The 8th Dan – This is how I passed Vol.3
Before doing keiko, always do uchikomi. Then – go through the basics and prepare yourself mentally.
The 8th Dan – This is how I passed Vol.2
Katsuno Shintaro (Aichi Prefecture) I was taught that “you must show each other the best of yourselves” and to care for the harmony between yourself and your opponent. I recently was able to pass on my 10th attempt. As this examination is a great milestone for myself, I did not Read More
The 8th Dan – This is how I passed Vol.1
Shirota Masayuki (Saitama Prefecture) Take great care to control your physical health. It was after 9 years and 17 attempts from when I had first began taking the exam. The first few times I took it I tried not to be too conscious of it. I just cleared my mind Read More
“Kyu” and “Dan” in Budo
In Japanese Budo such as kendo, judo, kyudo, there are levels named “kyu” and “dan”. Each has its own characteristic, but many people wonder what the difference is between the two. Kyu is a word that describes the quality or the condition of objects as in “ikkyuhin”, “nikyuhin” and “sankyuhin” Read More
Advice for Passing the Kendo Examination
Kendo has grade examinations, and the first to take is the shodan examination. For those who begin kendo from junior high school, this shodan examination can become an early goal. Some people hear the word “shodan” (first grade) and think it can’t be too hard. But not everyone who takes Read More
What made you take up Kendo?
“Please tell us what motivated you to start Kendo.” This is a question that is asked at the Dan-grading. So what makes Kenshi who live abroad take up Kendo? One reason I have heard is that they want to learn the spirit of Japanese Bushido through Kendo. I am not Read More
About the attitude towards appearance in Iaido
In Budo, appearance and the way you dress is a very important element, and it’s often said that your appearance is a mirror of your mind. If your appearance is disorderly, it shows that your mind is disturbed. Always remaining well dressed and tidy, this is also something that requires Read More
The Path to Passing the Kendo Promotional Examination Part 2
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
The Path to Passing the Kendo Promotional Examination
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