The sharp point of a Japanese katana is called the “kissaki”. It is sometimes also called the “boshi” – hat, but boshi can refer to the kissaki itself or the hamon (temper pattern) that spills onto the kissaki. Kissaki is used more often to avoid this confusion, it is also Read More
In a kendo match, in order to win against an opponent who is at a similar level to you, you need to prepare to pull out the moves you are good at, or have tactics that cause your opponent to lose focus so you can seize the upper hand. Here Read More
Japanese has a word “tsukuri-komi” which refers to the structure and style of the sword blade. In a previous article about the sword’s appearance, I mentioned that the tachi had a strong back-bend whereas the uchigatana had a strong bend at the edge. The angle of the bend, the thickness Read More
Not only in kendo, but in other areas of your life you may feel like your physical fitness has gotten weaker. But kendo is a martial art that can be practiced throughout your life. I will introduce some information that can allow you to enjoy kendo even from your 40s Read More
The Japanese sword is praised as “beauty in use”. Its appearance is so simple with no unnecessary features, but in fact it has many skills woven into one piece of work. When we look at those details, we are drawn further into the charm of the Japanese sword as we Read More
Every year in July the atmosphere of Kyoto reaches a fever pitch as the entire city prepares to hold Gion Matsuri – the biggest festival of the year and one that has been held annually for over a millennium. There is a connection between the world of Japanese swords and Read More
Not giving up at 0-2 down, catching the flow for a great comeback win The 2012 Inter High Girls team final was between defending champion Moriya (Ibaraki) and Nakamura Gakuen Girls (Fukuoka) who were gunning for their first title. In the pervious year, Moriya had taisho Moeko Takahashi, who also Read More
A sudden question – are you good with your stepping? Those who are skilled in their stepping make a nice “bang” sound. But even some veterans struggle with this. You should step in not from your heel but from your toes, or rather, your whole feet should come down at Read More
– Though we use iaitō, bokutō and shinai; we must never forget that these are swords – Iaido and kendo are both budō that place a strong emphasis on manners and etiquette – not only to our partners, but also the spaces within which we practice and to opponents who are Read More
– World’s Top Tsuki Strike which Defended the Japanese Crown – The 12th World Championship Team final between Japan and South Korea continued on until the daihyo match. It was the 6th year running that the two neighbors met in the final, and the last two editions had gone on Read More
