| Kendo |
| In the Middle
Ages, Ito Ittosai Kagehisa developed the style that forms the basis
of present day Kendo. Kendo historians estimate that there were more
than 200 different sword schools and styles by the end of the sixteenth
century. It was not until the beginning of the eighteenth century,
however, that serious thought was given to developing armour to protect
trainees from permanent disability, or even death, during vigorous
training. Known then as 'Kenjutsu', the art of Kendo became more popular
with the improvement of protective armour, the simplification of many
of the vast number of traditional techniques and the acceptance of
rules of conduct within the fencing hall.
From Kenjutsu developed Kendo, using the bamboo
sword ('shinai') to replace the metal sword, and thus allowing the
free practice of swordsmanship. The shinai is made of four splints
of bamboo held together at one end, with a tubular leather handle
slid over the splints and a leather cup at the other end. The shinai
weighs around 500 grams, and various basic cuts and thrusts are
made repeatedly to build up speed and stamina. To focus concentration
and to aid correct breathing a shout, or 'kiai', is made on the
completion of each strike. When practising Kendo, padded armour
(traditionally made of bamboo and cotton) is worn over the customary
dress of the samurai. To score, a good cut must be delivered to
well-defined targets (the top of the head, right wrist and the breastplate)
using the upper third of the shinai. Thrusts to the throat may be
made with the point of the shinai. All the targets are well protected
by the armour. Kendo may be safely practised by men, women and children of all ages, and the type and level of practice may of course be adjusted to suit each pupil. The most senior Kendo teachers in the BKA are 7th Dan, with several 6th and 5th Dans who train in various parts of the country. |
