Kendo

Summary

Kendo is a Japanese martial art meaning literally “the way of the sword.” The art of Kendo combines basic martial art techniques as well as sports-like moves. Since Kendo today is also regarded as a contemporary sport, practitioners gather together to improve physical form and strength and to participate in Kendo matches.

History / Origins

ETYMOLOGY

Kendo is a Japanese word with a literal meaning “the way of the sword.” It is a traditional Japanese martial art that makes use of both mental and physical awareness. Users of Kendo techniques are called Kendoka which means “someone who practices the art of Kendo.” They are also being called Kenshi which means “swordsmen.”

BEGINNINGS

Kendo has been a part of Japan’s rich culture. The beginnings of Kendo can be attributed to the birth of the sword on the 11th century during the Helan era, where swords became useful in most of Japanese battles. The Kamakura period (1185-1233) is known to be the era of horse riding, arching, and sword fencing especially for the military clans. It was in this period when Kendo was developed through the influence of Zen Buddhism.

Many swordsmen embraced the concept of Kendo. A group eventually established a school where Kendo techniques, practices, and philosophies were formally taught to students who showed interest in this art. The practices of the ancestors of Kendo continued for centuries which became the basis of the fundamentals of Kendo of the present time.

During the Shotoku Era (1711-1715), Naganuma Shirōzaemon Kunisato introduced the bamboo practice swords 'shinai' and armour 'bōgu' that we all recognize today.

PRESENT DAY

In the last few decades, many different schools of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu have surfaced. Although the differences are often subtle, one can differentiate between Gracie Jiu-Jitsu School and the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school. The first one is mostly oriented on self-defence techniques, while the second one is considered to be more of a sports discipline. Nowadays, the discipline is not only practiced in schools, real-life situations and on the streets, but has also been brought to sport halls. Jiu-Jitsu Federation hosts numerous major tournaments every year in different countries. The most famous include the Pan American Championship, the Mundials and the European Championship. Last ten years have also brought much popularity to the technique, especially in America as a result of the media coverage of numerous challenge matches.

FOLKLORE

Tales of swords is one element that helps to make Japan’s history and culture extremely interesting. It is said that there were Three Sacred Treasures that served as the Imperial Regalia. Kusanagi, a legendary sword, was one of these treasures. Folklore has it that Kusanagi was found by Susanoo, the brother of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, in the tail of Yamata no Orochi, the eight-headed serpent. When he claimed it, Susanoo surrendered Kusanagi to the tenth Emperor Sujin and the emperor deposited the Three Sacred Treasures in Amaterasu’s shrine. The Three Sacred Treasures, in 4 C.E., were moved to Uji in Ise Province.

In 113 C.E., Prince Yamato Takeru passed through Ise Province on his way to subjugate the Ainu in the northern part of Japan. Yamato-hime, his aunt, let him use the sword and gave him a bag that will provide him protection. Ainu and his troops attacked the group of Prince Yamato Takeru by setting fires in the field. The prince cut the grasses with fire using the sacred sword and he used the bag of protection given to him by his aunt to reverse the fires to Ainu’s troops.