Kendo in our dojo

Kendo, the modern incarnation of the ancient

Japanese art of swordsmanship, is more than

just a sport; it is a path to self-discipline, respect,

and inner strength. This dynamic martial art

combines physical skill with mental focus, where

practitioners, known as kendoka, commit not

only to perfecting their strikes with the shinai

(bamboo sword) but also to personal growth.

In our kendo club, we welcome everyone who

wishes to explore this noble discipline, regard-

less of age or experience. Join our community

and discover the power of kendo: a sport that

challenges both body and mind, a community

that supports one another, and a tradition that

takes you on a lifelong journey of improvement.

Come and be part of our kendo family, where

every strike and defense contributes to a stron-

ger, more focused you. This is your chance to be

part of something great – seize the sword and

begin your kendo adventure today!

Benefits of Kendo

Kendo, the Japanese art of swordsmanship, of-

fers a wide array of benefits. It is a discipline

that not only enhances physical skills such as

coordination, strength, and endurance but also

promotes mental acuity and self-discipline.

Practitioners learn to focus and control their

minds, which can lead to improved decision-ma-

king and stress management. Kendo is deeply

rooted in samurai tradition and emphasizes res-

pect, honor, and humility, making it an enriching

experience for individuals of all ages. By apply-

ing the principles of the sword, one develops a

strong mind and body, contributing to a healthy

lifestyle and personal growth.

Basic Principles of Kendo

Kendo, also known as the Way of the Sword, is a

modern Japanese martial art that has its roots in

ancient samurai combat forms. The basic princi-

ples of kendo include discipline, respect, and

self-control, similar to the principles found in

iaido. Kendoka, the practitioners of kendo, aim

for technical perfection through intensive trai-

ning and adherence to traditional values such as

honor, courage, and loyalty. These principles are

not only applicable during training but also in

daily life, where kendoka strive to integrate

these values into their interactions with others.

Kendo requires strong mental focus and concen-

tration, and the training includes ritual greetings,

basic exercises for posture and footwork, and

sparring with a partner, where speed, precision,

and strategic thinking are essential.

Weapons in Kendo

In Kendo, the Japanese art of swordsmanship,

mainly two types of weapons are used: the shi-

nai and the bokken. The shinai is a sword made

of split bamboo and is used for most training

and competitions. It is designed to ensure the

safety of practitioners during sparring. The bok-

ken is a wooden sword that is primarily used in

kendo kata, the form exercises that simulate the

movements and techniques of sword fighting. In

modern Kendo, there are two types of attacks:

strikes and thrusts. Strikes are only allowed to

be directed at specific parts of the body such as

the head, wrists, and torso, while thrusts are

mainly aimed at the throat. These techniques re-

quire precision and control and are judged on

correct execution during competitions.

Purpose of kendo

The purpose of kendo at Renshinjuku is to

shape character and personality through the

principles of the katana (the sword). This

Japanese martial art, which originates from the

sword-fighting skills of the samurai, is not just a

physical training but also a spiritual discipline.

Through correct and rigorous training, one aims

to improve in the art of kendo, where courtesy

and honor are of utmost importance. One

learns to deal sincerely with others and to conti-

nuously develop oneself. In this way, kendo con-

tributes to the love for the country and society,

the development of culture, and the promotion

of peace and prosperity among all peoples.

Kendo equipment

The equipment of a kendo practitioner is desig-

ned to ensure safety and replicate the expe-

rience of traditional Japanese sword fighting.

The main components are the shinai, a sword

made of bamboo slats, and the bōgu, a set of

protective gear. The bōgu consists of four parts:

the men (helmet), which protects the head and

throat; the do (chest plate), which protects the

torso; the kote (gloves), which protect the hands

and forearms; and the tare (hip protector),

which protects the waist and hips. The attire in-

cludes the keikogi (training jacket) and hakama

(wide pants), which together provide freedom of

movement and comfort during the practice of

kendo.

Master in Kendo

The path to mastery in kendo is a personal jour-

ney that varies for each individual. Generally,

achieving the first dan, or black belt, can take

about 2 to 3 years with dedicated training. The

second dan often follows a year later, depending

on the frequency and intensity of practice. It's

important to remember that kendo is not just

about achieving ranks, but also about personal

growth, discipline, and understanding the dee-

per principles of the martial art. Regular trai-

ning, practicing sword exercises at home, and a

focus on continuous improvement are essential

for progress in kendo. The journey to mastery is

endless; even high-ranking practitioners conti-

nue to learn and develop in their kendo practice.

Achieving mastery in kendo, a Japanese sword-

fighting art, is a long-term process that heavily

depends on personal dedication and the fre-

quency of training. Attaining higher dan grades,

such as the 8th dan, is considered one of the

most challenging feats in the martial arts world,

with a success rate of about 1% after a training

period that can range from 20 to 60 years. The

road to mastery in Kendo is not only a physical

challenge but also an exercise in self-discipline

and character building, applying the principles

of the sword (Katana). It's important to remem-

ber that kendo is not just about technical skill,

but also about the development of the mind and

character, which requires a lifelong

commitment.

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