The Japanese word “Kendo” is comprised of two Kanjis, namely: Ken and Do. “Ken” means Sword, and the other one, “Do”, means Way. If compounded, those words would literally mean “way of the sword”. This martial art of sword-fighting is mainly based on a classical Japanese swordsmanship called Kenjutsu.
During Muromachi Era (1392-1573), Japan was overwhelmed with battles. Heavy-armored battling style prevailed during this era because this is the time where firearms and swords were mass manufactured.
As the sun sets for the Muromachi Era, Japanese battling style drastically changed from “full-armored” style to a lighter “hand-to-hand” fighting technique. During Edo Era (1603-1867), Japan experienced relatively peaceful times. This would lead to the conversion of the practices of Ken (sword) from a gruesome technique of killing people to a graceful and non-violent way of developing human character, disciplined lifestyle, as well as developing concepts of strong swordsmanship.
Many theories, strategies, techniques regarding Ken practices were formulated and spread through publications of books. This eventually became the key to the birth of Kendo.
Kendoka (the one who practices Kendo) is estimated to have six (6) million in population all over the globe. It has been said that four (4) million of them are Japanese; 1 million are Koreans; and the rest are equally spread all over Europe, Asia North America and South America. The concept of Kendo, as published by All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) in 1975, is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana (Japanese term for samurai swords).
Modern Kendo gear consists of swords, armors, and uniforms. The sword used is called “Shinai”. It is made of bamboo, leather and plastic that resembles a real sword. The armor used is called “bogu”. It has four pieces: the head covering, the body shield, the gloves, and lastly the groin protectors. The uniform they use is called “kendogi”. It is made of woven cotton tops and pleated cotton trousers.
Kendo may consist of any of the following types of practices: Gokaku-Geiko – a sparring between two kendokas of the same skills; Hikitate-Geiko – a senior kendoka will guide the junior kendoka in the practice; Ji-Geiko – a kendoka will try to use the things he or she has learned to a resisting sparring partner; Kakari-Geiko – a short but intense style of practice used to develop speed and stamina; Waza-Geiko: method perform in which the pupil learns to utilize a lot of techniques of Kendo with a receiving colleague; Kiri-Kaesh – where a kendoka countinuously strikes left and right men, practices the distance, and develops proper stance and foot works; Shiai-Geiko – a practice done through a competition where in the kendokas are judged based on how much points they score against the opponents.
Kendo is now starting to gain popularity all over the world. Because of its sport-like appearance, more and more international people are now practicing Kendo, and the numbers keep on increasing. The real essence of kendo is supported by its rich history and philosophy. But bear in mind that Kendo more than just martial art; it is a classic tradition that should be respected and should not be forgotten.
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