Page 29 - e-magazine391R

First Kendo (剣道 kendō, literally “sword
way” or “the way of the sword”) is a
Sight traditional Japanese martial art. It
is a form of fencing with two-
handed bamboo swords and
1860 was the year when Kendo protective armour. Originally
was initially introduced to developed as a form of sword
North America along with the training for samurai, Kendo implies
arrival of the rst Japanese a lifelong search of the meaning of
delegation. The Tokugawa life and one’s true identity through
Shogunate (the feudal demanding physical and mental
government at the time) sent trails. Kendo strives for the unity of
Arami Bungonokami as the body and mind, which makes it both
goodwill ambassador. The a sport and an art. The spirit of
attendants who accompanied Kendo relates the fundamental
him demonstrated kendo at the matters of life and death. Just like
welcoming celebrations held in the Beatnik culture and the Beat
New York, Washington, D. C., movement around the 1950s to mid-
and San Francisco. This was 1960s, Kendo has its root in Japanese
the rst documented exhibition Zen Buddhism and as well as in
of the art of Kendo outside Confucianism and Shinto. In a sense,
Japan. Kendo is the ultimate embodiment of
the Eastern philosophy and
ideology. Today, Kendo is widely
practiced within Japan and many
other nations across the world.

Kendo Zen

Although being physically challenging, Kendo should not be viewed
as merely a sport. What many people in North America nd
appealing about Kendo is its undetachable link with Zen Buddhism.
In virtually every dojo throughout the world, the practice session
begins and ends with a brief period of Zen meditation called
“Mokuso”. Without the foundation of Zen, one could hardly perceive
the full content of the philosophy behind the practice. Kendo (as
many other martial arts) is a way to nd peace and self-mastery. It is
a way to fully embrace your true self, as well as the others and the
surrounding.