Kendo means "The way of the sword" .
KEN meaning "sword" and DO meaning " way". It wa s developed to be a safe and practical way of practicing the perfected
techniques of sword fighing developed by the samurai warrior class of feudal Japan.
Black Dragon Kendo is a very demanding yet fullfilling class.
Kendo means "the way of the sword"
Practitioners of kendo are called kendōka, or occasionally kenshi, meaning "swordsman".
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 ones country and society;
To contribute to the development of culture;
And to promote peace and prosperity
among all peoples
.
Modern kendo techniques comprise both strikes and thrusts. Strikes are only made towards specified target areas on the wrists, head, or body, all of which are protected by armour. The targets are men, sayu-men or yoko-men (upper left or right side of the men), the right kote at any time, the left kote when it is in a raised position, and the left or right side of the dō. Thrusts are only allowed to the throat. However, since an incorrectly performed thrust could cause serious injury to the opponent's neck, thrusting techniques in free practice and competition are often restricted to senior dan graded kendōka.
Competitors call their targets in a strong voice (KIAI) as they strike.
Blows must be delivered with clarity and precision using the outer third of the bamboo SHINAI.
The referees look for good form and a strong follow through that leaves a player in a position to continue immediately with no letup of spirit.
Grandmaster Reynolds
teaching Kendo class
Mokusoh:
Meditation with eyes closed a
some dojo it is done before and after the
practice. In a seiza position place both hands
together one on top of the other. Palms are
facing up and both thumbs gently touching each
other. Start with "mokusoh!" and finish with"yame!"
Uchikomi keiko: This is a fundamental exercise that can be performed with each other, an instructor, or using instruments or uchikomi-bo. Use all of the basic techniques with good foot work and ma-ai. Strike with correct form and spirit when the instructor opens suki or shows you an opening to strike. Correct follow through and return to zanshin or state of readiness are essential.
