of wooden swords used. First is the bokken or bokuto, a solid wood sword made of oak or another suitable hardwood. The bokken is used for basics and practicing form (kata). Second is the shinai, made up of four bamboo staves and leather. The shinai is used for full contact sparring practice.
The uniform or dogi consists of a woven cotton top called a keikogi and pleated, skirt-like trousers called a hakama.
The armor or bogu consists of four pieces: the helmet (men), the body protector (do), the gloves (kote), and the hip and groin protector (tare). Modern Kendo armor design is fashioned after the Oyoroi of the Samurai.
Kendo Practice
A Kendo practice is composed of many types of training. Each type has a different purpose for developing the Kendo student.
Kendo, like other martial arts, requires discipline and dedication to training. A new student begins with learning the basics such as etiquette (reigi), different postures and footwork, and how to properly swing a sword. The student progresses through a series of skills, preparing them to begin training with armor (bogu).