Untitled Document

WHAT IS KENDO?

SOME NOTIONS OF THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF KENDO

The sword has been a part of Japanese culture since the earliest surviving records of that country. References to swordsmanship can be found in the ancient chronicles of Japanese history. Though it is difficult to make accurate date estimates from those sources, but some sources describe references as early as A.D. 400.

During feudal times in Japan, the sword was an important instrument in the establishment of social and political rule. The early part of Japanese history is largely dominated by wars between various provinces. The feudal lords employed armies of Samurai warriors to defend their land, conquer enemies, and maintain order. Swordsmanship was a basic discipline of military training, and a strict training regimen was developed to ensure that the proper lessons were taught in a systematic manner. Strong sword teachers were highly prized by the feudal lords, and powerful warlords made considerable efforts to identify and hire the best swordsmen in the land.

With the development of firearms, and the establishment of a stable military rule, the sword lost much of its value as a battlefield weapon. Nevertheless, swordsmanship flourished during the Tokugawa shogunate (around the year 1600). The warrior (Bu) training of the Samurai was considered to be the perfect complement to academic and social (Bun) learning, and both were considered necessary in the development of well-rounded individuals.

The art of swordsmanship directly co-evolved with technological, cultural, and philosophical developments in Japanese society. For example metallurgical discoveries made by swordsmiths were applied to other areas. One of the most intriguing aspects of Japanese swordsmanship is the way in which the ideals of the warrior were married to the study of Zen Buddhism, which made it's way to Japan from India, via China. Because so many aspects of Zen training and philosophy were in harmony with the ideals and training of the Samurai, Japanese warriors embraced Zen, and found that it lent moral and ethical depth to their experience as humans.

To a great extent the development of the modern ideal of the Samurai was shaped by the influence of Zen Buddhism. Though the religion and its leaders did not actively promote the endeavours of the Samurai, it did seem to offer them a belief system that fit well with the kind of life they lived.

One of the hallmarks of Zen is the rejection of any intellectual device that could provide a barrier to one's perception of reality. Even the most mundane experience is elevated to the sublime if it is conveyed directly to one's senses without prejudgement, or analysis. For the Samurai warrior, whose life could depend on a split second judgement, the simple clarity of Zen was appealing. A moment's thought could mean death, so there could be no delay between knowing, and acting. The ultimate goal of both the Samurai and the Zen monk was to become in harmony with the universe, so that one's actions would naturally be in accordance with the divine powers.

The life of a Zen monk was in many ways similar to that of a Samurai. Both considered that perfection was only attainable through austere practice. There were many cases of Samurai warriors augmenting their training at a Zen temple. There are also cases of Zen temples that became known for the combat valor of their monks, who trained in martial arts to perfect their practice of Zen.

ABOUT MODERN KENDO

Today, Kendo is millions of men, women, and children practice kendo. Not only is it still popular in Japan, but enthusiasm for Japanese fencing has spread to Korea, the United States, Canada, South America and Europe as well as to the Nordic countries.

Modern Kendo has developed a strong sporting aspect. The All-Japan Kendo Championships are a major sporting event in Japan.

This is how Mr. Hiroshi Ozawa defines kendo and its contemporary practice (Ozawa, Hiroshi: KENDO. The Definite Guide, 1997):

The practice of Kendo i.e. Japanese fencing as a physical activity has a long tradition within Japanese culture. Originally a method of sword manipulation, Kendo came to be more fully understood through observance of natural laws on the battlefield. It can be divided into the following three components:

1: The way of the body how to hold the sword, maai (spatial distance separating two opponents), etc.

2: The way of the sword how to execute a strike, the right moment to execute a strike, etc.

3: The way of the mind the correct mental attitude.

While these divisions represent a useful basis for a theoretical understanding of the main elements of Kendo, in practice they are closely interlinked, with the distinction between them not always so clear. Nevertheless, it is essential that those learning Kendo first acquire a grasp of these basic components and realize that the practice of Kendo is more than a simple matter of overcoming an opponent.

Kendo has been practiced for various purposes at different stages of its development, according to the prevailing social conditions of the era. While everyone beginning Kendo will have their own particular motive, the aim of Kendo today may be said to be the development of a healthy body and mind through a sustained period of practice (keiko). In Japan, between four and five million people practice Kendo in schools, workplaces, and police stations, as well as in dojos.

Present-day Kendo is a technique, which enables a strike to be executed on an opponent in a previously determined spot, by means of a shinai (bamboo sword). In this sense, Kendo may be likened to a modern sport. However, we should also retain the spirit of Kendo, which has survived throughout ages. The original motto of Kendo was "Victory means survival, defeat means death." Although today this is not to be taken literally, it is important to adopt a serious attitude toward the practice of Kendo, incorporating physical, spiritual, and social development.

It should be remembered that Kendo is not something you know, but rather something you enjoy learning. Kendo is therefore something you become good at unconsciously, over a period of time. Keiko should be carried out with the whole self-spirit, physical strength, and technique. Each keiko, and each strike delivered during keiko, should be performed as if it were the one and only chance you have. Though keiko, strive hard to develop the self and improve your Kendo by devoting yourself to keiko for its own sake.

Despite passing through various stages of development, the essence of Kendo has remained constant: one person faces another, ready with the shinai, mind meets mind, and the opponents strike. By training one's spirit and performing keiko correctly, honestly, and full of vigor, ennobling of human nature takes place says Mr. Ozawa.

HELSINKI KENDO CLUB

The Helsinki Kendo Club Ki-Ken-Tai-Icchi is an active, well-organised club, which with its over 100 members is the largest in Finland. Our club was founded in 1986 and it is a member of the Finnish Kendo Association.

During the winter-season we train seven times a week and also during the summertime we in average have training four times a week. Our juniors have training normally twice a week.

OUR INSTRUCTORS

Mr. Markus Frey (5th dan) and Mr. Mikko M. E. Salonen (5th dan) bear the main responsibilites for general training in our club and Mr. Jukka Alstela (3rd dan) for our junior training.