Kendo Suburi Diary

 

What is Kendo

This is the official version from the All Japan Kendo Federation. (You can read it in its entirety here.)

The concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana (sword).

 

However, I would add...

 

The following from the Seattle Beach Kendo Club, Florida:

'Kendo is not a sport. Kendo is Budo. It is learning about the spirit of human beings. 

Do not seek to master your opponents, but seek to master yourself. Without mastery of yourself, you will not master your opponents. 

 

At first, many of you will not understand what the above statement means. That is expected. Kenshi will learn what it means through practice. 

 

Mastering Kendo takes a lifetime of practice, and it can take a student many years to master even the basic moves. Please be patient. 

Here is an example provided to me by my Sensei, Hideo Mitoma:

1st to 5th year: Kenshi learn Ashisabaki (foot work), Suburi (swing), and Waza (basic hitting movement). Physical developments include springing, vertical and horizontal jumps, endurance, reaction and so on.

5th to 10th year: All of the above, plus speed, timing, high skill Waza. 

The student is confused! 

10th to 15th year: Clear the confusion. Learn Offence and Defense and balance of the two. Start to read opponents mind.

15th to 20th year: Confuse!

20th to 30th year: Clear the confusion, reading opponent’s mind, and preventing opponent from reading own mind.

30th and above: Confused again!

40th and above: Enjoy real Kendo.

50th and above: Learning the task of one’s life.

60th and above: Learning and Understanding Mushin'