A Modern Samurai Sport

The way of the Warrior

KENDO

Kendo is the Japanese style of sword fighting that the Samurai used back in the day. Now it is an Olympic sport and and a great challenge for any Martial Arts enthusiast.

I, myself have given it a go for four years back in California along with some of my closest friends.

The other week I was fortunate enough to see the best of the best in Kendo practice. My friend and I journeyed to Osaka Castle, a mere six stops away by the Tanimachi subway line, and found the dojo.

A dojo is the Japanese word for "a hall used for martial arts training". I was told about this place from a teacher of mine who originally came to Japan on a Kendo scholarship.

At the dojo in front of the castle we were able to watch advanced olympic champions practice. I was so impressed. They did all of the basic moves that I was taught in California but at a level I could never had imagined.

The class started with everyone putting on armor and loosening up. Then the assistant sensei pounded the huge drum in the back of the dojo. As soon as the drum sounded, everyone became serious and lined up at attention.

They all sat on their knees and meditated for a few minutes and then began warmups together.

I was surprised to find that there were just as many woman as men and that they were an equal match in most cases.

Later they practiced sparring and some strikes by the bamboo swords were strong enough to bend around the opponent's helmet.

Even the basic exercises were executed with such speed and accuracy that many of their strikes could not be seen by the naked eye.

These were truly skilled fighters and through it all they were relaxed and smiling. There was never a tense moment in the entire class. When mistakes were made they were addressed and not repeated.

There was an aura of joy in the room. These fighters were not there for any reason other than to improve their skills in the sport they love.

I plan on joining them in that class maybe a few months down the road when my Japanese and my wallet is up for the challenge. I know that I will certainly be the weakest link but the amount of respect I have for them all will ensure my enthusiasm for failing and growing.