Kendo Shinai and Helmet – 7/365 (Photo credit: fstoaldo)
Are you thinking of taking up Kendo?
Here are some things one should know before starting Kendo
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Concept of Kendo
In 1975, the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) developed then published
‘The Concept and Purpose of Kendo’, reproduced below.
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The Concept of Kendo
The concept of kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana (sword).
The Purpose of Practicing Kendo
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.
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.
(Established by All Japan Kendo Federation in 1975.)
What is AJKF?
AJKF was established on October 14, 1952 and it was authorized by the Ministering of Education as a judicial foundation on February 22, 1972. The purpose of the establishment of AJKF is defined as ‘As an organization which exercises general control over and representing the amateur Kendo (including Iaido and Jodo) circles, AJKF strives for the promotion of Kendo, infiltrates the spirit of Kendo into the Japanese people and distributes to the improvement of national physique.
The Major Functions of AJKF
・To uplift and promote the spirit of Kendo
・To research and guide the techniques
・To hold seminars and to train leaders
・To foster the local Kendo groups
・To hold the All Japan Kendo Championship and other national tournaments
・To establish the regulations on matches and amateurism
・To hold Shogo & Dan/Kyu examinations and issue the certificates
・To transmit Ko-Budo to posterity and to collect the related materials
・To publish monthly magazine and books
・To be affiliated with International Kendo Federation as a representative organization of the Japanese Kendo circles
Links:
http://www.kendo-fik.org/english-page/english-top-page.html or