WHAT IS KENDO?

Kendo is the Art of Japanese fencing. The character for "Ken" means 'sword', while the character for "Do" means 'the way' or 'path', which translates as "the way of the sword". Kendo represents a path in life that is followed through the training of Kendo.

THE CONCEPT OF KENDO

The idea of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the sword (Katana).

THE PURPOSES OF PRACTICING KENDO

• To mold the mind and body.
• To cultivate a vigorous spirit through correct and rigorous training.
• To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo.
• To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor.
• To pursue the cultivation of oneself and associate with others with sincerety and respect.

This will enable oneself to: Love one's country and society, contribute to the development of culture, and promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.

KENDO "THE WAY OF THE SWORD"

Kendo rei-gi is the correct behavior towards other people and our daily life. At the practice level, Kendo is an art form with the purpose of defeating one's opponent in a combat of mind and strength. Without rules of etiquette from beginning to end, Kendo becomes merely a bashing of an opponent where the only goal is to win with any means possible. In Kendo, a failure in this behavior is a moral failure in the Kenshi’s character and training. Kendo with rei-gi remains an art and the opponent to overcome is yourself. Practice is an exchange of technique and the Kenshi must always be thankful and polite to the person that exposes your weakness and allows you to improve.

KENDO ETIQUETTE (REI-GI )

Each practice starts by the display of respect for the place of practice, instructor and its members. Bowing as you enter the practice hall (dojo). Practice begins and ends by thanking everyone for the practice and bowing to the instructor and all members. If you have to leave early, ask for the instructor’s permission. Bow as you leave the dojo.

APPERANCE OF THE PRACTITIONER

A kendo practitioner (kendoka) must have a dignity and presence that is reflected in the proper wearing of the uniform and equipment.

The keiko-gi should be worn flat without having the neck exposed or bulging out in the back. After tying the hakama obi, reach inside and pull the ends of the keiko-gi across the front to remove any bulges or wrinkles from the front and back.

The hakama should be the right length with the hem lower in the front and a little higher in the back and crossing at the ankle bone. The koshi-ita should not be hanging loosely, but fit tightly and flatly against the small of the back. The obi should be tied in a square knot and the ends tucked into the obi along the waist at the hips. The hakama pleats should be straight as they represent the samurai code of ethics. Jin (humanity), Gi (justice), Rei (courtesy), Chi (knowledge) and Shin (trust).

The tenugui should be tied on the head so that there is no part flapping out of the back of the men. Neither should the tenugui be so low on the forehead that it is visible through the men-gane or impair sight. There should not be an extra tenugui folded up inside the men in the chin area, a special pad is made to be placed inside the men to take up space on a men that is too large.

The men should have the strings (himo) tied in the proper bow knot cho-musubi) and be in straight lines. The length of the ends and the loops of the bow knots should all be the same.

The upper do himo should be tied with the ends tucked inside and not hanging down the front of the mune. The lower do himo should be horizontal and tied behind in a bow knot.

The tare obi should be flat, run across the koshi-ita in the back and not bulging under the odare in the front. The kote should not have frayed himo.

The shinai should be checked for damage before each practice and periodically during class. Do not use a damaged shinai, it can represent a danger to yourself and others.