Kendo is the way of the sword. Basically it was a way swordsmen were able to
keep their skills sharp without losing a limb or a life. Kendo, though it
has sword katas, is not driven by them. Kendo emphasizes the free use of
technique and spirit of honorable combat. It's fast paced, strong, and when
done well is graceful at the same time. Once again there is no age
limitation.
In the course of your Kendo training you will experience:
Suburi- a swinging of the shinai (sword representation) practicing to cut.
Suburi- same... you just get so much practice I thought I'd put it down
twice :)
Waza- the technique, of which their are many.
Geiko- it's like sparring.
Shiai- basically a tournament
Kata- Sword forms advocated by the Kendo Federations... they teach in form
many traditional sword technique.
Kendo is all about how you use your skill, but it's different than what most
people think. For an example, in order to achieve a point in Kendo you must
demonstrate at least all of the following.
You must start out with good concentration, giving adaquate pressure toward
your opponent with your spirit.
You must remember to Kiai (a vocalization...the word shout doesn't give it
due credit).
You must attack with unwavering commitment.
Your attack must be precise to sometimes the inch (especially when stirking
the Men or head).
You must also announce through kiai your target as you cut.
Your strike itself must demonstrate "ki-ken-tai-ichi" (unification of the
spirit, sword, and body) by the strike of your shinai, your kiai, and the
placement of your lead foot all occurring at the same time.
Now you must also escape without being hit while preserving proper foot
work...all the while you're still keeping up the kiai.
Turn around to face your opponent in such a fashion as to be ready for an
attack.
Loosely, that's what one good strike in Kendo is going to take. Sound fun?
It really is. It's one of those things you just have to try for yourself.
There's no way to know if you'll like it or not until you try.
Here you can see all the target areas in Kendo
The Shinai - The weapon used when participating in
Kendo
