Kendo: The Way of the Sword

 

Kendo is a modern martial art with roots in traditional Japanese sword training. There is a lot of information and video on the internet about it which reflects its status as an increasingly popular activity worldwide.

People of all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities train in Kendo together safely and continuously face new challenges in themselves and against others. Participants (Kendoka) wear a blue jacket and hakama, a type of pleated skirt/cullottes. Protective armour (bogu) covers the head, body, hands and throat, and these targets are attacked with a bamboo 'shinai', attempting to achieve a perfect, valid strike.

In Kendo a valid strike involves much more than just hitting a target with a shinai, an attack only scores if it is intended and well executed. The approach should put pressure on the opponent, the attack should be effective and on target and the spirit should be strong during and after the strike. Most importantly sword, body and spirit/mind must connect as one at the moment of impact. This is known as 'Ki Ken Tai no Ichi', it is a fundamental concept in Japanese sword arts and requires much practice and repetition.

The study of kendo improves speed, strength, reflexes, stamina and concentration. It also encourages self-awareness while being hugely enjoyable at the same time. 

What To Expect
No two sessions are the same, a lot depends on who is there and what the purpose of the training is, but you can expect everyone to warm up together before the beginners and the main group separate. The beginners are taught the basics while the more experienced people will usually go through paired exercises, work on particular techniques and usually finish with free 'sparring' practice.

Initial instruction concentrates on holding the sword and cutting, basic footwork and body movement. This is repetitive, even boring, but it is absolutely essential. The next level is to learn combination techniques and the most common 'drill' patterns. Once an adequate level of understanding of these is gained, students progress to wearing armour and practicing against 'live' opponents, who of course will be doing the same against you!

Kendoka practice to improve technique, focus the mind and work towards success in gradings and competitions. There are three aspects of training: kihon, keiko and kata.

Kihon is basic, repetitive practice and is the foundation of good kendo.  It is essential for building a strong posture and good technique.
Keiko is sparring practice; sometimes co-operating with and sometimes competing against an opponent. The experience gained in keiko  greatly influences success in gradings and competitions.
Kata are set forms using wooden swords (bokuto); typically one person initiates an attack while the opponent successfully employs a counter-technique. There are two sets of kata practised in Kendo: the Kihon Keiko Ho demonstrate the basic and most commonly used techniques in Kendo. Kendo no Kata are more combative with a wider range of techniques; some forms pair long swords together while others match short sword against long sword.

Seminars and Competition
Seminars are an important part of Kendo training and these are held around the UK in places such as Somerset, Stoke, London and Glasgow. Many seminars are based around gradings, and participants train with people of a similar level under the tuition of a high grade, usually 6th or 7th dan, before taking an examination. In 2010 a local North East grading for 1st Kyu and 1st dan was held for the first time, but higher level examinations up to 5th dan are taken at major national seminars.

Kendo is a martial art, not a sport, but many people enjoy competing in both team and individual events. Competition (shiai) is not essential, but it does give a focus to training that is different from weekly practice and gradings. All full BKA members are eligible to attend UK Kendo Squad training events and train with the top shiai competitors in the country.

Common Beginners' Questions

What Do I Need?
Equipment including shinai, bokuto and bogu is available for use by club members. Beginners should come along in track suit bottoms and t-shirt, there is no need to buy or bring anything apart from yourself! If you decide Kendo is for you then there are plenty of people who can advise on what to purchase and where to buy from. There are sometimes second hand items for sale so it's always worth asking around before spending your hard earned cash.

When you do buy a shinai remember it's made of bamboo and won't last for ever! This is especially true for beginners who tend to strike too hard and hit the metal part of the men. However you can make your shinai last longer by sanding and oiling it regularly.

Am I too Old/Young?
We prefer beginners in Kendo to be aged 14 or over, although in special circumstances younger people can and do join in. In Japan children learn Kendo at school from a very young age, but we do not have the resources to run a dedicated childrens' section. At Ojika people of all ages train together and experience has shown that under-13s don't tend to have developed the necessary level of concentration. Also we train from 8 until 10pm and younger people find this very difficult and tiring, especially on school nights.

There is no maximum age to beginning Kendo, it's quite common for people in their 30s, 40s and beyond to start training. Of course older people don't always move or learn as quickly as teenagers, but this is understood by all instructors. Kendo is for everyone and requirements and expectations are measured against your own capabilities.

What About Fitness?
You don't have to be fast or strong for kendo, it is about technique not brute strength; natural speed helps, but only up to a point. Top Kendoka will have developed stamina, but awareness and speed of mind is the greatest advantage.

Kendo training can and will help improve fitness and obviously the more you train, the greater the health benefits. Once in armour Kendo is a very explosive cardiovascular activity, so if you don't feel out of breath you're not trying!

I Have Bad Knees/Ankles, Can I Train?
There are Kendoka with all sorts of disabilities so knee problems may not prevent you from training in Kendo. However it's impossible to guarantee this as kendo is a vigourous martial art which involves stamping footwork which does put strain on the hip, knee and ankle joints. 

Does It Hurt?
Occasionally, but not usually! Kendo armour is very effective at protecting the head, body and wrists and you should feel no more than a firm tap when struck. However, people do accidentally hit unprotected areas and beginners tend to strike too hard, which can be painful for a few seconds. Compared to many activities Kendo is very safe and injuries are uncommon, but it is a martial art so bruising and blistered feet are all part of the experience.

Do You Run Courses?
No, new starters can turn up any time and join the existing beginners. An instructor will take charge and over time people will become ready to 'graduate' to the main group.

How Long Until I'm Ready To Wear Armour?
Please don't expect to turn up and start wearing armour and be fencing opponents straight away, that's not how it works. People learn at different rates but practicing the basics with the beginners' group usually takes a minimum of eight to twelve weeks. After a few more weeks in the main group you will start wearing parts of armour to get used to it, before eventually wearing full bogu.

Also please don't get demoralised or worry that you're not doing ok if you're not put into armour as early as others. Everyone is different and has their own learning path, it's up to the instructors to decide when you should wear armour. Being put into bogu too early is not good, in the long run it will hold you back.

What About Grading?
The grading stages in Kendo pass through six kyu and (potentially) eight dan grades in a lifetime of study. The low grades are quite easy to pass, the high grades are extremely difficult challenges and are the result of decades of study and dedication. The pass rate in Japan for 8th dan is less than one percent!

The kyu grades are the equivalent of coloured belts in other martial arts such as Judo, Karate and Aikido. However, in Kendo no actual coloured belts are worn, new practitioners wear exactly the same clothing as high grade sensei. Also kyu grades are not seen as stepping stones that you must pass one-by-one before becoming a 'black belt'. The lower grades (6th to 2nd kyu) can be awarded within a dojo, but for adults these are usually ignored. Most people who train regularly can expect to take their 1st kyu examination in front of an external panel in twelve to eighteen months, 1st Dan can be taken three months later. If this seems quick compared to other martial arts then it is, in Judo etc 1st dan can take years to reach so don't think of it as a direct equivalent of a 'black belt' . In Kendo 1st dan shows a grasp of the fundamentals rather than being a high grade.

All grades are awarded by the British Kendo Association and are recognised by the Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei, European Kendo Federation and all national organisations affiliated to the ZNKR. Gradings are assessed by panels of high level practitioners of 5th dan and above, and are awarded to those who meet the specified requirements.

If you would like to try Kendo at Ojika please email so we can plan for your first session.

Where:
Chillingham Road Primary School
Ninth Avenue
Heaton
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE6 5XL

When:
Monday. 8:00 - 10:00 pm

Instructors:
Jo Petrie, 4th Dan Kendo
Martin Chambers, 4th Dan Kendo

Sempai:
John Kelso, 2nd dan Kendo