MARTIAL ARTS
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WHAT IS KENDO?
Kendo is derived from the ancient art of the Japanese samurai swordsmanship.Full body armour is worn for protection against a sword which is made from four sections of bamboo and bound together, this is called a "shinai".
Kendo is the modern art of Kenjutsu which is believed to date back before 1590, infact the origins of Kenjutsu can be traced back to as early as AD789. It was this time in Japan that the nobleman in the city of Nara, which was then the capital of Japan were introduced to "komutachi" the sword exercise.
It was in the early Tokugawa period, around 1600 - 1750 that the change from Kenjutsu to Kendo started to change but it was not until the end of the 18th century that the shinai became commonly used as a practice sword, until then the bokken and the katana would be used.
The true concepts of Kendo and the purpose of practising the art:-
To mould the mind and body To cultivate a vigorous spirit Through correct and rigid training:- To strive for the improvement in the art of Kendo To hold in esteem human courtesy and honour To associate with others with sincerity To pursue forever the cultivation of oneself Thus, you will be able:- To love your country and society To contribute to the development of culture To promate peace and prosperity among all people
Because Kendo is a full contact art it is important the body is adequately protected.
A. Men Helmet to protect the head, face and neck.
B. Do Body armour for the chest and ribs.
C. Kote Protection for the wrists and hands.
D. Tare Protection for the lower body.
A cotton cloth called a tenugui is first placed on the head in the form similar to a headscarf. This has a number of purposes, it acts has a cushion under the men, the cloth helps to soak up the sweat and preventing it running into the eyes, it also helps to keep the hair out of the eyes and away from the face.
COMPETITION
Competition (shiai) plays a very important role in Kendo
as it allows the practitioners the opportunity to try out their techniques
in as near realistic environment as possible.
A shiai usually lasts for five minutes, and the winner is the person
who scores two points or a single point if the time given ends first.
A timekeeper and three court referee's as well as a senior referee off
the court are usually present.
The judges look for a number of things so as to award a point, such
as the accuracy and skill of the strike itself as well as good posture
and composure.
A complete set of regulations and
refereeing rules are set out on a separate page.
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