Οι επτά πιέτες (πτυχώσεις) της hakama

H hakama έχει επτά βαθιές πτυχώσεις, δύο στο πίσω μέρος και πέντε στο μπροστινό μέρος. Οι πιέτες, αναφέρονται στις επτά αρετές του Bushido, που θεωρούνται ουσιαστικής σημασίας για τους σαμουράι. Αν και φαίνεται ισορροπημένη η διάταξη των μπροστινών πτυχώσεων (τρεις στα δεξιά και δύο στα αριστερά) εντούτοις είναι ασύμμετρη και αποτελεί ένα παράδειγμα της ασυμμετρίας στην ιαπωνική αισθητική.

Οι επτά αρετές:   
Chu: πίστη
Ko: ευσέβεια
Jin: φιλανθρωπία, συμπόνια
Gi: τιμή ή δικαιοσύνη
Rei: σεβασμός, ευγένεια και ευπρέπεια

Chi: σοφία, εξυπνάδα
Shin: ειλικρίνεια

Οι πέντε πιέτες στο μπροστινό μέρος είναι οι πέντε αρετές Gotoku, της ιαπωνικής παραδοσιακής κοινωνίας (οι πέντε πρώτες αρετές). Όλες μαζί αντιπροσωπεύουν την ολοκλήρωση του ανθρώπου.

How to wear Tenugui and Bandanna.

Tenugui for Kendo.
Tenugui.

How to Tie a Square Knot Bandanna.
How to Fold and Wear A Bandana.

Naginata

The Naginata is a weapon with a rich history, utilized and refined from the Nara Period (710-784 A.D.) to today. Employed initially by the Bushi, it later found itself the specific weapon of the Sohei or Buddhist monks. It is the school of the spear and, as such, is a shafted weapon. The length of its oval shaft varied, from 5' to 8', depending on battle conditions and personal requests. The most striking feature, however, was the blade; it could be anywhere from 10 inches to more than 2 feet, and was sharpened on a single side, fashioned in the manner of either Sakizori or Uchizori. As with most shafted weapons, it was most devastating when utilizing sweeping, circular motions. However, thrusts with the blade and also the heavy ishizuki on the butt end were acceptable tactical alternatives.

The naginata is a halberd-like weapon that was used extensively in feudal Japan. Described by some as simply "a sword on the end of a long pole", the naginata was actually a sophisticated weapon which required considerable skill and stamina to use effectively in battle. It consisted of a curved blade, 1 to 2 feet in length, mounted onto an oak shaft that was usually 5 to 9 feet long. The actual dimensions of a naginata were primarily dependent on personal preferences and battle conditions. Attached to the butt end of the shaft was a sharp end-cap, or ishizuki, which was used to pierce between the plates of an attacker's armor.

Although the exact origin of the naginata is not known, three theories are prominent today. The first states that the naginata evolved from a simple farming tool used for chopping. In the early part of the third century BC, farmers attached sharp stones to the end of long wooden shafts. Later, metal was used in place of the stones.

The second theory is that the naginata evolved directly as a weapon. The first prototype blades were most likely made of bronze, followed later by steel. This theory sets the development of the naginata well after the introduction of metal to Japan from the Asian continents (after 200 BC).

The third theory is that Chinese halberds were carried to Japan during early migrations, sometime around 200 BC. By the Han and Wei Dynasties (approximately 200 AD) these weapons closely resembled the type of naginata eventually used by Japanese warriors. Some historians believe that, although the Chinese may have invented the weapon, it was later developed, utilized, and refined by the Japanese.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding its origin, it is a well-known fact that the naginata was being fully utilized in battle by the 10th century. Cavalry battles had become more important by this time, and it was difficult to repel mounted warriors simply by means of the bow, arrow, and sword. The naginata proved to be a superb weapon for close-up fighting; it's sweeping arcs of destruction were used to cut a horse's legs and kill its rider once the horse fell to the ground. During the Gempei War (1180), in which the Taira clan was pitted against the Minamoto, the naginata rose to a position of particularly high esteem. Because of its extensive use at that time, changes were made in the type of armor worn by warriors. The addition of "sune-ate", or shin guards, came into use directly because of injuries inflicted by naginata-bearing warriors. The naginata was also used extensively by women warriors. It is a common misconception that women of that era were submissive and subdued. In reality, they were highly trained warriors who were well versed in the use of the naginata as well as many hand to hand fighting techniques. One of the most famous women warriors was Itagaki. Famous for her naginata skills, Itagaki was in charge of a garrison of 3,000 warriors at the Torizakayama castle. The Hojo shogunate dispatched over 10,000 warriors to crush them. Itagaki led her troops out of the castle directly into the Hojo warriors, killing a significant number of them before finally being overpowered. Off of the battlefield, the naginata was also used by women as a means of protecting themselves and their children while the men were away in battle or working in the fields. Because of the size and reach of the weapon, a woman could keep an attacker at a safe distance.

The introduction of firearms into Japan in the mid-17th century significantly altered battlefield strategies, and the naginata gradually became a weapon used solely by women for protection in their homes. Naginata training was also used as a means of exercise and character development. During the Edo period, a time of relative peace in feudal Japan, all Japanese women were required to master the naginata by age 18. By this time, naginata were usually ornately decorated, and were considered an essential part of a woman's dowry.

By http://www.scnf.org/

What is Jōdō?

Jōdō (杖道) is a Japanese martial art in which we study the use of a stick (jō) against a sword (katana).
It is told to be created by Muso Gonnosuke who saw the techniques in a dream after he was defeated by Miyamoto Musashi. On their second meeting, Muso Gonnosuke won by using the new skills he had developed.

This is how Shintō Muso ryū Jōjutsu was founded.

Today we are practising the standardised form of All Japan Kendo Federation. It was initialised by Shimizu Takaji of the original style founded by Muso Gonnosuke after the second World War. This became known as Seitei Jō. Similar path has happened to Kendō, Iaidō and Naginatadō.

The standardised Jōdō consists of twelve basic techniques and of twelve basic katas. The basic techniques, called kihon waza, are executed alone (tandoku dosa) or against a swordsman (sōtai dosa).

The stick used in Jōdō is 128 centimetres (4 shaku, 2 sun and 1 bu) of length and 2.8 centimetres (8 bu) in diameter.

Jōdō is practised against a swordsman but for safety, the sword is made of wood, thus bokken is used by the opponent. The person using the stick is called Shijō, the person with sword called Uchidachi.
The techniques used by the swordsman are similar to the ones used in Kendō kata.

As a discipline of Budō, Jōdō cultivates its practitioners mental skills. A Jōdōka learns etiquette, manners and well controlled behaviour which helps in everyday situations.

The 12 names of the Zen Ken Ren Jōdō:

1. Tsukizue
2. Suigetsu
3. Hissage
4. Shamen
5. Sakan
6. Monomi
7. Kasumi
8. Tachi otoshi
9. Rai uchi
10. Seigan
11. Midare dome
12. Ran ai

by http://paazio.nanbudo.fi/martial-arts/jodo/what-is-jodo-and-other-yudansha-questions

What is Kiai

Variation from http://www.horindojo.co.uk/Articles/What%20is%20Kiai.pdf

When asked “what is Kiai”, I would think that most students of modern martial arts would answer with something like; “a shout of power”, “a fierce yell”, or something similar.

The term Kiai is a compound of two Kanji (Chinese characters).
The first Ki has a meaning of ‘mind’, ‘will’ or ‘spirit’.
The second Ai is a contraction of the verb ‘Awasu’, to unite.

So you can see from this meaning that ‘Kiai’ is more that just a shout, it is the ability to concentrate the whole of one’s being – mind, body & spirit in a single unified action. The vocal part of Kiai does not start in the throat but instead should erupt from deep within the pit of the stomach or the Hara.

Kiai wo kakeru (to utter Kiai)
To attack your enemy with Kiai exactly at the moment when your enemy has no Ki in their Saika Tanden (hara).

Fukushiki Kokyu
The art of deep, diaphragmatic breathing

There are also esoteric meanings behind Kiai, these have an effect on specific moves & the coordination of weapons, spirit, and body. The main of these being
Yo no Kiai
In no Kiai

Yo no Kiai can be subdivided into;
i) Kiai of winning = Yaa!
The use of this Kiai is to make the enemy feel that they have already lost.
ii) Now attacking Kiai = Aa!
The use of this Kiai is to make the enemy feel one has found their weakpoint. The enemy will not then be able to use full power as their hearts have been unstabled.
iii) I already know your next technique kiai = Towa!
This makes the enemy feel that one knows their intentions, thus destroying the desire in your enemy to continue.

In no Kiai, is most famously used for the Toate no Jutsu (techniques of striking from a distance), In no Kiai is silent in application but still has the ability to defeat your enemy. Deeply research the understanding of how sound interacts with action!!

Other Kiai used in training involves the use of Kiai in conjunction with Kime (or focus), each time a Kansetsu waza (locking techniques) is used on an enemy it is accompanied with a low deep belly Kiai of “Uuhhmm”, this is to add emphasis to the control of the techniques and to counter any resistance offered by your enemy. This type of Kiai is very important for Ju Jutsu training.

It is said; “If the mind be kept one & undivided it will accommodate itself to ten thousand varied circumstances. That is the reason why a superior person can keep their mind empty & undisturbed”.

Hakama (What is and how to fold)

A hakama is the skirt-like pants that some Ju-jitsu practitioners wear. Traditionally, it was worn by the samurai. The standard gi worn in Karate, Aikido and Judo classes as well as in other martial arts was usually the underclothes.Originally, the hakama was worn as an outer garment to protect a samurai horseman's legs from brush, weeds, etc. (similar to a cowboys leather chaps). In Japan, since leather was so very hard to come by, heavy cloth was used in its place. After the samurai made the transition from mounted soldiers to foot soldiers, they continued to wear the hakama largely due to the fact that it set them apart and made them easily identifiable. (http://www.loyola.edu/maru/hakama.html)

How to fold hakama (1)
How to fold hakama (2)
Mettre un hakama
How to put on a hakama
How to tie a hakama on

Kendo Grading Requirements from 6 Kyu to 5 Dan

Roku (6) kyu Requirements

• Correct Hakama & Keikogi
• Correct Bogu
• Rei and Sonkyo
• Ashi-sabaki

Kihon-waza to be executed with Motodachi, candidates wearing Tare and Do:

• Kihon Men
• Kihon Kote
• Kihon Do
• Kihon Kote-Men
• Kihon Kote-Do

• Kiri-Kaeshi

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Go (5) kyu Requirements

As for rok-kyu plus:

• Kihon Kote-Men
• Kihon Kote-Do

• Kiri-Kaeshi

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Yon (4) kyu Requirements

Full Bogu and demonstrating against each other.

As for go-kyu plus:

• Nidan-waza
• Sandan-waza

• Kiri-Kaeshi
• Kiri-Kaeshi as Motodachi
• Uchi-Komi Geiko

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San (3) kyu Requirements

As for yon-kyu.

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Ni (2) kyu Requirements

As for 3 kyu plus:

• Kakari Geiko
• Ji Geigo

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Ik (1) kyu Requirements

As for ni-kyu plus:

• Kata - 0-dachi Ipponme (1) to Sanbonme (3)

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Sho (1) dan Requirements

As for 1 kyu plus:

Kiai - the application of kiai to be in harmony with yoko-datotsu, i.e. ki-ken-tai ichi

Chudan No Kamae - Chudan-no-kamae is maintained before and after striking.

Grip of shinai - correct grip on shinai should be automatically assumed in Chudan-no-kamae with Te-no-Uchi immediately after the strike.

Ashi-waza - the main point being correct foot placment and attention to the height of the left heel.

Appearance -the reflection of the spirit of Kendo in dressing.

Kihon-waza - basic big techniques are exhibited.

Rei - correct attitude and manners displayed.

Shisei - correct posture and attitudes maintained appropriate to the actions being carried out.

Kiri-kaeshi - fluency of Kiri-kaeshi is maintained without loss of maai and correct striking of Men with the mono-uchi.

Kata: 0-dachi: Ipponme (1) to Gohonme (5)

Written exam:

• What do you want to learn from training in Kendo?
• Explain Maai.

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Ni (2) dan Requirements

As for shodan plus:

Shikake waza - ability to display correct form in executing methods of shikage-waza.

Ojiwaza - ability to display correct form in executing methods of oji-waza.

Shin - Spirit - demonstrate a true spirit during shiai.

Timing of strikes

Maai (advanced)

Kiri-kaeshi (advanced)

Kata - 0-dachi: Ipponme to Nanahonme

Written exam

• Explain why etiquette is important to Kendo.
• Explain the opportunity for Datotsu.

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San (3) dan Requirements

As for ni-dan plus:

Seme - pushing in to gain centre

Usage of Maai

Effective strike

Attitude and posture

Spirit

Zanshin Kata - o-dachi lpponme (1) to Nanahonme (7), ko-dachi: Ipponme (1) to Sanbonme (3)

Written exam

• Explain why it is important to practice Kendo Kata.
• Explain why it is necessary to practice Kiri-kaeshi.

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Yon (4) dan Requirements

As for san-dan plus:

Kigurai - nobility - for Yondan, nobility and near perfect kendo spirit are required. Nobility is something naturally generated as one progresses to a higher level in terms of technique and spirit.

Rei - this requirement applies to any grade but for Yondan, a clear refinement should be shown.

Rational strike - in short, this means that one never misses opportunities to attack, use of maai to the advantage demonstrate a good body maneuver and utilize San-sappo (Kill sword, kill spirit and kill technique of opponent). A state of Kendo where one does not miss opportunities to attack, control Maai, do not engage in unnecessary attacks and utilizes San-sappo.

Seme with effective Kensen (shinai tip) - for Sandan a strike using Seme was a requirement. For Yondan, additional types of Seme are also required, including Seme with Spirit and Seme the sword. To place oneself in a state of total concen tration and coerce opponent with Kensen.

Qualifications as an instructor - after achieving requirements for Shodan, Nidan and Sandan, the candidate is required to obtain a higher level of techniques such as Suri-age, Kaeshi-waza, Uchi-otoshiwaza, Nuki-waza and apply these techni ques depending on opponents.The candidate is required to understand Kendo both in technique and in theory with achievement in a higher level of Kendo than Sandan. Also required to perfect all ten Kata and able to instruct them.

Rational response (to opponents attacks and change in techniques) - the more senior one becomes, more rational response to a change is required, such as not to be perturbed by opponents, show rational response to attacks or a change in op ponents attacks. It is a condition to be Yondan that one remains calm against any changes in opponents techniques and respond rationally to it with desirable techniques.

Zanshin - the more senior one becomes, the better the Zanshin is required.

Speed and Te-no-Uchi - quick, fast and crisp strikes

Kata - o-dachi 1-7, ko-dachi 1-3

Written exam

• What is the important thing about learning basics in Kendo?
• Explain the meaning of Zanshin.
• Explain the correct manner of Kendo.

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Go (5) dan Requirements

As for yon-dan.

The process from Yondan to Godan involves polishing through further training what has been achieved so far. For Godan, one would have to have mastered all requirements for Shodan up to Yondan through long persistent training. While the requirements to be qualified as Godan are similar to that for Yondan, there is a certain variation in the order of priority. That is, ones' quality as an instructor becomes more important. For instance, the following are the requirements for Godan in order of priority.

Rational strike - in techniques, Godan should be able to utilise Shikake-waza, Oji-waza spontaneously in a match and should never miss opportunities to attack. One is also required to demonstrate a good footwork, manoeuvre well and good Z anshin after blows. Rational strikes are the highest state in Kendo technique one can achieve. There should be no unnecessary movements or strikes, it is a result of perfect balance, hit, techniques and spirit. Once one achieves this level of Kendo it becomes a beauty in its style and makes ones sense of the art in it.

Kigurai - If one trains both physical and mental aspects of kendo and face opponents with a belief of winning rather than being possessed by winning, his or her Kendo will achieve high nobility.

Qualifications as an instructor - as with yondan, quality as an instructor is important for Godan and it should be more refined.

Correct attitude.

Zanshin - Kensen must be 'alive'. Kata - o-dachi 1-7, ko-dachi 1-3

Written exam

• Explain your own mental attitude toward being a Kendo Instructor.
• Explain the meaning of Yuko-datotsu.
• Explain the importance of Kihon (Fundamentals) in Kendo.
• Explain the Referee's duties.
• Explain when it is the best time to attack.

Από το http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~kendo/grading.html

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.









Από το http://users.ox.ac.uk/~kendo/faq.html

Kendo training

Kendo Kata

How to Begin Your Training in Kendo? Part I
How to Begin Your Training in Kendo? Part II

All Japan Kendo Federation video I [1/3]
All Japan Kendo Federation video I [2/3]
All Japan Kendo Federation video I [3/3]
All Japan Kendo Federation video II [1/3]
All Japan Kendo Federation video II [2/3]
All Japan Kendo Federation video II [3/3]
All Japan Kendo Federation video III [1/3]
All Japan Kendo Federation video III [2/3]
All Japan Kendo Federation video III [3/3]

How to Strike Small Kote in Kendo
How to Strike Small Men in Kendo
How to Sit in Seiza in Kendo
Tenugui
Kendo How-To: Secure Bogu
How to Tie Kansai Style Men

Japanese numerals

There are two ways of writing the numbers in Japanese, in Hindu-Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) or in Chinese numerals (一, 二, 三). The Hindu-Arabic numerals are more often used in horizontal writing, and the Chinese numerals are more common in vertical writing. (Some numbers have multiple names.)
The special reading "maru" is also found. It is used when reading individual digits of a number one after another, instead of as a full number. A popular example is the famous 109 store in Shibuya which is read as "ichi-maru-kyū". This usage of "maru" for numerical 0 is similar to reading numeral 0 in English as "oh". Etymologically, it derives from 丸 or 円 (both "maru"). However, as a number, it is only written as 0 or 零.
The numbers 4 and 9 are considered unlucky in Japanese: 4, pronounced shi, is a homophone for "death" (死); 9, when pronounced ku, is a homophone for "suffering" (苦). The number 13 is sometimes considered unlucky, though this is a carryover from Western tradition .In modern Japanese, the kun readings are only used for single digit numbers and day-of-month names, although in many contexts the on readings will be used instead.

Number	Character	Preferred reading	On reading	Kun reading
0	零 / 〇	zero	rei / れい	-
1	一	ichi	ichi / いち	hito(tsu) / ひと(つ)
2	二	ni	ni, ji / に、じ	futa(tsu) / ふた(つ)
3	三	san	san / さん	mi(ttsu) / み(っつ)
4	四	yon	shi / し	yon, yo(ttsu) / よん、よ(っつ)
5	五	go	go / ご	itsu(tsu) / いつ(つ)
6	六	roku	roku / ろく	mu(ttsu) / む(っつ)
7	七	nana	shichi / しち	nana(tsu) / なな(つ)
8	八	hachi	hachi / はち	ya(ttsu) / や(っつ)
9	九	kyū	kyū, ku / きゅう、く	kokono(tsu) / ここの(つ)
10	十	jū	jū / じゅう	tō / とお
20	二十	ni-jū	ni-jū / にじゅう	hata(chi) / はた(ち)
30	三十	san-jū	san-jū / さんじゅう	miso / みそ
100	百	hyaku	hyaku / ひゃく	(momo / もも)