Category: Budo Articles

– Jacques Payet Sensei –

An Interview with a Master: Part 1.   We have had the great opportunity here at Tozando to interview one of the great masters of Aikido. This man’s name is Jacques Payet Shihan, and he holds the rank of 8th dan in Yoshinkan aikido. Jacques Payet Sensei has been practicing Read More

Kendo-Swordsmanship-Nishiki-e-Tsukioka-Yoshitoshi-1873

Sakakibara Kenkichi – The Father of Kendo?

When it comes to kendo and its development, it is difficult to point towards a definitive “father” of kendo. Naito Takaharu and Takano Sasaburo are often given such praise. It goes without saying that modern kendo would likely be a very different activity if not for their influence (if it Read More

Kyoto Butokuden

The 8th Dan – This is how I passed Vol.2

Katsuno Shintaro (Aichi Prefecture) I was taught that “you must show each other the best of yourselves” and to care for the harmony between yourself and your opponent. I recently was able to pass on my 10th attempt. As this examination is a great milestone for myself, I did not Read More

Kyoto Butokuden

The 8th Dan – This is how I passed Vol.1

Shirota Masayuki (Saitama Prefecture) Take great care to control your physical health. It was after 9 years and 17 attempts from when I had first began taking the exam. The first few times I took it I tried not to be too conscious of it. I just cleared my mind Read More

Shinsengumi slaying a radical Samurai

The Ikedaya Incident

On the night of July 8th, 1864, a stream of white and light blue haori jackets emblazoned with the kanji 誠 (Honesty) moved toward the Ikedaya Inn. It was situated just east of the famous Sanjo Bridge in the heart of Kyoto and these were the jackets of the famous Read More

Kashima Jingu Shrine

These are MUST-VISIT places for Budoka

These are MUST-VISIT places for Budoka Not only in kendo, but in any contest are decided not just on raw ability. “Luck” can also play an important part. There is a saying “do your best, and leave the rest to Providence.” In order to win, the basic idea is to Read More

Kendo Tare image

Understanding and Selecting Kendogu Vol.3

The Tare- If the Tare-obi is thin or narrow it will burden your back The thickness and stuffing You may think that if a tare is thin then you could tie it tightly to make a good fit. As it is not struck as often as the men or kote, Read More

Kote image

Understanding and Selecting Kendogu Vol.2

The Kote- Can you correctly grip the shinai from the top? Kote-buton and the kote-gashira  As with the men, the stuffing of the kote-buton is very important. There are many items that lack adequate impact absorption in the kote-gashira (fist) area, and so you should be careful. Any futon that Read More