Purpose of Kendo
In 1975 the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) developed and published “The Concept and Purpose of Kendo” which is reproduced below.
Concept
“Kendo is a way to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the katana.”
Purpose
To mold the mind and body.
To cultivate a vigorous spirit,
And through correct and rigid training,
To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo.
To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor.
To associate with others with sincerity.
And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.
Thus will one be able:
To love one’s country and society;
To contribute to the development of culture;
And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples
Kendo for Life
Kendo is unusual in that it allows the generations to train together. Children from five upwards can enjoy kendo practice. At the other end of the scale it is possible to continue to enjoy keiko at an age when most other martial artists have hung up their boots or donated their dogi to the charity shop. Numerous sensei continue not only to be great teachers, but also remain formidable opponents into their 70s and 80s.
To quote the famous Taisho period 10th dan, Mochida Seiji sensei:
Until you are 50 years old, you must endeavor to practice the fundamentals of kendo and make it a part of you. It has taken me 50 years to learn the fundamentals of kendo by body. It was not until I became 50 years old that I started my true kendo training. This is because I practiced kendo with all my heart and spirit.
When one becomes 60 years old, the legs are not as strong as they once were. It is the spirit that overcomes this weakness. It is through a strong spirit that one can overcome the inevitability of the body becoming physically weaker.
When I became 70 years old, the entire body became weaker. I found that the next step is to practice the concept of not moving one’s spirit when practicing kendo. When one is able to achieve the state of an immovable spirit, your opponent’s spirit will manifest itself to you. I tried to achieve a calm and immovable spirit at this stage in my life.
When I became 80 years old, I achieved the state of the immovable spirit. However, there are times when a random thought will enter my mind. I am striving to eliminate these random thoughts.
Cross generation Kendo—the late Oshima Hideharu Sensei with his grandson
Very few of us will come close to Mochida sensei’s level of accomplishment, but we can take comfort in the fact that kendo does not need to be abandoned as we get into our later years. In fact for many kendoka, their kendo career really takes off after retirement.
For people who take up kendo after they reach 50, it is still possible to advance into the higher dan ranks. A sensible approach to how hard and how fast you train is essential, as is correct warm-up and cool-down exercise. Nevertheless, good strong technique can be developed that works against younger, faster opponents and if you can come anywhere close to developing Mochida sensei’s state of “the immovable spirit” or Fudoshin you become invincible.
Fudō Myō-ō,the Buddhist guardian deity that personifies Fudōshin
Equipment and How to Choose and Wear it
Kendo requires more equipment than many other sports. Over basic clothing of hakama and keikogi we wear bogu (armor), consisting of men, dou, tare, and kote. In addition we need at least one shinai (bamboo sword) and a tenugui (men towel).
Chakuso
Chakuso or the way we put on our equipment and present ourselves in kendo is an important indicator of our attitude to training and our technical ability. Bogu is expensive, so there is no problem in using old, well worn equipment. It should, however, be kept in good repair. Hakama and keikogi should be clean and pressed and wherever possible should retain the original color. I was given a lesson on the importance of good chakuso as well as one on Japanese tact early in my time in Osaka. My dojo’s shihan explained that the cut-down judo jacket I used had been “stolen” and that I would have to wear the purpose made keikogi that he gave by way of “consolation.”
Keikogi
Keikogi is the kendo jacket, a thick kimono style garment. Most people wear blue (indigo or synthetic indigo dyed) keikogi, although white is also common. The original reason for using indigo as a dye was because of its antiseptic qualities should the wearer be wounded. The color of the keikogi has no real significance, but children and women sometimes wear white. White is also the preferred color of The Imperial Palace Police. Keikogi come in a wide range of qualities and thicknesses, from thin summer weight to double thickness. Double thickness keikogi tend to last longer and give more protection against off target hits.
Keikogi are simple to put on, just ensure that you wrap from left to right and tie the munehimo in a horizontal bow. The keikogi should fit so that the collar does not show a gap at the nape of your neck and the back of the keikogi should be smoothed down so that it is free from wrinkles. Keikogi sizes vary from maker to maker, so it pays to take the advice of your equipment supplier. It may sometimes be necessary to move the munehimo, or tabs that hold the keikogi closed at the front, to ensure a close fit at the collar.
Hakama
Kendo hakama also come in blue or white. The hakama has five pleats at the front and one at the back. The five front pleats are said to represent the Gojo or five virtues Jin-Gi-Rei-Chi-Shin
Jin - Humanity
Gi - Truth and Justice
Rei - Courtesy
Chi - Wisdom
Shin – Faith
The pleat at the back of the hakama symbolises Makoto or sincerity.
Hakama are available in tetron, polyester, or cotton. Cotton hakama are available in various weights designated by a thread density number ranging from 5,000 to 10,000. As a rule cotton is preferable to synthetic materials as it is absorbent and the weight makes it hang better. It is also wise to buy the heaviest quality cotton you can afford as it retains its pleats better. When you buy a hakama the pleats are normally tacked with cotton. It will never look as good again, but the cotton has to come out before you use it.
Putting
