The art of Japanese Samurai Swordsmanship is rooted in the traditions of “Bushido” - the Way of the Samurai.
"Ken" means sword, "Do" means ‘way’ or ‘path’ = "The Way of the Sword"- So Kendo is “a path in life” which when followed will bring you to a better place, that is, an improvement in character, strength and will.
The concept of Kendo is to polish the human character through the application of the principles of Bushido.
Kendo began to take its modern appearance during the late 18th century with the introduction of protective equipment: the ‘men’ (helmet), ‘kote’ (gloves) and ‘do’ (chest plate) 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 predicated the establishment of new regulations and practice formats which set the foundation of modern Kendo.
Kendo, like other martial arts, requires discipline and a dedication to training. It is both exhilarating and demanding to learn. A new student begins with learning the basics such as: etiquette, different footwork, and how to properly swing a sword. The student progresses through a series of skills preparing them to begin training with armor (bogu).
Once a student begins to practice, a class may be composed of any or all of the following types of practice:
- Kiri-Kaeshi: successively striking the left and right men, practice centering, distance, and proper cutting while building spirit and stamina.
- Waza-Geiko: technique practice in which the student learns to use the many techniques of Kendo with a receiving partner.
- Kakari-Geiko: short, intense, attack practice which teaches continuous alertness, the ability to attack no matter what has come before, as well as building spirit and stamina.
- Ji-Geiko: actual fencing where the kendo-ka has a chance to try all that he or she has learned.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
E-mail: ryushukan@optonline.net
Call: 631-698-2467
