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| History |
Kendo is the modern product of centuries of martial arts training and technique development, refinement and perfection by the bushi, or classical warriors of Japan. Literally translated as "the Way of the Sword" (Ken - Sword, Do - way), this art is both competitive and introspective; combat is the apparent objective, but control over body, mind and spirit is the result. It may be difficult to prevail over a skilled opponent, but it is always harder to conquer one's own failings. Nippon Kendo, the precise national form recognized by the authority in Tokyo, was formalized in 1952, but can be traced back to the 9th century - when the mono-no-fu (samurai) were charged with maintaining order under the rule of the Heike clan in the Kanto region (near modern day Tokyo). From these coarse beginnings, a beautiful and deadly art emerged between swordsmen who engaged in Shin-ken sho-bu ("combat to the death") in order to test and improve skill. By the mid-18th century the disadvantages of contests with live blades had given rise to training with bokken (wooden swords) and shinai (lightweight bamboo mock swords). Shinai - geiko (training with mock swords) grew popular very quickly, and is the direct forerunner of modern kendo. The wisdom of the Edo-period masters in adopting the shinai and developing protective equipment is obvious in the current incarnation of the art.
Our school trains in the manner of Zen Nippon Renmei style kendo. Though most of the intermediate and advanced class is taught in Japanese, the senior students are present to aid in explanation and serve as teaching aides. The beginner's class is taught in English. Kendo at our school is truly a unique cultural experience.