The Kendo Creed
The concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the
application of the principles of the Katana.
The purpose of practicing Kendo is:
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 his country and society,
To contribute to the development of culture,
And to promote peace and prosperity among all people.
Kendo, the art of Japanese Fencing, evolved from a martial heritage reaching back over a thousand years to the time of the early sword-bearing classical warriors who came to known as -bushi- or -samurai-. These warriors were in the main disciplined, moral men whose conduct was governed by a strict code - bushido - and whose function was to maintain social order.
After 800 years, political changes eliminated the need for the samurai
class and their power diminished.
Gradually, the sword fell into disuse as a military weapon and sword training
began to be practiced by some as a sport, by others as a means of character
development of spiritualrefinement. To reduce serious injuries, a safe
practice weapon made of bamboo and lightweight armor were devised. By the
19th century, Kendo, utilizing this equipment, had largely supplanted the
earlier, more dangerous methods of training. Modern Kendo is both physically
and mentally demanding. A Kendo bout with a skilled opponent is an intense
experience. For a moment in time concentration is absolute, conscious thought
is suppressed, action is instinctive. Such training develops in the serious
student powers of resolution and endurance under pressure which frequently
affect his or her life beyond the confines of the training hall.
"The concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the KATANA." From the beginning one must practice hard physical and develop mental control to master simple techniques. Kendo practice may be started at any age, young and old, and even with severe physical handicaps. The will to continue regular training is the essential element in learning Kendo. Kendo is practiced for character building through the manipulation of the sword calmly under great pressure. Physical prowess is less important than doing everything with full spirit even when there is no hope of winning. The essence of Kendo is attending mental, spiritual, and physical calm with balance, "ki-ken-tai no itti".
Kendo as practiced today is the result of refinements in the use of the Japanese sword spanning more than 1000 years. KEN, meaning sword and DO, meaning way or path, translates loosely as " The way of the sword." On the surface Kendo appears to be only a physical activity: but beneath the surface are many benefits that may be acquired over a period of the time through honest, since effort and self-examination. Kendo did not start as a clearly defined art, it evolved over centuries of trial and error through combat known as " Kenjutsu ", to the present from which on the surface may be called a sport.
Kenjutsu is the use of the katana in combat: Kendo is the use of the shinai, bamboo sword, to make strikes to a limited number of targets. Kendo theory establishes the following priority of importance for physical and mental aspects of technical skill: ichi-gan (first-eyes), ni-soku (second-feet), san-tan (third-courage), shi-riki (fouth-strength).
The cultivation of the human spirit through Kendo also enhances our daily lives in work, relationships, knowledge and relaxation.