Budo (Japanese martial arts) and spirituality. That’s a topic that has been on my mind for a while. When I began working here at Tozando, my awareness of budo and its different aspects wasn’t particularly good. Through my work here, the training, events and moreover the budoka (practitioners) I have Read More
In this week’s spotlight, we are taking a look at (and through) a brand new mengane. In particular, our brand-new High Vision Mengane which we recently developed. For those that don’t know, the mengane is the metal grill that protects the front of your face in a kendo men. Not Read More
I wished for this koshirae to be based on the original style of higo koshirae as well as informed by the records of Taisha-ryu.
Amongst kendo equipment, one of the most distinctive parts is the do (胴). This protects your chest and stomach and is made from two main components: the curved plate that covers the stomach called the dodai (胴台), and the piece that covers the chest called the mune (胸). In this Read More
Kendo makes use of a lot of different skills both physical and mental. A well planned keiko session will help you improve in all areas, but cross-training can be extremely beneficial not only to those who have limited opportunities to train, but also to those practitioners with specific requirements. In Read More
This year’s 8-dan Invitational was billed to be an eventful affair and it did not dissapoint. This time, six new challengers took their first steps on to the stage to try for the title. Alongside these, were noted kendoka who had fought for Japan at the World Championships such as Read More
This article is a translation of an essay by Tachibana Tatsunari-san, he works for Tozando and practices Yoshinkan Aikido and is currently 5-dan. In his essay he explores “kamae” – posture or stance – in training and why it is emphasised so strongly in Yoshinkan Aikido. In Yoshinkan Aikido, as Read More
Following on form our previous discussions, we would like to hear more about your opinion on the development of the human character through the lens of kendo. Although it is easy to say many noble things about the human spirit and kendo, as expected it is a far from simple Read More
In kendo, your kamae is more than just how you stand and hold your sword. Each kamae has its own personality and peculiarities. In this article we are taking a look at the distinctive and dramatic jodan-no-kamae. With its unmistakeable silhouette and powerful reach this stance is very attractive to Read More
Kendo is a budo with a great amount of depth. At the moment, there are four fundamental datotsu-bui – strike zones: men, kote, do and tsuki. Tsuki is sometimes regarded as an “advanced” technique, something you need skill to pull off effectively and safely. This is sometimes extrapolated into “you Read More
