Memorable Kendo Matches 16: 1953 Kyoto Taikai
In 1953, after a 10 years of absence and prohibition, eight kenshi stepped into sonkyo for a new beginning of Japanese post-war kendo.
Thus spoke Hayashi – Vol. 2
Evaluating budo equipment can be very difficult, especially as a newcomer to martial arts. We thought who better to ask than our resident kyoshi 7-dan Hayashi Sensei: he not only has a great understanding of his chosen art (kendo), but he also actively works in product development. Let’s take a Read More
Ashi de semeru – attack with your feet
Footwork is not just a kihon practice, but a skill that will develop alongside our seme throughout our shugyo.
Kendo as a way of life is hard
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
Thus Spoke Hayashi
I have also learned to put more weight on the mental side of the game Hayashi-san, you taking Kendo Kyoshi 7-dan while still being in your 30s without once failing an examination. How do you feel about it now? Well, previously I was thinking primarily about my own kendo, but Read More
Olympics and Budo – a Questionable Mix
This article by Tyler Duffield explores the interesting relationship between Japanese budo and the Olympics. The Olympics and Budo: a Questionable Mix With the coming inclusion of Karate in the 2020 Tokyo Games, it is timely to pause and think about the effect of Olympic inclusion on Judo, possible ramifications Read More
Kyushu is strong at Kendo!
Kyushu – the Land of Kendo Powerhouses Kendo is a martial art that has been practiced all over Japan and more and more all over the world. People who have some knowledge of kendo will likely know that Kyushu, out of all regions in Japan, is particularly renowned for producing Read More
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
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
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