David Pearson
Kendo a way of life.
Ever held a sword in your hand or have you ever dreamt about it? In this essay you just might learn something about the exciting sport of kendo. Its roots date far back into the early 7th century. Modern Kendo bears a small resemblance to Kenjutsu and its feudal roots of the samurai. Kendo isn't something that is done just a couple hours a day out of the week it is a way of life and it reflects on the individual in and out of the dojo (the area of practice). This essay will help with understanding of Kendo the way of the sword, its changes the self in its entirety, changes are in everything from physical conditioning to their spiritual beliefs, and even some of the rich history of kendo. Kendo can be trace back to Kenjutsu. In the days of feudal japan were warring provinces. In those times kendo was a way of life as it is today but with a very different way. It was life or death. Kenjutsu was very popular. The art of sword making became an art and the practice became very Zen like with other sects of Buddhism. Then Came a new sense and care for men that were trained in the martial arts. During this time Kenjutsu saw its largest growth with over 200 dojoes and all taught by famous swordsmen. Kendo didn't start to take on it modern day appearance until the late 18th century. At this time the introduction or the men ( helmet ) do ( chest armor ), kote ( gauntlets ) and the shinai a sword made of four bamboo slits. This innovation helped to make the practice of kendo much safer. As Japan interred into the modern world, kendo suffered a great lost. The wearing of a sword in public was outlawed and the Samurai class abolished but soon in the Sino-Japan war and Russo-Japan war brought back the marshal way in Japan. . Kendo before WW II was a very popular thing to do and it even became part of middle school P.E. in 1912 and official rules were made called the Nihon Kendo Kata in 1939 and as of that time as japan was readying of war Kendo was a required to be taken by all boys. After WW II kendo was outlawed but was reestablished in 1952 by kendo supporters. Kendo was changed into more of a sport then a way to kill someone
Kendo can change an a person into a better leader or can just help the way one feels about them self. Let's take a look into my own experiences with kendo. Kendo has made me into better person. Im more active in activities and my community. Before kendo I was an active person but I just couldn't stay very focused on task and social events ha! If there was such thing. Kendo empowered me to realize that moveing forwards and to cut my way though life as if there was a sword in my hand and to do what needed to vanquish the demons or work success that lie ahead of me. Thanks to Kendo I have become more organized and now I'm able to do something that I could never do before and that is to be on time to most events. My soul is clear and my cut is good.
Kendo is very physical art that will teat every muscle and every bone in the body. Anyone interested in Kendo should be ready for anything from, standing still in odd positions for long periods of time, to constanlty moving at break neck speeds. Stresses in the body are mostl centered in the feet and back. Most begainers suffer from blood blisters (yummy!) and very sore muscles. As in any activity I would suggest working out just a bit before entering Kendo. Try walking around bearfoot. kendo is a great way to get a weekly full body workout. Hold arms out from the body and stretchting that always important. what Kendo has done for body. I may not look it but i can run a 7min. mile, and I have very fast and quick hands.
Kendo is a very fast and exciting marshal art. It can help somone to see there true self and become who they want to be. Kendo can also help the workout regiment so that you dont have to waste your life counting carbohydrates. Kendo is great for history buffs and has a long and exciting one that may include you saomday.
