• What is kendo • What will you learn from kendo • Purpose of kendo • Types of kendo • Kendo fights • Kendo equipment • What do you need as a beginner • Kendo grades • Competitions and seminars • Kendo in South Africa • Mushin kendo dojo: committee and achievements • General etiquette • General administrative rules as set out during the AGM
What is kendo 剣道
• Kendo means: The way of the sword • It is a martial art based on japanese sword fighting, we do not use real swords ever • In kendo you are taught how to think and act like a samurai • The sport was developed by Master Nakanishi Chuzo in order to minimise the danger of injury faced by students practicing the original Samurai art of Kenjutsu • Kendo is a full contact sport • In kendo it is not just about brute strength, it is about using what talents and skills you have to overcome your opponent and any challenges you might face What will you learn from kendo?
Kyo Ku Gi Waku Gan-Soku-Tan-Riki The 4 things you must conquer: The 4 key elements of kendo
• Kyo (surprise) : do not be startled or • Gan (sight) : to see your opponents, not taken by surprise. only physically, but also their character, • Ku (fear) : do not let awe of your feelings, intentions opponent or fear of failure overcome • Soku (footwork) : movement of the body. you. • Ta ourage : o e s spirit a d attitude • Gi (doubt) : do not hesitate or enter to ard o e s self a d fello hu a into half-hearted action. beings. • Waku (confusion) : do not let your • Riki (power) : the ability to put into mind wander and become disordered. practise ki-ken-tai no ichi to produce powerful strikes and a powerful presence
Purpose of kendo
• To mould the mind and body • To cultivate a vigorous spirit
And through correct and rigorous training • You strive for the improvement of your own Kendo • You learn to value a loss and to respect your opponent • You learn to associate with others with sincerity. • And to forever pursue the refinement of yourself