When looking at kendo bogu, whether it is online or in catalogs, you often see the word “Shokko” in the description of the bogu. Shokko is part of the kazari or “decoration” on the ago and on the mune (though it can and has been placed elsewhere as well), and Read More
From shinken to iaito and decorative wall-hangers, there are numerous types of Japanese swords available for purchase today, however today we will have a look at the only part that you touch on a katana: the tsuka. We will also go over some simple ways to distinguish a good tsuka Read More
Written by Tatsunari Tachibana, Yoshinkan 4-dan(Tozando) What is Aikido? This is a question I have numerous times asked the people at the various Dojo where I have the honor to instruct, yet every time I asked this question, I’m met with silence. Although it might seem to be simple to Read More
Written by Hayashi Takahiro, Kendo Kyoshi 7-dan(Tozando) Important points to take note of when taking the promotional examination Last time we spoke about the Shodan promotional exam, so this time we will talk a bit more in detail about how to approach the promotional exam. For this post, I have Read More
This time, I would like to talk about what I usually take extra care of while practicing Iaido up until now and while aiming for passing the promotional exam. To pass the promotional exam, besides putting in extra time for Keiko so that you can show the examiners your very Read More
In this article we are going to take a look at how to go about choosing the right iaito for you. Beyond the aesthetics and theme of the koshirae, there are many factors like blade type and tsuka length to consider. We go through each step of the process recommending Read More
MUKOKU, based on Shuhei Fujisawa’s novel, will be going up in theaters all over Japan on the 3rd of June! The movie is about Kengo Yatabe (Ayano Go) a 5-dan Kendoka who stops practicing after causing an accident, now he spends his days drinking and working as a security guard. Read More
Passing the Shodan examination The first real obstacle to anyone who starts Kendo is passing the Shodan examination, during which your most basic Kendo knowledge will be put to the test. Depending on where you are taking the examination, the actual contents of it might vary. However I believe that Read More
We had some questions from Kendo customers about the SSP and SG seals on Shinai and if the SSP seal will become a requirement for competing Kendoka from now on. The short answer is NO! The requirement of SSP seals on Shinai won’t affect Kendoka overseas at the moment. If Read More
Tsukidare (Ago) is a part that we pay much attention to as craftsmen, since any strike to this part comes with a lot of danger. When wearing the Men, many people tend to grab it by the Ago and wear the Men, however, it’s not good to do so, as Read More
