What is kendo?

KENDO, which literally translates into a "sword journey", is the contemporary Japanese martial art, which has evolved from the traditions of samurai, a warrior of ancient Japan, based on the techniques of fencing of the sword developed for centuries of struggle. Like many Japanese martial arts, the philosophical foundations of Kenda revolve around the rules of Zen Buddhism and the main belief that enlightenment and increased consciousness, result from the ability to concentrate and calm the mind. In the footsteps of samurai, modern practices of Kenda or "Kendoka", as they are called, they try not only to manage the physical techniques of the Japanese sword, but also mental and spiritual aspects.

Although the roots of Kendo lie with ancient samurai, art has developed for centuries and has adapted to how social conditions have changed, to its current form, where competition among practitioners does not include life and death with sharp blades, but controlled matches governing strict behavior and non -established instruments. This difference in focus distinguishes kendo from "toEnjutsu ”, which is also the Japanese of the swords of traditional fencing. Unlike Kenda, whose techniques are updated for practice as non -lethal aesthetics, Kenjutsu is a primary focus and war, and therefore closely parallelized the real deadly techniques used by the samurai in the battle.

Place of katana, traditional samurai sword, modern kendoka, use Shinai, implemented from four bamboo conditions tied at specific intersections with leather bands. This non -lethal weapon, along with the use of body armor or "bog", as stated in Kenda, allows Kendok to participate in fencing competitions without fear of death or serious bodily injury. The bog is modeled after the traditional Armor samuraje, which, unlike the cumbersome metal armor of European knights, was lightweight and was designed for optimal movement and flexibility.

Kendo practice traditionally takes place in training hall or “DOJO. ". The dojo organization is hierarchical, with the master above and starting students at the bottom. As in other Japanese martial arts, the Belt or" Kyu "system is used, the highest rank or" Dan "is the black belt. Students train in Kend's practice "kata", a number of formal exercises that replicate movements and techniques that replicate the movements and techniques needed during the traditional struggle. In addition to learning and practicing various kata, Kendoka also participates in informal matches known as "Keiko" or "kumite", which are moderated by higher members of the dojo and test the live combat skills of the practitioner.

demanding and strict martial arts, Kendo differs from other forms of combat efforts primarily DUE to its intensive involvement in the observation of etiquette and forms of established traditions. While other martial arts primarily focus on the physical performance of the practicing, Kendo concerns the same mental and spiritual development of the individual. Through the championship of traditional kata and the Kumite experience with KendokaThey seek to achieve the same sense of transcendence and discipline, which are an example of samurai, the original Japanese swords.