剣道 KENDO
Kendo literally means ‘The Way of the Sword’ (Ken: sword + Do: way).
Kendo is one of Japan’s oldest martial arts, and the one most closely associated with the Samurai. The concept of kendo is to discipline the human spirit through the principles of the katana (Japanese sword).
While Kendo has now become a popular sport form, the warrior principles are still very much in evidence. It is suitable for both men and women, who compete and train together.
The Concept of Kendo
The concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana (Japanese Sword). ‘The Concept of Kendo’ was established by All Japan Kendo Federation in 1975.
The purpose of practicing Kendo
-
To mould the mind and body
-
To cultivate a vigorous spirit
-
To strive for improvements in the art of kendo through correct and rigid training
-
To hold in esteem human courtesy an honour
-
To associate with others with sincerity
-
To forever pursue the cultivation of oneself
This will make one able to:
-
Love his/her country and society
-
Contribute to the development of culture
-
Promote peace and prosperity among all peoples
Competition Kendo
Kendo matches (shiai) are fought between two contestants on a court (shiajo), usually 11 metres square, and are refereed by three judges (shinpan).
Kendo matches are decided by san-bon-shobu (best of three points). If a match is tied, sometimes encho (an extension) ensues, until a point (ippon) is scored.
Half-point penalties (hansoku) are given for fouls such as dropping a shinai, or stepping out of the shiajo. If a contestant fouls twice, a point is awarded to his or her opponent.
To score a point, the target must be struck with the correct part of the bamboo sword (shinai), exhibiting strong kiai (spirit and positive voice), the right posture, and zanshin (mental and physical alertness against the opponents attack, positive follow-through of attack and strike)
Target Areas
The target areas are:
-
Men (the head, centre, left or right temples)
-
Kote (the wrist, usually the right)
-
Do (across the body, usually the right side)
-
Tsuki (a thrust to the throat)
