Kendo denotes the "nature (Riho) of the Ken" which was self-taught and acquired by the Japanese Samurai (warrior) through their experiences in many battles using their sword. Therefore, the learning of Kendo means learning the nature of the Ken. To state further, it is important to study the spirit of the Samurai which is within the nature of the Ken. And a means of learning this spirit is learning how to use the sword through harsh training. This is the reason why the objective of Kendo is usually referred to "the way of developing the person." ....All Japan Kendo Federation Kendo in its present state may is considered by some to be something between a sport and a martial art, however, in our view, it is important to retain an awareness of its characteristics as a martial art, in particular a profound respect for the principles and teachings which it, and therefore we, inherit from the tradition of practices and practitioners out of which modern Kendo has formed. Kendo focuses on the mind, the body, and the spirit, and to train correctly in kendo requires attention to all three.
Kendo is practiced with bamboo swords, called shinai, and wooden swords, called bokken. In sparring, the armor worn is called bogu. There are 4 target points in kendo: men, which is the head, kote, the wrists, do, the torso, and tsuki, the throat. Reiho, or etiquitte, is am important aspect of Kendo, and the core idea of reiho is respect: To respect your peers, to respect your sword (equipment), and to respect appropriate concepts. If you're interested in learning more, come join us for practice. We always welcome anyone interested.
The Purpose of Kendo from the All-Japan Kendo Federation
"To mold the mind and body To cultivate a vigorous spirit through correct and rigorous training. To strive for improvement in the art of kendo To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor To pursue the cultivation of oneself and associate with others with sincerity and respect This will enable oneself to love one's country and society, contribute to the development of culture, and promote peace and prosperity among all peoples."
In Kendo, there are three main categories of equipment. There are the practice swords, the uniform, and the armor. There are two types of practice swords: the shinai and the bokken. The bokken, or boku-to, is a wooden sword, built to represent a nihon-to (Japanese sword). Due to it's similarities with an actual sword, we often use this when beginning. It is used for kata practices, but never for sparring. A complete bokken consists of the bokken itself, and the tsuba, or guard. The second type of practice sword is the shinai, a practice sword designed from four bamboo lathes, connected together in such a way that it cushions the blow of the impact. This sword has a different feel from the bokken, with a round grip rather than the more accented grips of the bokken. However, it's unique design makes it safer for sparring, and is used in conjunction with the bogu. As with the bokken, it consists of the shinai itself and the tsuba.
It is not imperative that beginners have a uniform, but as a student's involvement in Kendo or Iaido develops and becomes more serious, it is expected that he or she procure a uniform, which consists of the gi and the hakama. The bogu, or armor which a kendoka (practitioner of Kendo) wears when sparring. It consists of four parts: The men(helmet), the kote (gloves), the do (breastplate), and the tare (tasset).
Iaido is the art of drawing the nihon-to, frequently cutting, blocking, or performing another combat maneuver with the drawing motion. As compared to Kendo and the more generalized forms of kenjutsu (swordsmanship) from which it developed, Iaido is a more oriented toward self-defense. As a result of this, the kata, or forms, of Iaido often begin seated or kneeling, or with the opponent behind you. In the present day, it is practiced with an iaito, a metal sword with no edge, or with a bokken. The sheath used for the sword is called the saya, and the swordbelt with which it is secured is called an obi.
The form of Iaido which we practice at the U of R, called Seitei Iaido, was developed by the All-Japan Kendo federation specifically to complement the practice of Kendo, and we recommend that new students try both. Kendo and Seitei Iaido have great potential to benefit from one another in practice, and provide balance in the cirriculum and experience of the student.
