About Kendo

Kendo Men

In the middle of the Heian period (794–1185), swords with distinctive features such as a curvature (sori) and raised ridges along the length of the blade (shinogi) were produced by Japanese smiths and became an integral part of the samurai’s weaponry. Swords came to symbolize the samurai’s spirit, and are often referred to as embodying the “mind” of the samurai. Not only seen as weapons, sword production flourished as an expression art representing strength and beauty.

From the Warring States period (1467–1603) through to the early stages of the Edo period (1603–1868), many schools of swordsmanship (kenjutsu) were established, and in the 18th century protective training armor resembling that used in kendo today was developed. Through this a new safe, full-contact methodology for kenjutsu training using bamboo swords (shinai) took root. Consequently, a competitive style of kenjutsu competition gained popularity and spread throughout the country around the end of the Edo period. Early in the 20th century, this type of training in swordsmanship, which was referred to as “gekiken” or “kenjutsu” was renamed “kendo” which literally means the “Way of the sword”. Kendo became a representative discipline of modern Japanese “budo” (martial arts/ways), of which the underpinning ideals of self-improvement are grounded in the spirit of the samurai.

The method of kendo that we study and enjoy now is a product of centuries of development in Japan. -ref. All Japan Kendo Federation

There's an excellent article of the History of Kendo on the Japan Kendo Federation page.

Agassiz Dojo Kendo introduces students to the sport and shared etiquette of the sword. Beginners start with shinai training to learn the basics of sword handling, movement, strikes, and etiquette. As a student progresses, they'll put on the armor, and start sparring. Typically it will take a few (3-4) months of shinai and kihon (basics) practice before being able begin sparring.

In addition to the kihon of sword handling, students practice the fundamental kendo bokuto exercises "Bokuto-ni-yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keiko-ho" which are useful for building techniques and required for rank testing.

There are also 7 paired Tachi-no-kata specifically for kendo where practitioners execute a series of attacks and blocks to specific targets. There are an additional 3 Kodachi-no-kata which utilize the tanto in place of a bokuto.

Similar to iaido, there are some key concepts in kendo which are fundamental and required to score a point in keiko.

• Killing the "ken"
  If each opponent maintains correct chudan kamae, neither should be able to find any striking opportunities. The tip of the opponent's sword can be controlled by touching, deflecting, slapping, or rolling their shinai.
• Killing the "waza"
  Assertive and constant attacking will prevent the opponent from being able to initiate their own preferred techniques.
• Killing the "ki"
  The opponent's willpower can be overwhelmed and their attacking opportunities forestalled or prevented by advancing with a determined and strong fighting spirit. Through application of seme and forcing openings in the opponent's mental and physical kamae allows exchange of techniques to become possible. Basically it's applying pressure and attacking. Understanding this is fundamental for improvement in kendo skills.