Middle-aged Kendo players doing Keiko training

Getting tough physically? Kendo issues in your 40s

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

Image of Japanese Sword Katana made by Akatamtsu Taro

The Japanese Sword – The Difference in Appearance

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

Kaji Jinja shrine in Awata Jinja shrine in Kyoto

Crescent Moon Munechika: The Swordsmith Legend in Kyoto

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

Patented protection, found nowhere else: Shudo Tornado-sttich Kendo Bogu

Patented protection, found nowhere else: Tornado-stitch Kendo Bogu

Innovative protection, through patented design What began with our Tornado-stitch Kote has now been developed into a full set of Kendo Bogu – the Shudo provides unmatched protection across all strike zones. Furthermore, thanks to our bogu expertise the set remains highly comfortable, breathable and easy to move in. What Read More

Moriya High Girl Kendo Club

Memorable Kendo Matches 5: Moriya High School (2012 Inter High Girls)

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

Kendo Step

Strengthening your Kendo Step – The Connection between Track & Field and Kendo

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

Iai Kata Sword slashing

Being true to your Sword

– 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

2007 World Kendo Championship in Glasgow

Memorable Kendo Matches 4: Naoki Eiga (2003 World Championship)

– 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

The 10th World Kendo Championship in Kyoto

Memorable Kendo Matches 3: Masahiro Miyazaki (1997 World Championship)

The World Championship was held in Japan – the first time in 6 editions and 18 years. The 10th World Championship at Kyoto was the beginning of the fierce rivalry between Japan and South Korea. For the first time in the history of the competition, the team games were divided Read More

Kurashiki High School Kendo Club team

Memorable Kendo Matches 2: Kurashiki High School (2000, Gyokuryuki High School Championship)

The underdogs who turned the impossible into reality The Second Far-away Winner of the Gyokuryuki The last Gyokuryuki High School Kendo Championship (men’s edition) of the 20th Century was won by the underdog of all underdogs, Kurashiki High School (Okayama). Kurashiki had only made it to the inter-high team championship Read More