| On first impressions, Kendo appears to be very | | | | body movement are of the utmost importance in |
| aggressive and physical, with the dynamics of a | | | | the delivery of a skillful technique. Yet the aim is |
| fast-striking actiong and high-pitched screams. Yet | | | | not to be the first one to score a point or to win |
| it is an art that places great emphasis on the | | | | in the Kendo practice, but to work together, |
| development of high level of skill in concentration, | | | | striving towards good technique, giving and taking |
| timing, awareness, physical agility, footwork, body | | | | along the way. Only in competitions should this |
| movement and inherent respect. Kendo was | | | | philosophical aim be different. |
| derived from the ancient art of Japanese Samurai | | | | On first learning Kendo, or any other martial, it is |
| swordsmanship. Armour is worn for protection | | | | very important to tread slowly. It is very essential |
| and sword, made of 4 sections of bamboo is | | | | to tread slowly because it is easy when people |
| bound together to make what is known as sinhai. | | | | wear armour so suddenly to feel they can dive in |
| History: | | | | regardless, without appreciating the need for |
| Kenjutsu is an ancient martial art, dating back to | | | | continual practice to develop the skills to a |
| before 1590, followed by Kendo, which had more | | | | standard acceptable in the art. It is important not |
| intellectual and philosophical characteristics. | | | | only to demonstrate proficiency in the art but to |
| Kenjutsu became modern Kendo, which has | | | | ensure safe practice, both for an individual and his |
| developed a sport-oriented nature that still | | | | her partner. |
| embodies many of the traditional values. | | | | Kendo places great emphasis on moral values, |
| While Kendo is very much a modern art that has | | | | discipline and self control. Kendo should not be |
| been influenced by Kenjutsu, its roots can be | | | | seen as a sport to be participated in for a few |
| traced back as far as AD 789, through the | | | | years, but as a lifetime's study. Mental and |
| history of the art of the sword which is linked | | | | physical controls are of paramount importance, |
| inextricably to the history of ancient Japan. It was | | | | since the balance of the 2 leads to harmony, not |
| at this time that Komutachi, the sword exercise, | | | | only in the art itself, but in the general well-being. |
| was introduced as in instruction for the sons of | | | | It is for this reason that there are 4 deep-rooted |
| the kuge (noblemen) in the city of Nara, then the | | | | mental hurdles that a kendoka ought to |
| capital of Japan. | | | | overcome: fear, doubt, surprise and confusion. |
| Aim of Kendo: | | | | Collectively, these are known as "the 4 poisons of |
| The aim of Kendo is for kendoka to react | | | | Kendo". |
| intuitively, with fluency and elegance. Speed and | | | | |