Kendo
KENDO as a word means "WAY OF SWORD" and it is a modern Japanese martial art developed from kenjutsu about two hundred years ago.
The concept* is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana (Japanese sword).
During the 16th century, when Japan was in the period of successive and nation-wide civil wars, the techniques of sword were studied as a matter of life and death. Warriors were trained to wave a sword as it was an extention of their arm. Wooden sword was used to study and practice the art of sword fighting. Eventually basic ways were selected for manipulating a sword to be called "kata", fundamental forms of KENDO. In order to practice in pairs safely and freely, bamboo sword (shinai) took the place of metal sword and protective armour (bogu) started to be worn.
Kendo had a somewhat turbulent history, like many martial arts in Japan, due to the ban during the WW2 occupation from 1945 to 1952. Since its revival with the establishment of the Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei in 1952, Kendo has flourished into modernity as less of a martial art and more as an educational sport.
Kendo may be safely practised by every men, women and children of all ages and for a lifetime.
At Yushinkan we do not have child-friendly groups (yet), therefore the minimum ago to train is 16.
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 honour,
To associate with others with sincerity,
And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.
This will make one be able:
To love his/her country and society,
To contribute to the development of culture
And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.
*(The Concept of Kendo was established by All Japan Kendo Federation in 1975.)
The organisations we are affiliated with are:
NEDERLANDSE KENDO RENMEI
EUROPEAN KENDO FEDERATION
INTERNATIONAL KENDO FEDERATION
ALL JAPAN KENDO FEDERATION (Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei)
