What is Kendo? Japanese Bushido passed down to the present
Kuromaru
Have you ever dreamed of fighting coolly with a sword like Zoro from "One Piece", Himura Kenshin from "Rurouni Kenshin", or characters from "Star Wars"?
If so, try "Kendo"!
Today we will introduce you to one of Japan's traditional martial arts, Kendo.
- What is Kendo?
- The origin and history of kendo
- Clothing and Equipment
- Kendo matches
- Kendo manga and anime
- Swordsmanship you can learn at Ninja Experience Cafe
1. What is Kendo?
Kendo is a Japanese martial art in which people compete against their opponents using a Shinai, a sword made of bamboo, in a contest of skill.
In kendo, not only victory and defeat are important, but also respect, concern, and civility toward one's opponent are important.
Kendo is also a path of human development, where one trains body and soul and develops oneself through practice and competition.
One of the most attractive features of kendo is that everyone can practice together, from small children to the elderly, men and women of all ages.
2. Origins and history of kendo
Kendo traces its roots back to the Heian period (794-1185), when the Japanese sword first appeared.
Kendo developed as a fighting technique to defeat the enemy, and many styles of kendo were born.
In the Edo period (1603-1867), the prototype of kendo was created, and by the Meiji period (1868-1912), kendo became part of education and widely recognized as a path for spiritual growth.
In modern times, kendo has developed into a budo (martial art) and has become a well-loved sport in many countries around the world.
3. Clothing and Equipment
When playing kendo, one wears a kendo-gi, hakama, and tenugui.
Protective gear called a mask, a body, a droop, and kote are worn to protect the body.
These protective gear are modeled after the armor that samurai warriors used to wear.
They fight with shinai, which are made of bamboo and modeled after Japanese swords.
Basically, they fight with one shinai, but some fighters use two shinai.
4. Kendo matches
In a kendo match, the winner is determined by striking the opponent with the shinai (bamboo sword) in the face (head), kote (wrist), do (abdomen), and tsuki (throat).
Basically, the winner is the first player to take two hits.
In order to win the first point, it is important not only to strike faster than the opponent, but also to have a spirited voice, correct posture, and preparation after striking.
5. Kendo manga and anime
There are many manga and anime based on kendo.
Zoro in "One Piece" and Kenshin Himura in "Rurouni Kenshin" fight with Japanese swords.
Other examples include the lightsaber battle scenes in "Star Wars," which also incorporate many elements of kendo.
These works convey the appeal and spirituality of kendo.
6. Swordsmanship (Kendo) you can learn at Ninja Experience Cafe
At Ninja Experience Cafe in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, you can learn rudimentary swordsmanship.
Careful instruction makes it safe for beginners!
Why don't you change into a ninja costume and train yourself?
What are we?
We run Ninja Experience Cafe in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan.
Here you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture through experiencing ninja training.
Both adults and children are welcome to try their hand at defeating the ninja master inside the cafe.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!” or interested in becoming a real ninja, please visit us.
Reservations can be made here.
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