Kendo World is devoted to the art of Japanese sword fencing (kendo), and the dissemination of its vast practical, philosophical and historical aspects to the non-Japanese speaking kendo community. Kendo World Magazine is a twice yearly print publication packed full of articles on kendo and related budo arts (iaido, jodo, jukendo, naginata, and koryu arts). The articles for Kendo World are written by an international network of experienced martial artists spread across Japan and the world. Translations of articles and books published in Japanese, including our supporters Kendo Nippon and Kendo Jidai magazines, are included in many of our pages.

Kendo World 6.1

Sports & Outdoors

Individual Sports

Bunkasha International

Serving as an instructor at the elite Japanese Naval Academy in Etajima in the late 1800s, Francis James Norman was one of the first Westerners to take up the study of the two "noble sciences" of kenjutsu and jujutsu. With sections on kenjutsu, Japanese military history and education, sumo, and jujutsu, his book, originally published in 1905, provides a fascinating insight into the Japanese martial arts and society around the turn of the twentieth century. After publishing this book, however, he mysteriously disappears from sight. Apart from a brief mention in The Times of his participation in a jujutsu and kenjutsu demonstration in London, nothing was known of his fate until Dr. Alex Bennett uncovered the facts behind the remainder of his life after residing in Japan. This republication of F.J. Norman's book is meant to serve as a celebration of the man's intrepidness, and demonstrate how far ahead of his times he really was.

The Fighting Man of Japan

Norman, Francis James

Content in this issue: Editorial By Michael Ishimatsu-Prime In the editorial, Michael Ishimatsu-Prime reflects on visiting the 109th Kyoto Embu Taikai in May and discusses some of the highlights, most notably the participation of the last two Hanshi 7-dan sensei who are 99 and 90 years old, and also the bout between Sakudō Masao-sensei and Hamasaki Mitsuru-sensei which was the epitome of "katte-utsu" - "win and then strike". The upcoming Sport Accord Combat Games that will be held in St. Petersburg, Russia, is also discussed along with Olympic kendo. Kiwada Daisuke Interview By Blake Bennett KENDO WORLD EXCLUSIVE!! Staff writer Blake Bennett visited the Osaka Police training centre to interview the current All Japan Champion, Kiwada Daisuke. Kiwada discusses his motivations, difficulties and aims in kendo. Hanshi Says Hanshi Says is a popular series in which Japan's top Hanshi teachers give hints of what they are looking for in grading examinations based on wisdom accumulated through decades of training. This issue features Aoki Hikoto-sensei from Oita prefecture who passed the 8-dan examination in 1987, and was awarded the title of Hanshi in 1995. He talks about the importance of cultivating one's overall capacity and using seme effectively. Nuts ‛n' Bolts of Kendo: Effective Training Methods - Kirikaeshi By Nakano Yasoji (Hanshi 9-dan) In this article, Nakano-sensei discusses the importance of kirikaeshi and points to consider for both the kakarite and motodachi. sWords of Wisdom: "Remember, then forget" By Alex Bennett Hōzōin In'ei was a Buddhist monk at the Kōfuku-ji temple in Nara who founded a prominent school of sōjutsu (spearmanship) known as the Hōzōin-ryū. This article discusses In'ei's encounter with another renowned warrior of the Warring States period called Kani Saizō, and a valuable lesson that he taught him. Reidan Jichi: Kihon Dōsa - Part 4 By Ōya Minoru (Kendo Kyōshi 7-dan) Kihon-dōsa, or basic movements, refers to kamae, footwork and manipulation of the shinai. In other words, it entails all of the principles behind the striking and thrusting movements for scoring yūkō-datosu (valid attacks) in kendo. This article examines striking basics and the theory behind striking motion. Unlocking Japan Part 24: Gaijin Style By Lockie Jackson Lockie Jackson's column continues as he ruminates on the image of foreign men in Japan. The 43rd Kanagawa-ken Yonsha Taikō Kendo Taikai By Michael Ishimatsu-Prime On Sunday February 17, 2013, Michael Ishimatsu-Prime visited the Kangawa Prefectural Budokan in Yokohama to report on the 43rd Kanagawa-ken Yonsha Taikō Kendo Taikai (The 43rd Kanagawa Prefecture Four Team Kendo Competition). This exciting competition pits 15-member teams of the prefecture's strongest police, teachers, company workers and students against each other in a league. The Kendo Coach: Sports Psychology in Kendo: Part 9 - Aggression in Kendo - part 4 By Blake Bennett Blake Bennett's continuing series of articles on aggression in kendo uncover the factors as to why the kendo student is willing to undergo and tolerate ongoing harsh training methods. Following on from part 3 of this series, this article will examine the issues of kitae and shitsuke (discipline) in the dojo, in addition to discussing group identity, the use of jōge-kankei, and the idea of kōken-chiai in an attempt to show how the objective of polishing the mind in kendo is facilitated. Overall, the various aspects of kendo that generate a motivation in the student to willingly undergo and tolerate ongoing harsh training methods will be examined. ... .... ....

Kendo World 6.4

Yamaoka Tesshu (1836-1888) was a Japanese master of the sword, Zen and calligraphy. A full-color book on the Zen art of Tesshu features his calligraphic pieces, essays about the relationship between swordsmanship, Zen, and calligraphy. Works are translated and significance explained in detailed captions. Calligraphy by Tesshu's contemporaries Katsu Kaishu, Takahashi Deishu, and modern master Terayama Tanchu included.

Ken Zen Sho - The Zen Calligraphy and Painting of Yamaoka Tesshu

Religion & Spirituality

Buddhism

Nombreux sont les pratiquants d'arts martiaux qui ont parcouru le Gorin no sho ( crit sur les cinq l ments), l'oeuvre majeure de Miyamoto Musashi (1582-1645). Malheureusement, ce texte est aussi int ressant qu'herm tique. Sa seule lecture ne permet pas d'appr hender la philosophie et les concepts strat giques du c l bre samoura . En traduisant et en commentant le Heih sanj go kaj (Trente-cinq articles sur la strat gie), les auteurs poursuivent deux objectifs. Tout d'abord, ils veulent offrir la premi re traduction int grale de ce texte en fran ais. Ensuite, gr ce aux tr s nombreux commentaires qui accompagnent cette dition, ils esp rent fournir un outil permettant de mieux comprendre la pens e de Musashi et favoriser ainsi une meilleure compr hension du Gorin no sho.

Trente-cinq articles sur la stratégie (French Edition)

Literature & Fiction

MIYAMOTO, Musashi

Tavernier, Baptiste

History & Criticism

Those who study kendo regard promotion examinations and matches as vehicles for cultivating self-discipline. Preparing to take a grading is especially motivating compared to regular training. It is, however, also a tremendous disappointment when you fail. There are those who manage to pass each examination without ever failing, and others who reach an impasse. So, what is the difference between these two groups? If you can figure this out, even just a little, you are one step closer to finding success. There are many things needed for success in an examination, not least of which is impressing the judges with resonating strikes. There is no way to achieve your goal without knowing how to accomplish this. The content of this book is based on lessons I learned from my sensei, my personal experiences in the dojo, and what I read in books and instruction manuals along the way. I hope that you will find the information in this small volume useful reference material as you tread down the path of kendo.

The Kendo Mind: A Guide to Grading Successfully

Shigematsu, Kimiaki

New updated edition of the now out-of-print "Naginata: The Definitive Guide". Alex Bennett goes into the history and practice of Naginata, using original source materials, and technical photos taken under the guidance of Kimura Yasuko Sensei. With the approval of the International Naginata Federation, this is the most comprehensive English-language guide to the martial art of Naginata.

Naginata. History and Practice

Bennett, Alexander

The ultimate purpose of practicing kata is to gain an understanding of the essence of jukendo and tankendo. The kata combines the basic technical components of jukendo and tankendo in set forms with a fixed order. Through kata one can train one's spirit, posture and attitude; learn combinations of techniques and how to judge maai; understand the different thrusting, striking and cutting opportunities; learn to evaluate irimi-seitai possibilities; acquire precise techniques and experience the exquisiteness of zanshin. Jukendo and tankendo kata were created in order to teach proper etiquette, posture, grip, footwork, use of internal energy, breathing, opportunities, vigilance, and offence and defence patterns. By studying kata, one will be able to improve posture, correct technical flaws, acquire proper thrusting and striking actions, accurately judge interval, and understand the concept of taking the initiative. The practitioners movement will become sharper and faster, a more dignified attitude will be nurture, a stronger spirit will manifest, and the eyes will become more piercing and alert. This book contains detailed explanations of all of the kata of the All Japan Jukendo Federation, supplemented with comprehensive photography of all the important points.

Jukendo and Tankendo Kata

Kendo - Fundamentals and Waza to Win By Hirakawa Nobuo
Originally published in Japanese in 1993, Hirakawa-sensei’s book has been a consistent best seller and has been through several editions.
The book starts with a brief history of kendo and its current state before focusing on the basics in Chapter 2. Hirakawa-sensei provides guidance on how to stand, move, swing the shinai (bamboo sword), put on bogu (protective armour), as well as basic strikes and defensive moves.
Chapter 3 delves deeply into shikake-waza (off-the-mark techniques) and oji-waza (applied techniques). The shikake-waza section covers techniques such as taiatari-waza, katsugi-waza, and creating striking opportunities through body movement and using the shinai tip. Nuki-waza, suriage-waza, harai-waza, maki-waza, and many more technique categories are covered in the applied techniques section before finishing with jodan-waza.
There is also an explanation of the Nippon Kendo Kata using a bokuto (wooden sword), as well as practicing the forms while wearing bogu.
Throughout the book, each technique is explained in detail and illustrated with diagrams and photos to help your understanding.
Kendo–Fundamentals and Waza to Win is the most detailed instruction guide available in English and is essential reading for both novice and expert practitioners.

Kendo - Fundamentals and Waza to Win

Hirakawa, Nobuo

Editorial By Alex Bennett “Erai shitsurei shimashita. That’s Kansai dialect for, “Begging your pardon folks…” It has been quite some time since the last issue of Kendo World. The blame rests solely on my shoulders. The past 18 months or so have been characterised by life sort of getting in the way. But KW is back, and we are on the verge of taking it to new heights.” Alex also discusses the recent iaido grading scandal and the WKC in Korea.
Uncle Kotay’s Kendo Korner Kendo sage Uncle Kotay dishes out his inimitable brand of wisdom on the adage “katte-utsu”, or “win and then strike”.
Kendo and the Human Condition By HoJun Yoo This article is the winner of the “Kendo World / Shogun Kendogu Blue Label Article Competition”. “Feeling utterly broken, I sit on the edge of my bed, surrounded by the suffocating darkness and silence. The clock reads four in the afternoon, and the winter sun should be about to set soon, but I can only guess. I haven’t been outside in over a week. Looking around the spartan room, I feel utterly detached, though the detachment is better than the usual crushing sense of self-loathing, panic, and anxiety. It is as close to relief as I can get.” HoJun Yoo discusses how kendo is helping him with his mental wellbeing.
Kendo: Part 4 By Takano Sasaburo Translated by Alex Bennett The final section of Chapter 3 discusses kata. “Kata forms were created by selecting the most fundamental techniques in kendo. Through studying kata, students develop good posture, hone their power of observation, fix bad technical habits, learn the correct cutting angle of the blade, become more agile and lighter in action, develop precise striking technique, understand correct distancing (maai), improve temperament, and augment a strong spirit (kiai). It is for these reasons that kata practice is veryimportant.”
Hagakure: Part 6 By Alex Bennett In this installment, we are warned of the dangers of drinking too much… [Good luck paying attention to this one…]
Kitamoto 2017 Report By Steven Hsueh and Zia Uddin Steven Hsueh and Zia Uddin were the U.S. representatives at the 44th Foreign Kendo Leaders’ Summer Seminar in Saitama in July 2017. Here they discuss the aims and objectives of the seminar, what they learnt, and the training.
and more....

Kendo World 8.4

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