Kendo literally means - The Way of the Sword.
In eighth century Japanese warfare was conducted by local conscript armies, which were drilled by professional military instructors in horsemanship, grappling in armour and the use of the bow, spear and sword.
Later, during the rise of the great clans, skilled swordsmen found ready employment as instructors to the clan warriors by means of Kenjutsu. (Ken - sword, Jutsu - martial application)
The names of great swordsmen, and the techniques they developed, are still alive to this day.
During the early 18th century it was insisted that Kenjutsu was an art with a definite limit - that of the mastery of sword technique.
To further gain mastery of spiritual development it was necessary to transcend the physical technique.
Miyamoto Musashi and Odegiri described their swordsmanship as a spiritual discipline and shows the written character DO to replace Jutsu, thus the full word KENDO was formed.
KEN JUTSU KEN DO
Each Dojo you train at or talk with will have similar but ever so slightly different opinion of what Kendo should be.
The role of the student is to discover through their Dojo and themselves what this is.
The All Japan Kendo Federation Kendo has presented a definition of the meaning of Kendo.
The concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana.
The purpose of practicing Kendo is: ·
- To mould 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 honour ·
- To associate with others with sincerity ·
- To forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.
- Thus will one be able to love his country and society, To contribute to the development of culture, And to promote peace and prosperity among all people