Kendo (Japanese swordsmanship) is a martial art based on swordsmanship. This direction traces its history from the traditional techniques of samurai swordsmanship. Surprisingly, for a long time the sword was not used as the main weapon of the samurai. It was used solely for the purpose of self-defense, when the main weapon of the samurai warrior was absent.
Stages of development and formation of kendo
If you follow historical references, then for the first time they started talking about such a martial art in the 10-11th century. At that time, Emperor Kammu created and personally led the training camp, which was located in the capital Kyoto. In this camp, future samurai learned to wield a sword, invent secret techniques and honed their psychological stamina. Mass competitions were held in the camp every year.
For several centuries, the martial art of kendo developed at an active pace, but a turning point occurred in the 15th century. During this period, the legend of kendo, Miyamoto Musashiya, was born. He was the best swordsman: on his account not a single defeat. His main principle in combat is to make the opponent believe in his weakness. At the same time, samurai could only officially carry swords, which means fencing was raised to a new level.
In 1895, the official name "kendo" appeared. The first part of the word means "sword", and the second - "art". Thus, at the end of the 19th century, a special system of education for young people was created in Japan in the spirit of the best traditions of the samurai.
The main goals of the martial art of kendo
This martial art is based on three key principles:
strong character and fortitude;
respect for people;
strengthening the physical body of a warrior.
These were the main goals and objectives at the same time. All this was achieved through regular training and personal desire to improve. During training, the student had to fully concentrate on his body. He demanded the utmost care and dedication.
In the practice of kendo, a technique such as "kata" was often used. This is a fight between student and teacher. At the same time, both warriors in this duel are without a protective suit.
Warrior equipment
The equipment of a warrior consists of the following key elements:
men: special protection for the head;
tare: body protection;
kote: protection for arms and shoulders.
Regarding the main weapon of battle, for many centuries wooden swords were used, which often inflicted severe injuries on fighters. From the beginning of the 18th century, bamboo swords - shinai - began to be used in fencing. They were less traumatic and consisted of 4 bamboo strips, which were fastened together with pieces of leather and rope. But the length of the sword is different. It all depends on the age of the warrior. If a warrior is 10-14 years old, then the shinai is 109 cm long, and at the age of 14-16 years, the sword is 112 cm long. After reaching the age of 18, the length of the sword increased to 118cm.
The sword in the hands of a samurai was considered not only as a combat weapon, but also as a means of internal education.
Attacks in kendo: types
How did the warriors compete with each other, having a sword in their hands? There are two types of attacks in kendo:
chopping: sword strikes in areas such as the crown, arms, head, torso;
stabbing: blows exclusively to the throat.
The warrior had no right to make a mistake. The mistake could have cost him his life.
Kendo today
Nowadays kendo is also very popular. In the context of modernity, it is no longer seen as a unique technique of fencing with a sword, but as an art of special spiritual education and development in students of a strong spirit of a warrior, fortitude of his character.
In training, a classic bamboo shinai sword and special equipment in black or white are used.
See also
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Iga Ueno castle
Many tourists flock to Iga Ueno in search of ninja experiences, often overlooking the city's centerpiece: Iga Ueno Castle, a prime example of Warring States period fortresses. Surprisingly, the Ninja Museum and Iga Ueno Castle share the same grounds, nestled within modern-day Ueno Park!
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Himeji Castle
Perched atop the 45.6-meter-high Mt. Hime, Himeji Castle dominates the landscape of Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture, offering a commanding view of the Harima Plain. Adorned in white plaster, the main tower group is often likened to a graceful egret in flight, earning the castle its alternative moniker of "White Egret Castle." Among Japan's dwindling original castles, Himeji boasts the most intact structures. Notably, its main tenshu keep and ko-tenshu sub-keeps were bestowed the prestigious title of National Treasures in 1931, while an additional 74 edifices hold the esteemed designation of National Important Cultural Properties. Alongside Horyu-ji Temple, Himeji Castle proudly holds the distinction of being Japan's inaugural World Heritage site, a recognition bestowed upon it in 1993.
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Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle, nestled in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, is categorized as a hirayama-jiro, a castle strategically built on a low hill with the surrounding flatlands integrated into its design. Remarkably, it stands as one of Japan's twelve castles with its original tower keep intact, proudly holding the distinction of being one of only five designated as National Treasures. The castle's inception dates back to 1603, commissioned by Ii Naomasa.
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Hamamatsu Castle
Hamamatsu Castle, situated in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, originally bore the name Hikuma Castle or Shusse-jo ("Castle of Success"). Constructed around 1532 by Imagawa Sadatsuke on a modest hill, its fate changed with the fall of the Imagawa clan following their defeat by Oda Nobunaga at Okehazama in 1560. In the aftermath, Tokugawa Ieyasu, then 29 years old, claimed control of the stronghold, shifting his base from Okazaki to Hamamatsu in 1570. Over the next 17 years, Ieyasu fortified and expanded the castle, shaping it into a Teikakushi-styled layout spanning 600 meters east to west and 650 meters north to south. The south-facing main gate stood sentinel over the vital Tokaido Route.
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Gifu Castle
Gifu Castle, once known as Inabayama Castle, has stood as a symbol of Gifu City and a hallmark of the tumultuous Sengoku period for over eight centuries. Initially constructed by the Nikaido clan around 1201, it underwent expansions and fortifications by influential daimyo such as the Saito clan of Mino and the Oda clan of Owari.
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Fukui Castle
Fukui Castle, erected in 1606 by Yuki Hideyasu, Tokugawa Ieyasu's clandestine son, stands as a testament to a complex family history. Born to Oman, a servant of Ieyasu's wife Tsukiyama Dono, Yuki Hideyasu was concealed by his father out of fear of marital discord. Raised in the shadows until his emergence as a samurai, Yuki proved his mettle in numerous battles, earning accolades from Ieyasu himself.
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Azuchi Castle
Azuchi Castle, inspired by the design of Komakiyama Oda Nobunaga’s initial fortress, boasted a distinctive feature that defied conventional defensive tactics: a grand, wide stone-lined Otemichi stairway leading directly to the base of the central Honmaru enclosure. This seemingly inviting approach, devoid of the usual winding paths meant to impede attackers, hinted at Nobunaga’s confidence, almost daring any potential adversary to challenge him.
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Asuke Castle
Asuke Castle, situated in Aichi Prefecture, may have been modest in size, but it played a pivotal role in numerous battles. It stands as one of Japan’s earliest and finest examples of a meticulously reconstructed Yamashiro-type castle from the Sengoku period.
