Kendo

Kendo is the modern version of samurai swordsmanship. The origins of the samurai can be traced back to the tenth century when family members of local chieftains in what is now the Tokyo area would war with one another and terrorize weaker opposition. Through time these close-knit family war bands admitted outsiders who were bound to the group through ties of fictive kinship, resulting in a a lord-vassal relationship. Two of the most famous clans were the Genji and the Heike. At this time the bands were mounted and made primary use of the bow, which was their principle weapon. The sword would become their badge of status centuries later.

The ideals that would later be encapsulated in Bushido - the Way of the Warrior - were first seen in this early period which great emphasis placed on loyalty, honor, valor and the avoidance of shame.

The Heike (Taira) clan was finally defeated by the Genji (Minamoto) in 1185 and a new style of militaristic government was installed through the office of the Shogun. From this point on the samurai would rise to prominence. Perhaps predictably war followed and for more than one hundred years Japan found itself in a state of civil war. The training of the samurai, by necessity, became more specialized and three principle schools of swordsmanship emerged: Tenshin shoden shinto ryu, founded by Iizasa Choisai; Aisu kage ryu, founded by Aisu Ikosai; and Itto ryu, founded by Chujo Hyogo-no-kami Nagahide.

After the tumultuous civil war period Japan entered a period of almost complete peace that lasted for around 250 years. In this time weapons were modernized and European powers began employing conscript armies; the age of the specialized, elite warrior, was over. Though Japan lagged behind somewhat, when the country finally modernized the samurai class was abandoned and the combative battlefield arts went into disuse. During this period the techniques became ritualized and were passed on through the ages according to strict traditions. Interest however was dwindling and today classical schools are not well attended. In attempt to preserve the Way of the Sword while encouraging at least a degree of realism, the use of a shinai (bamboo practice sword) and bogu (protective armor) was introduced by Naganuma Shirōzaemon Kunisato sometime between 1711-1715. By the end of the 18th century practice with this new equipment was becoming more widespread and popular, though of course traditionalists rejected the practice.

The term Kendo was coined in 1920 and rules and codes of practice became standardized. In 1952 the All Japan Kendo Federation was created and from there the art has slowly spread throughout the world, leading to the creation of the International Kendo Federation in 1970 and the establishment of a world championship.

As a form of self-defense Kendo is of course next to useless. Its attraction lies more in the recognition that through hard training the body and the mind can be conditioned to operate at a higher level. This is both a blessing and a curse. While this extreme training keeps the art somewhat relevant to modern life, it is also what puts off a lot of people from training, even in Japan.

In competition (shiai) targets include the head, the wrists and the ribs. Advanced students are also allowed to thrust at the throat. None of the targets were viable on the battlefield as they would have been too well protected. As each 'cut' is made the Kendo practitioner shouts out the name of his intended target. Action can become extremely fast and furious.

While shiai is the main focus, kata are also practiced that go some way to bridging the gap between the sport version and the techniques that were employed on the battlefield. Again, the kata have been modified and standardized but they reflect to a greater extend the origins of the art.