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What is Kendo?
Kendo is the modern art of Japanese fencing using shinai (bamboo swords). Translated literally “Ken” is the Japanese character meaning sword and “Do” means way or path; together this means “The way of the sword”. This describes a path in life designed to build both character, self-discipline, skill and respect for others through training with the
sword. Supremely elegant and beautiful to see at its highest levels it is both a physical and mental discipline open to practitioners of all ages.
Rooted in the traditions of Japanese samurai swordsmanship, kendo is now a modern Budo – a “martial way” that can lead us not only to technical sporting competence but to a better understanding of ourselves.
Kendo’s origins lie in the great sword schools that emerged during the turbulent Muromachi period (1336-1568) of Japanese history. This was a time of great internal conflict in Japan, with an increased demand for men skilled in the martial arts needed to serve feudal Lords. The many sword schools of this period continued to flourish through the Tokugawa period (1600-1868) and the Ittoryu school is the one that has had the most lasting technical influence on modern kendo.
Training with real swords was an inherently risky business. Therefore many schools in the 18th century adopted techniques and equipment that allowed for safe practice. Thus kendo began to take on its modern appearance with the introduction of protective equipment and the use of the shinai.
After WW2 kendo, along with all other martial arts, was prohibited due to its nationalistic and militaristic connotations. However, in 1952 it was successfully reintroduced into modern Japanese society in a “pure sport” form more in fitting with the needs and values of a post-war culture. Since then it has become an integral part of Japanese culture with a universal message. Modern kendo, whilst having a sporting and competitive element, continues to be steeped in traditions that preserve both its appearance and appeal to generations of
practitioners.
Kendo continues to grow and develop under the guidance the All Japan Kendo Federation, the International Kendo Federation, and federations the world over.
Beginners program
On the first Tuesday and Saturday of the month the Renshinjuku dojo starts a kendo beginners programme. All you need to begin is a desire to learn! In these classes you will train under the supervision of experienced kendo practitioners in a class of students of similar level. You will work on learning the basic kendo body-postures, footwork and sword-cuts, along with proper etiquette, terminology and care of equipment.
No special clothing or equipment is necessary when beginning to study and train – you can wear loose sports/workout clothing and the dojo can supply you with a shinai (bamboo sword). When ready you can purchase training clothes (dogi and hakama) and shinai through the dojo. The first month of training is totally free, so you can get a good introduction to the art before deciding to commit to it. After that dojo fees are due on a quarterly basis.
The minimum age for beginners is 7 years.
If you would like to visit us, please contact the leader of the dojo you would like to attend.
Enrolling as student
If you decide that kendo really is something you enjoy, you can become a member of our dojo. Monthly dues are €22,50 per member.
It is also recommended that students become members of the NKR (the dutch kendo association), for insurance and training purposes. NKR membership is €60 per year (or €30 for minors).
During your first weeks or months, all you need are normal sports clothes. A track suit is fine, as are shorts and a shirt. Each dojo has shinai and bokken which can be borrowed for the duration of class. After that, you will want to purchase a basic set of gear:
- A hakama (pleated trousers)
- A keikogi (thick jacket)
- A shinai (bamboo sword, for full-contact practice)
- A bokken (wooden sword, for kata practice)
All of these can be purchased either separately or as a set from vendors such as Nine Circles, Kendo24 or Eurobogu. In some cases our dojo leader can order from Nine Circles with a discount.
After a few months of training you may progress to wearing kendo armour (bogu) – firstly the chest and hip protectors (do and tare) and later the wrist/hand and head protectors (kote and men). The time it takes to reach training in armour depends on the frequency of your traning and the speed of your progress. When you are wearing armour you then move on to training fully in the general class.
Things you need to know
Some benefits of Kendo training
- Physical conditioning, emotional and mental maturity.
- Etiquette, courtesy, morality, ethos, respect, empathy.
- Concentration, focus, attentiveness, eagerness to learn.
- Agility, dexterity, co-ordination.
- Endurance, strength, perseverance.
- Learn proper care of equipment and tools.
- Promptness, reliability, accountability.
- Orderliness, neatness.
Basic understandings
- Make it a habit to sit in SEIZA quietly at the beginning and end of training.
- Always value the basics.
- Practice repeatedly and many times; practice with someone formidable.
- Practice with a proper attitude.
- Practice with courtesy and respect.
- Be unobsessed with winning.
- Practice with desire to study the principles.
- Have devotion to KENDO and practice with initiative.
- Practice with determination.
- Value graceful, elegant, dignified KENDO.
- Be prepared physically and mentally then practice with eagerness.
- Know your capabilities and practice accordingly.
- Learn by experiencing.
- Always consider ways to improve.
- Be mindful of everyday life.
- Be conscious of safety.
- Be conscious of health and hygiene.
- Do not overextend yourself unreasonably.
- For youths, consider how school work and KENDO can be balanced.
- Grasp the value of watching; humbly learn the merits of others by observing.
- Always do warming up and cooling down exercises.
About the dojo
- The term DOJO comes from Buddhism meaning “place to study.” This originally referred to the platform the Buddha meditated on.
- Commit yourself to sincere training when entering the DOJO;
- Appreciate having a place to practice and people to practice with;
- Maintain cleanliness; take care of your own belongings neatly (eg, shoes, clothes).
- Know the location of KAMIZA, the upper seat. This may be a shrine (SHINDEN), national flag or other symbol. The term KAMIZA can be written in different Japanese characters which mean “upper seat” or “towards the altar.” Beginners line up towards the lower end (SHIMOZA) of the dojo.
- Preliminary steps
- Put on the KENDO-GI and HAKAMA properly (CHAKUSO). If you are just beginning, normal casual sportswear will be sufficient.
- The SHINAI represents a sword (KATANA, KEN) – treat with respect. Do not step over it. When picking it up from the floor or placing it on the floor, drop one knee (the one away from the KAMIZA) to the floor (ORISHIKI) and handle it carefully.
- Check equipment for damage, especially the SHINAI. A splintered SHINAI is dangerous especially to your opponent. If equipment is damaged ask the SENSEI to help repair it. Eventually, learn to repair your own equipment.
- Check your physical condition and health. Hygiene is an important aspect of BUDO – learn how to wash KENDO-GI and HAKAMA.
- Learn the names of SHINAI parts: TSUKA, TSUBA, TSURU, NAKAYUI, KENSEN (SAKIGAWA).
- KENDO is a Japanese culture (BUNKA); KENJUTSU, the medieval warfare technique, became KENDO as moral, ethical and philosophical aspects of SAMURAI training became part of the art. BUTOKU (virtues of the way of SAMURAI) are considered to be beneficial even today. It has been said that KENDO is spread internationally and people are actively living the spirit of KENDO, so it is a civilisation (BUNMEI).
- At first, the physical aspect of KENDO may be encouraged. As one progresses to a higher rank, cultural, philosophical and other cognitive and affective aspects become important.
- It is equally valuable to observe others practice (MITORI GEIKO).
- Pay attention to others and show consideration when others are practising.
- For the very young, exercises without SHINAI may help develop agility, strength, co-ordination: dashing, jogging, jumping, walking in squat position, etc.
About rei
- REI is a way to pay respect and show acknowledgement.
- Upon entry to the DOJO, enter then REI to the KAMIZA. This is a way to pay respect to the DOJO and to commit yourself to a sincere practice. Keep the back straight and bow from the hip to about 30-degrees with eyes naturally to the floor. Some DOJO have religious symbols (SHINDEN) which represent deities of BUDO. When exiting, REI to the KAMIZA, then exit.
- Commands may be:
- KAMIZA NI REI (to the upper seat),
- KAMIZA NI REI (to the altar),
- SHOMEN NI REI (to the front),
- JOZA NI REI (to the upper seat),
- SHINZEN (SHINZA) NI REI (to the altar),
- SENSEI NI REI (to the teachers),
- OTAGAI NI REI (to each other)
- Acknowledge the SENSEI (teachers), SENPAI (seniors) and each other with REI. This is to show respect and appreciation. To someone senior bow first and rise last, to each other bow together simultaneously.
- At the start of a class, sit at SEIZA, REI to the KAMIZA, then REI to the SENSEI; at the end, REI to the SENSEI, then REI to the KAMIZA.
About Seiza
- SEIZA is a formal sitting position; sit in this position whenever possible. Sit in the informal legs-crossed posture ANZA (AGURA) if permitted. Written in another Japanese character SEIZA means to sit quietly (as in MOKUSO).
- Overlap the big toes only, not the feet; hands on the lap without flaring elbows out, back and neck straight, eyes forward, sit gently so that a sheet of paper between the heels and buttocks could easily be pulled out.
- When changing direction (e.g., to REI to KAMIZA), move the knees in small increments without putting the hands on the floor.
- MOKUSO: literally means contemplate in silence; a way to calm the mind, focus and regulate breathing. Gently close the eyes, or close them halfway, (HANGAN) by focusing on the floor about 3 feet in front of you. Breathe gently and deeply from the abdomen (KOKYUHO) and focus your KI in the lower abdomen. Place the hands in front with the left hand over the right and the tips of the thumbs touching (HOKKAI JYOIN).
- The teachers may say “think of nothing”, “focus”, “think of something big like the universe”, etc. Alternatively, a command “SEIZA” (sit quietly) may be used since the goal is to focus and remove irrelevant thoughts (MUSHIN) rather than contemplate.
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Wat is Kendo?
Kendo is de moderne Japanse zwaardvechtkunst waarbij gebruik wordt gemaakt van bamboe zwaarden, shinai. Letterlijk vertaald betekent het Japanse karakter ”Ken” zwaard en “Do” weg of pad. Samen betekenen deze karakters “De weg van het zwaard” wat wil zeggen dat kendo is gericht op het versterken van de persoonlijkheid, zelfdiscipline, zelfrespect en respect voor anderen door middel van training met het zwaard.
Uiteindelijk is kendo dus zowel een lichamelijke als geestelijke oefening, die sierlijk en mooi is om te zien, en die door mensen van alle leeftijden kan worden beoefend.
Geworteld in de tradities van de Japanse Samurai zwaardvechtkunst is kendo tegenwoordig een moderne “Budo” – een martiale methode die ons niet alleen kan leiden tot het bereiken van sportieve prestaties, maar ons ook kan brengen tot een beter inzicht in onszelf.
De oorsprong van kendo ligt op de beroemde ‘zwaard scholen’ die ontstonden tijdens het turbulente Muromachi tijdperk (1336 -1568) van de Japanse geschiedenis. Dit tijdperk werd gekenmerkt door hevige interne conflicten in Japan, die een grote vraag naar geschoolde strijders voor de feodale krijgsheren met zich mee brachten.
De vele ‘zwaard scholen’ uit deze periode bleven bloeien in het Tokugawa tijdperk
(1600 -1868) en de Ittoryu school is de school die het moderne kendo technisch gezien het meest heeft beïnvloed.
Het oefenen met echte zwaarden was natuurlijk gevaarlijk. In de 18 e eeuw gingen veel scholen daarom technieken en uitrusting toepassen die het mogelijk maakten om veilig te oefenen. Zo heeft kendo zijn huidige vorm verkregen met de introductie van beschermende uitrusting en gebruik van de shinai.
Na de Tweede Wereldoorlog was kendo verboden vanwege z’n nationalistische en militaristische kenmerken, net als alle andere martiale sporten. In 1952 echter werd kendo succesvol geherintroduceerd in de moderne Japanse maatschappij als ‘sport’ beter passend bij de behoeften en waarden van de naoorlogse maatschappij. Sinds die tijd is kendo een integraal onderdeel geworden van de Japanse cultuur met een universele boodschap. Hoewel kendo elementen van sport en wedstrijd in zich heeft, blijft het gebaseerd op tradities, zowel als verschijningsvorm als wat betreft aantrekkingskracht op generaties beoefenaren.
Kendo blijft zich ontwikkelen onder leiding van de ‘All Japan Kendo Federation’, de ‘International Kendo Federation’ en bonden overal ter wereld.
Beginners programma
Elke eerste dinsdag en zaterdag van de maand kunnen begginers aan de slag bij Renshinjuku kendo dojo. Het enige dat je nodig hebt is de wens om te leren! In je eerste lessen train je samen met mensen van jouw niveau, onder begeleiding van ervaren kendoka. Je leert vooral de basis, zijnde correcte lichaamshouding, voetenwerk en zwaardsnedes en natuurlijk etiquette en terminologie.
Als beginner heb je geen speciale kleding nodig en ook geen eigen uitrusting – draag comfortabele sportkleding (zoals een trainingspak). De dojo leent je in de eerste lessen een shinai (bamboe zwaard). Zodra je ver genoeg bent kan je via de dojo kleding (een dogi en hakama) en een shinai kopen. De eerste maand training is gratis, zodat je voor jezelf kan bepalen of kendo iets voor jou is. Daarna dient het lidmaatschap op kwartaalijkse basis te worden betaald.
De minimum leeftijd voor leden is 7 jaar.
Wil je ons bezoeken of een les meedoen, neem dan alsjeblieft contact op met de leiding van de dojo.
Lid worden
Als je hebt besloten dat kendo echt iets voor jou is, dan kan je lid worden van onze dojo. De lidmaatschapskosten bedragen €22,50 per maand, kwartaalijks te voldoen.
Leden worden aanbevolen lid te worden van de NKR (de Nederlandse kendo bond), in verband met verzekering en seminars. NKR lidmaatschap kost €60 op jaarbasis (€30 voor minderjarigen).
Gedurende je eerste maanden heb je niet meer nodig dan gewone sportkleding. Zoals gezegd kan je tijdens de les shinai en bokken lenen van de dojo. Na een tijdje zal je echter eigen materialen nodig hebben:
- Een hakama (geplooide, wijde broek)
- A keikogi (dikke jas)
- A shinai (bamboe zwaard, om te vechten)
- A bokken (houten zwaard, voor kata oefeningen)
Al deze spullen kan je online kopen (los of als set) bij bedrijven als Nine Circles, Kendo24 of Eurobogu. In sommige gevallen kan onze dojo met korting spullen kopen bij Nine Circles.
Na verloop van tijd zal je ver genoeg vorderen om een bogu (harnas) te dragen. Dat begint met de borst en heup beschermers (do en tare), gevolgd door de handschoenen (kote) en uiteindelijk de helm (men). Hoe lang het duurt voordat je in harnas mag trainen is afhankelijk van hoe vaak je traint en hoe snel je leert.
Wat moet je weten?
Onze excuses, helaas is het volgende deel van de tekst vooralsnog alleen in het engels beschikbaar.
Some benefits of Kendo training
- Physical conditioning, emotional and mental maturity.
- Etiquette, courtesy, morality, ethos, respect, empathy.
- Concentration, focus, attentiveness, eagerness to learn.
- Agility, dexterity, co-ordination.
- Endurance, strength, perseverance.
- Learn proper care of equipment and tools.
- Promptness, reliability, accountability.
- Orderliness, neatness.
Basic understandings
- Make it a habit to sit in SEIZA quietly at the beginning and end of training.
- Always value the basics.
- Practice repeatedly and many times; practice with someone formidable.
- Practice with a proper attitude.
- Practice with courtesy and respect.
- Be unobsessed with winning.
- Practice with desire to study the principles.
- Have devotion to KENDO and practice with initiative.
- Practice with determination.
- Value graceful, elegant, dignified KENDO.
- Be prepared physically and mentally then practice with eagerness.
- Know your capabilities and practice accordingly.
- Learn by experiencing.
- Always consider ways to improve.
- Be mindful of everyday life.
- Be conscious of safety.
- Be conscious of health and hygiene.
- Do not overextend yourself unreasonably.
- For youths, consider how school work and KENDO can be balanced.
- Grasp the value of watching; humbly learn the merits of others by observing.
- Always do warming up and cooling down exercises.
About the dojo
- The term DOJO comes from Buddhism meaning “place to study.” This originally referred to the platform the Buddha meditated on.
- Commit yourself to sincere training when entering the DOJO;
- Appreciate having a place to practice and people to practice with;
- Maintain cleanliness; take care of your own belongings neatly (eg, shoes, clothes).
- Know the location of KAMIZA, the upper seat. This may be a shrine (SHINDEN), national flag or other symbol. The term KAMIZA can be written in different Japanese characters which mean “upper seat” or “towards the altar.” Beginners line up towards the lower end (SHIMOZA) of the dojo.
- Preliminary steps
- Put on the KENDO-GI and HAKAMA properly (CHAKUSO). If you are just beginning, normal casual sportswear will be sufficient.
- The SHINAI represents a sword (KATANA, KEN) – treat with respect. Do not step over it. When picking it up from the floor or placing it on the floor, drop one knee (the one away from the KAMIZA) to the floor (ORISHIKI) and handle it carefully.
- Check equipment for damage, especially the SHINAI. A splintered SHINAI is dangerous especially to your opponent. If equipment is damaged ask the SENSEI to help repair it. Eventually, learn to repair your own equipment.
- Check your physical condition and health. Hygiene is an important aspect of BUDO – learn how to wash KENDO-GI and HAKAMA.
- Learn the names of SHINAI parts: TSUKA, TSUBA, TSURU, NAKAYUI, KENSEN (SAKIGAWA).
- KENDO is a Japanese culture (BUNKA); KENJUTSU, the medieval warfare technique, became KENDO as moral, ethical and philosophical aspects of SAMURAI training became part of the art. BUTOKU (virtues of the way of SAMURAI) are considered to be beneficial even today. It has been said that KENDO is spread internationally and people are actively living the spirit of KENDO, so it is a civilisation (BUNMEI).
- At first, the physical aspect of KENDO may be encouraged. As one progresses to a higher rank, cultural, philosophical and other cognitive and affective aspects become important.
- It is equally valuable to observe others practice (MITORI GEIKO).
- Pay attention to others and show consideration when others are practising.
- For the very young, exercises without SHINAI may help develop agility, strength, co-ordination: dashing, jogging, jumping, walking in squat position, etc.
About rei
- REI is a way to pay respect and show acknowledgement.
- Upon entry to the DOJO, enter then REI to the KAMIZA. This is a way to pay respect to the DOJO and to commit yourself to a sincere practice. Keep the back straight and bow from the hip to about 30-degrees with eyes naturally to the floor. Some DOJO have religious symbols (SHINDEN) which represent deities of BUDO. When exiting, REI to the KAMIZA, then exit.
- Commands may be:
- KAMIZA NI REI (to the upper seat),
- KAMIZA NI REI (to the altar),
- SHOMEN NI REI (to the front),
- JOZA NI REI (to the upper seat),
- SHINZEN (SHINZA) NI REI (to the altar),
- SENSEI NI REI (to the teachers),
- OTAGAI NI REI (to each other)
- Acknowledge the SENSEI (teachers), SENPAI (seniors) and each other with REI. This is to show respect and appreciation. To someone senior bow first and rise last, to each other bow together simultaneously.
- At the start of a class, sit at SEIZA, REI to the KAMIZA, then REI to the SENSEI; at the end, REI to the SENSEI, then REI to the KAMIZA.
About Seiza
- SEIZA is a formal sitting position; sit in this position whenever possible. Sit in the informal legs-crossed posture ANZA (AGURA) if permitted. Written in another Japanese character SEIZA means to sit quietly (as in MOKUSO).
- Overlap the big toes only, not the feet; hands on the lap without flaring elbows out, back and neck straight, eyes forward, sit gently so that a sheet of paper between the heels and buttocks could easily be pulled out.
- When changing direction (e.g., to REI to KAMIZA), move the knees in small increments without putting the hands on the floor.
- MOKUSO: literally means contemplate in silence; a way to calm the mind, focus and regulate breathing. Gently close the eyes, or close them halfway, (HANGAN) by focusing on the floor about 3 feet in front of you. Breathe gently and deeply from the abdomen (KOKYUHO) and focus your KI in the lower abdomen. Place the hands in front with the left hand over the right and the tips of the thumbs touching (HOKKAI JYOIN).
- The teachers may say “think of nothing”, “focus”, “think of something big like the universe”, etc. Alternatively, a command “SEIZA” (sit quietly) may be used since the goal is to focus and remove irrelevant thoughts (MUSHIN) rather than contemplate.
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