A brand new style of shinai handle on the horizon! Inspired by the katana, that the shinai originally represents, it features an asymmetric design that gives you great awareness of the position of your shinai as well providing an extremely comfortable foundation for your kamae (posture). As part of the Read More
In the recent Movie “Musashi” by Mikami Yasuo, the famous jidaigeki actor Ken Matsudaira plays Sasaki Kojiro – Musashi’s infamous final nemesis. In this article Takahiko Kimura, Tozando’s chairman, discusses with Matsudaira about his role and the development of his signature weapon – the “Monohoshizao” (known affectionately as the laundry Read More
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
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.
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 1953, after a 10 years of absence and prohibition, eight kenshi stepped into sonkyo for a new beginning of Japanese post-war kendo.
Just like the katana, the naginata conjures up many images of feudal Japan: the dedicated footsoldier, the heroic onna-bushi and also the devout warrior-monk to name, but a few. Whilst grounded in truth, these perceptions have warped our image of the naginata and its use perhaps more so than any other traditional Japanese weapon. To many the naginata and its accompanying ryu-ha are “feminine” or the sole domain of the warrior-monks. This is far from the case!
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.
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
