Evaluating budo equipment can be very difficult, especially as a newcomer to martial arts. We thought who better to ask than our resident kyoshi 7-dan Hayashi Sensei: he not only has a great understanding of his chosen art (kendo), but he also actively works in product development. Let’s take a Read More
We have another of our essay contest winning entries to kick off this week. In this article Arash explores how his connection to Japanese budo developed and also shows how it now manifests in his sons. We all have our own experiences with discovering budo, but many of us did it alone.
Footwork is not just a kihon practice, but a skill that will develop alongside our seme throughout our shugyo.
Like all previous winners of this contest, I felt shock and surprise when Tozando informed me that I was selected as the winner to travel to Kyoto, Japan. And yes, I pinched myself when I saw the email! All I could think about was how to take this opportunity and make it an experience not only to benefit my kendo but also my life. After all, this trip was a once in a life experience.
This article by Mihai Dutescu(Tozando 2019 Essay contest Winner) takes a look at the objectives of kendo and why we should embrace the difficulty that lies ahead on our chosen path. Kendo as a way of life is hard Choosing to practice kendo as a way of life as opposed Read More
I have also learned to put more weight on the mental side of the game Hayashi-san, you taking Kendo Kyoshi 7-dan while still being in your 30s without once failing an examination. How do you feel about it now? Well, previously I was thinking primarily about my own kendo, but Read More
This article by Tyler Duffield explores the interesting relationship between Japanese budo and the Olympics. The Olympics and Budo: a Questionable Mix With the coming inclusion of Karate in the 2020 Tokyo Games, it is timely to pause and think about the effect of Olympic inclusion on Judo, possible ramifications Read More
Kyushu – the Land of Kendo Powerhouses Kendo is a martial art that has been practiced all over Japan and more and more all over the world. People who have some knowledge of kendo will likely know that Kyushu, out of all regions in Japan, is particularly renowned for producing Read More
Maai In the second article, let’s talk about the sword, which relates to skill. The “sword” is about fully exhibiting everything that you have acquired through your daily training. This is where the fruits of your daily training are tested. You also need the insight to judge your opponent’s skill, Read More
I feel like the current me is stronger than the me last year Kyohei Hayashida (Fukui, teacher, 24) 2nd round During his years at Tsukuba university, he experienced being Japanese champion in both individual and team tournaments. Last year, 2 years after graduation, he entered the main tournament of the Read More
