Kendo Questions or about Kendo

1. What is Kendo?

Kendo in Japanese means the way of the sword and its practise has been central to Japanese society for many hundreds of years. During a particularly turbulent ere of Japanese history, around the 16th century, called the Sengoku Jida or 'Age of the Country At War' many schools of swordsmanship sprang up run by great masters. Each school had its own particular style and was associated with a particular clan, it was in these schools that the now legendary samurai learned their skills.
After the civil war and the introduction of muskets to Japan the need for samurai and their skills started to die out, this was seen as a shame by many who regarded the samurai and their code of honour and mental and physical discipline as a cornerstone to Japanese society. To preserve the samurai tradition, the most sucessful schools continued to train samurai, however after many accidental deaths bamboo swords called shinai and armour were introduced.
Over the centuries the many hundreds of moves and stances have been reduced so that now kendo consists of only a handful of basic moves, two main stances and only four target areas. Kendo is a now seen very much as a sport in Japan it is hugely popular with most schools including it as an after school activity. In Britain however it still remains widely unknown.

2. Is Kendo dangerous?

In a word no, when you start kendo you will initially practice the basic moves without a partner so there is no chance of any injury. When you are good enough you will be allowed to wear bogu (kendo armour) and pracice against other Kendoka (kendo practitioners). Bogu is made from traditional materials and has been designed over hundreds of years to provide maximum protection during kendo practice. Bogu covers the head, face with a metal guard or fence, throat, chest, stomach, waist, thighs, hands and wrists. The sword shinai that is used is actually made of four peices of bamboo that make a loud noise when a hit is made but do not actually hurt. However kendo is heavy on the feet and beginners may find that bad, energetic kendo may lead to blisters. For more information about kendo armour see below.

3. Can anyone take part in Kendo?

Anyone can take part in Kendo and enjoy it no matter what level you reach. Kendo unlike many other martial arts does not rely on brute strength or physical force, but rather steady nerves, quick reactions and speed this makes it an ideal sport for women, and on many occasions I have seen a smaller women easily beat a large man simply because they are able to react more quickly.
To take part in Kendo you will need a fair to good level of fitness. You will need to be supple with a good range of movement in both your arms and legs, you won't be required to maintain vigourous exercise for a long while but rather the ability to release all your energy in a single explosive burst.

4. Will I have to buy a lot of expensive equipment?

To start Kendo all you will need is a pair of jogging bottoms and a T-shirt, once you become more involved and experienced you may wish to purchase your own Keikogi practice jacket, Hakama a wide pleated divided skirt and shinai as shown on the right.

Your club can usually arrange the purchase of clothing and armour for you at a discounted price.

5. How does grading work in Kendo?

Grades go from 6th Kyu for beginners to 1st Kyu (Ikkyu), then 1st Dan (Shodan) and up. Grades below 2nd Kyu are awarded for no charge at open gradings held by the club and may be skipped. From Ikkyu onwards they are awarded nationally and must be taken in sequence.









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