Category: Budo Articles

A bowl of Miso soup

Forbidden Food for Samurai

In the modern era, people will tend to eat three main meals a day; being strongly advised not to skip breakfast.  In Japan, three meals a day had become the norm by the Meiji Era (1868-1912), however in Sengoku Japan, two meals a day was the norm.  It could even Read More

Mizuki Matsumoto at the Kendo World Championship in 2015

Memorable Kendo Matches 15: The only Japanese Player to Win against Korean Players: Mizuki Matsumoto (2015 Kendo World Championship)

Matsumoto’s brilliant performance helps Japan see off advancing rivals It was the first time in 18 years that the World Champs were held in Japan, and the 16th edition played at the Nihon Budokan saw Japan and South Korea fight to the death. The rivalry between the two nations was Read More

Youngsters to look out for and seasoned Kendo players who showed their class 2 – Interviewing Kenshi who fought hard from the 66th All Japan Championship

“My aim was the men when my opponent comes out. My goals was to win 6 times.” Shinichiro Hirano (Saitama, Saitama Police, 35) Round of 16 (3rd round) High grade kenshi who graduated from Aoyama Gakuin University and entered Saitama Police achieved his first appearance at the tournament at age Read More

Kendo player shouting for Kiai

Moving Beyond Beginner Level! Be mindful of the Ki, the sword, and the body vol. 1

3 Important Factors for Gaining Ippon In a match, in order to gain an ippon or win the match, mind, sword and body must come together. It is important to make these things your own through daily training and practice. In this edition, I will explain these three separately. Ki Read More

Aso High School beating PL Gakuen in 1991 Kendo Inter High

Memorable Kendo Matches 14: “Izumi Magic” brings Aso High School to Win both Boys and Girls Team Games (1996 Inter High)

Winning the title by beating PL Gakuen (Osaka) who had a 4 year winning streak In 1991, Aso High School (Kumamoto) won the much coveted Inter High Girls team tournament for the first time, They defeated PL Gakuen (Osaka), who had been winning it 4 consecutive years until them. From Read More

Katsumi Yosuke facing his opponent at the 66th All Japan Kendo Championship Taikai

National Players Showing their Worth and Underdogs Fighting Valiantly 3: Interviewing quarter-finalists from the 66th All Japan Championship

I think I played a match that would lead to the future Quarter-finalist Yohei Katsumi (Kanagawa, Kanagawa Police, 32) He claimed the title of this tournament 2 years ago after coming second the year before, but lost unexpectedly in the second round last year. He is entering the veteran age, Read More

Youngsters to look out for and seasoned Kendo players who showed their class – Interviewing Kenshi who fought hard from the 66th All Japan Championship

“Last game as a student, playing for the people of Hokkaido too” Ryohei Yamada (Hokkaido, Meiji Uni. 21) Round of 16 (3rd round) At the World Championship 3 years ago, he was selected for the Japanese team in his first year of university (he was still in high school when Read More

Kendo Kote on the shelf

Prioritizing mobility has resulted in gloves that have higher injury risk Part 2

Correct Kendo Equipment Knowledge taught by Artisans Which is more suited for the glove-head – leather or Orizashi? Inside the glove, traditionally smoked deer skin has been used. For the glove-head, indigo-dyed deerskin or Orizashi can be used. There is also material called “yakko” which is a mixture of both. Read More

Samurai warrior cutting a roll of Tatami(Batto)

The Japanese Sword and the Japanese Idioms Part 5

Previously we have shared 4 articles introducing Japanese idioms that derive from the sword, for which we have received positive feedback as well as requests for more idiomatic expressions. Upon further research, we found plenty more. Here are 7 new idioms we would like to add to the list. Kitaeru Read More

Prioritizing mobility has resulted in Kote that have higher injury risk Part 1

Correct Kendo Equipment Knowledge taught by Artisans Kote with low impact absorption not only hurt, but can cause serious injury. What are good quality Kendo kote? Many people will give answers like “You can move your wrists easily.”, “soft”, “easy to use” or “light”. Those are obviously points demanded by Read More