Kendo Classes

Kendo Classes

Kendo is a popular martial art that also has a rich history that is linked to the expansive and deep culture of the Japanese. Yet during the years of the Second World War, the art of Kendo began to spread throughout different parts of the world and finally found its place in today’s modern society. Practicing and training in Kendo classes is undeniably a very fulfilling and accomplishing activity and participants who engage in this art have an age range of three or four years and up until the age of ninety. These older Kendoka still continue to practice and attend Kendo classes which is definitely proof of the art’s continuous and lasting appeal.

Generally, Kendo is an art of fencing since it makes use of swords and body armor that are made from plastic or bamboo. It also features a specific scoring system plus the chance for Kendoka’s to join tournaments and competitions with judges and a ranking scheme. In essence, it is safe to say that Kendo is somewhat similar to other martial arts such as Judo and Karate. Although Kendo is also an art of fencing, there is a main difference of the art between European fencing since Kendo primarily utilizes simulated slicing methods that can be categorized as a full contact sport. Furthermore, the art of Kendo has preserved the traditional customs of Japan while simultaneously valuing the physical and mental development of an individual – this being a representation of the way of the sword which is basically the literal translation of the word Kendo.

Kendo Classes

Based on research, there is an estimate of about fourteen million individuals all over the world who practice the art of Kendo, and these people are active students and practitioners of the art. Compared to every other known martial arts, Kendo has a single global federation and every country that engages in the art also has a single national organization.
When a person decides to train in Kendo, it does not matter where their location is since the local Kendo dojo or club in their area is part of the same organization as every other Kendo dojo in the world. Although there are quite a few differences how one dojo approaches the art, the bases are all practically and essentially the same.

The Philosophy of Kendo Training

The All Japan Kendo Federation or AKF is known as the foundation of modern-day Kendo; they have also produced a document named the Meaning of Kendo and its purpose is to emphasize, as well as to explain, Kendo’s different values as a contemporary type of martial art. Kendo represents its core values through several interesting ideas and teaches every practitioner how one should act while engaging in the martial art, as well as how to act accordingly in their daily lives. Kendo training also exhibits the fact that it is one activity that blends the intellectual, physical, and spiritual elements without forcing these thoughts on those who desire to practice the art. Here is a list of the true purpose of engaging in Kendo training and practice:

  • To mold the body and mind while cultivating a powerful spirit through proper and thorough training.
  • Aiming to improve in the art of Kendo.
  • To practice esteem, honor, and human courtesy while also being purely sincere to others.
  • To cultivate one’s mind and spirit to contribute to the development of one’s culture.
  • And to also promote prosperity and peace amongst all individuals.

Kendo Classes

Engaging in Kendo classes definitely has a spiritual element for those who are searching for it, and every training session begins with a short period of meditation where every Kendoka takes about two minutes to relax and leave all their worries behind. Keep in mind that going through meditation is not a unique practice only for Kendo since every other practitioner of other martial arts, as well as the top athletes of the world go through the same process before he or she begins their activity. Kendo has simply incorporated this practice since it helps every Kendoka relax and concentrate during their Kendo training. So for those who wish to learn while also finding their inner balance, attending Kendo classes is definitely a good starting point.