"Kendan" describes the lessons in kendo and life that were imparted to Kendo Kyoshi 8-dan Ozawa Hiroshi by his mentor, Kendo Hanshi 8-dan Yamanouchi Tomio. Ozawa-sensei studied kendo under Yamanouchi-sensei while a student at Nippon Sports Science University, and also at the internationally famous Kodansha Noma Dojo. Then, in 1979 when Ozawa-sensei's father became ill and could no longer teach him kendo, his father told him to study kendo under Yamanouchi-sensei. From that moment Ozawa-sensei practised kendo under the watchful guidance of Yamanouchi-sensei until he stopped practising at 85 years old. Ozawa-sensei remained his student until Yamanouchi-sensei passed away in 2005 at the age of 92. Kendan contains Ozawa-sensei's conversations with Yamanouchi-sensei over 13 years from 1980 to 1993. These conversations were largely had after training at Noma Dojo in the car on the way to the train station, and consisted of advice on different aspects of kendo. In addition to the technical side of kendo, many of the conversations were philosophical in nature and were about life as much as kendo. At times Yamanouchi-sensei would hand Ozawa-sensei long reports written on paper about different topics on kendo. Ozawa-sensei then collated this information and published Kendan on July 30, 1993, to celebrate Yamanouchi-sensei's 80th birthday. Now expertly translated by Matsuda Kazuyo in the UK, the knowledge and lessons on kendo and life found in Kendan are available in English.
Hirokazu Okusa details the captivating history of kendo in Canada in The Resilient Shinai. Kendo, a Japanese martial art with roots in the ancient sword fighting techniques of the samurai, was brought to Canada by industrious Japanese immigrants looking for a better life.The Resilient Shinai describes the tumultuous history of kendo in Canada, from its humble beginnings in the early 20th century to the vibrant present of the 2000s. A special focus is given to the trials and triumphs of the Japanese immigrants during the tumultuous period of internment during World War II, in which many lost their homes and livelihoods. From trials came triumph in the face of great adversity as their unyielding spirit carried kendo forward through their internment.In addition to the prewar, war, and postwar periods of kendo in Canada, there is also an account of the lives of two remarkable individuals, Torao "Tiger" Mori and Motoo Matsushita. These two kendoka had contrasting but remarkable kendo journeys and played an important role in the development of kendo in North America.Meticulously researched and illustrated with many archive photographs, The Resilient Shinai is an engrossing read for kendo enthusiasts and people interested in history alike.Authored by Hirokazu Okusa, a former president of the Canadian Kendo Federation and a dedicated kendo practitioner, The Resilient Shinai is a testament to his passion for ensuring that the history of Canadian kendo is not forgotten. This book pays homage to his seniors, the pioneers of Canadian kendo.
Kendo - Fundamentals and Waza to WinBy Hirakawa NobuoOriginally 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 WinBy Hirakawa NobuoOriginally 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.
EditorialBy 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 KornerKendo sage Uncle Kotay dishes out his inimitable brand of wisdom on the adage "katte-utsu", or "win and then strike".Kendo and the Human ConditionBy HoJun YooThis 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 4By Takano SasaburoTranslated by Alex BennettThe 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 6By Alex BennettIn this installment, we are warned of the dangers of drinking too much… [Good luck paying attention to this one…]Kitamoto 2017 ReportBy Steven Hsueh and Zia UddinSteven 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....
EditorialBy Alex BennettWith the 16th WKC only a few months away, Alex Bennett ruminates on the behaviour of onlookers at large sporting events both in and out of the budo world-something that was an issue at the 15th WKC in Novara, Italy, in 2012. He outlines ideal behaviour for both spectator and competitors at future competitions. The 62nd All Japan Kendo Championships: A Changing of the Guard?By Michael Ishimatsu-PrimeThe 62nd AJKC on Monday November 3, 2014, was perhaps the most memorable in recent years. 21-year-old University of Tsukuba third-year student was victorious after a day of shocks and surprises to become the youngest ever AJKC champion. Michael Ishimatsu-Prime looks at the facts and figures behind this year's tournament.Nippon Budokan 50thAnniversaryBy Bryan Peterson2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the Nippon Budokan, built to host the judo competition at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Bryan Peterson looks back at some of main events in the building's history. Grading Successfully: Part 3"Cultivating your own kendo philosophy" (continued from Kendo World 7.2)By Shigematsu Kimiaki, Kendo K8-danIn this final instalment, Shigematsu-sensei continues his discussion on "cultivating your own kendo philosophy" and how it relates to success in grading as well as life outside of the dojo. Shigetmatsu-sensei discusses seeking and learning, keiko on your own, disciplining your mind in your everyday life and the qualities of an instructor, among other topics.Kendo for Adults (NEW SERIES!)By Kendo Kyoshi 8-dan Hatano ToshioHatano Toshio-sensei was born in January 1945 in Musashi Murayama, Tokyo. After graduating from Kokushikan High School and Nihon University, he became a salaryman for a few years before establishing the Nanbud¿ Kend¿gu shop in 1971. He passed the 8-dan exam on his second attempt in 1994. He serves as an advisor for the West Tokyo Kendo Federation, and is Suruga University Kendo Club Shihan, Musashi Murayama City Kendo Federation president, and leader of the Kinry¿kan Dojo. "Most of the members are company workers. Along with my own training, I am constantly thinking of how I can help them improve their kendo. In this new series of articles, I will introduce various technical issues that can be addressed for mature kenshi..." Passing 7-dan: Reflections after the FactsBy Donatella Castelli"I passed 7-dan. I keep repeating it to myself, because I still fail to understand the consequences. I have been back to keiko, as usual, I and have been teaching and have been taught, so apparently nothing major has happened..." Well, something major did happen. In passing 7-dan, Donatella Castelli became the first European woman to obtain that grade. In this article she reflects on her journey to 7-dan and recounts some good advice that was useful in her success. Reidan Jichi Part 18: Waza BasicsBy Oya MinoruIn this instalment of "Reidan jichi", Oya-sensei begins discussing waza basics, focussing on shikake-waza, more specifically, destabilising the opponent's kamae and renzoku-waza. Japanese School Kendo and My Journey from Yokohama to the U.S.By Ko TabataIn this article, Ko Tabata, runner-up in the 2014 All United States Kendo Championships, explains the training regime at one of Japan's top high school kendo clubs, and his kendo journey from Yokohama to the U.S.etc. ... ....
Editorial By Alex Bennett Alex Bennett reminisces on the Kendo World's journey from its first to this, its 25th edition. He then goes on to discuss recent changes to attitudes in Japan in budo and kendo with regards to harsh training regimens. The Features of Kendo and My Experience By Takeyasu Yoshimitsu Takeyasu-sensei was until recently president of the All Japan Kendo Federation. He has since retired from that position but acts as the supreme advisor to the AJKF as well as president of the International Kendo Federation. In this article Takeyasu-sensei gives his congratulations to Kendo World on reaching its 25th edition, discusses the development of kendo and his 80 years of kendo experience. Making the grade: Roberto Kishikawa on passing the 8-Dan examination Interview by Dr. Stephen R. Nagy November 27, 2013, marks an important date for kendoka around the world. That early evening, Roberto Kishikawa, a Brazilian national and permanent resident of Hong Kong, was promoted to 8-dan by the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF). As the first, non-Japanese kendoka to pass the 8-dan grading in Japan, Kishikawa-sensei has excited and inspired the overseas kendo community to strive for the highest levels of kendo. This article is an interview with Kishikawa-sensei concerning his exam experience, views on kendo and journey to 8-dan. The 61st All Japan Kendo Championships By Michael Ishimatsu-Prime A summary and thoughts on the 61st All Japan Kendo Championships which Tokyo's Uchimura Ry¿ichi won for the third time. 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 Nakano Makoto-sensei from Ibaraki prefecture who passed the 8-dan examination in 1979, and was awarded the title of Hanshi in 1989. Nakano-sensei asserts that in order to pass grading examinations, examinees need to make the examiners lean forward in their seats. He also discusses the importance of striking opportunities and the how kiri-kaeshi and uchikomi are a neccessity. Grading Successfully: Part 1 By K8-dan Shigematsu Kimiaki-sensei In "Grading Successfully Part 1", Shigematsu Kimiaki-sensei, a kendo instructor with Chiba Prefectural Police Force, gives a detailed explanation of how to approach a grading. He covers a vast array of topics such as sonkyo, seme, hassei, datotsu, waza selection, and many more. This is an essential guide for those who are about to take a grading, particularly for the higher dan levels. Nuts ¿n' Bolts of Kendo: Effective Training Methods - Waza Training By Nakano Yasoji (Hanshi 9-dan) In this article, Nakano-sensei discusses the different types of keiko and how they should be carried out, as well as different types of waza and ideal situations in which they should be employed. "Why am I alive?" By Hamish Robison This is the first part in a series of articles on Ogawa Ch¿tar¿ (1901-1992), one of the great kendoka of the post-war era. Reidan Jichi: Kihon D¿sa - Part 5 By ¿ya Minoru (Kendo Ky¿shi 7-dan) Kihon-d¿sa, 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 y¿k¿-datosu (valid attacks) in kendo. This article looks at the four basic techniques of men, kote, d¿ and tsuki in detail. Unlocking Japan Part 25: Oh the Shame By Lockie Jackson The final entry in Lockie Jackson's column finishes with an account of witnessing a yakuza throwing his weight around and the feelings of shame that followed. sWords of Wisdom: "Mumy¿ wo kiru" (Sever ignorance) By Alex Bennett ... ... ...
- Judging the Judges and "Gross Spectators"- Whence art we?- The Kendo World (Far Too Brief)Guide to Tokyo- The Not-So-Well-Known History of International Kendo Competitions- History of the WKC 1st-10th- Reviewing the History and Challenges of Women's Participation at the WKC- The 11th World Kendo Championships @ Santa Clara, CA USA March 24-26, 2000- History of the WKC 11th- Recollections of Organising a WKC- History of the WKC 12th-15th- An Examination of Y¿k¿-datotsu Scored at the 15th World Kendo Championships in Italy- The WKC in Graphs- The Kendo World WKC Guess Who!
EditorialBy Alex BennettKendo World's Alex Bennett has recently finished a translation of the bushido classic Hagakure. In his editorial he discusses the relevance of Hagakure to kendo and the lessons that can still be learned from it.Obituary: Miyako Tanaka PriceBy Kurt SchmuckerKurt Schmucker looks back at the life of naginata Hanshi Miyako Tanaka Price, who recently passed away.Hanshi SaysHanshi 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 Taba Norinobu-sensei from Ibaraki prefecture who passed the 8-dan examination in 1990, and was awarded the title of Hanshi in 1998."When I am on an examination panel for 8-dan examinations, the main thing that I am looking for is whether or not the candidate demonstrates an understanding of correct kendo theory. Are they fighting their opponent from an interval that seems close to them but far away for the opponent? Are they seizing the right opportunities to strike? Are they attacking with ki-ken-tai-itchi? And, are they demonstrating steadfast zanshin at the end of each attack? The act of applying pressure is essentially a clash of two minds, and the key for success is how well each candidate is able take the initiative in the seme process and attack and defence. Strong "ki-zeme" ¿ overcoming your opponent with your spirit and presence ¿ is of the essence."Embrace the FailingBy Boris JansenDutch National Team member reflects on passing 6-dan, and the positives to be gleaned from failing."I am still on a high after passing my kendo 6-dan in August 2013. The preparation, failing, reflection, struggling and finally passing the exam, turned out to be a much greater experience than I initially expected. The failing forced me to take a step back and helped me to transform my kendo into what I believe is more mature and varied, and on top of it, just more fun. In this article, I would like to share my experience regarding my three attempts and highlight some of the requirements which I think are key in order to pass."Grading Successfully: Part 2By K8-dan Shigematsu Kimiaki-senseiIn "Grading Successfully Part 2", Shigematsu Kimiaki-sensei, a kendo instructor with Chiba Prefectural Police Force, gives a detailed explanation of how to approach a grading. In this, the second of three instalments, he discusses the importance of kihon, the correct attitude to training, types of keiko, ki, and kyojitsu. This is an essential guide for those who are about to take a grading, particularly for the higher dan levels.FIK Anti-Doping ComplianceBy Dr. Darryl TongAs an official member of SportAccord (formerly known as GAISF) the International Kendo Federation (FIK) set up an anti-doping committee to conform to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations pertaining to doping. As FIK affiliates, each national federation and participants in FIK activities must abide by the FIK Anti-Doping Rules compiled in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code. FIK Anti-Dopin Committee Chairman Dr. Miyasaka Masayuki discusses its impact with Dr. Darryl Tong of the University of Otago, New Zealand.....
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.
Content in this issue:EditorialBy Michael Ishimatsu-PrimeIn 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 Sakud¿ 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 InterviewBy Blake BennettKENDO 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 SaysHanshi 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 - KirikaeshiBy 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 BennettH¿z¿in In'ei was a Buddhist monk at the K¿fuku-ji temple in Nara who founded a prominent school of s¿jutsu (spearmanship) known as the H¿z¿in-ry¿. This article discusses In'ei's encounter with another renowned warrior of the Warring States period called Kani Saiz¿, and a valuable lesson that he taught him.Reidan Jichi: Kihon D¿sa - Part 4By ¿ya Minoru (Kendo Ky¿shi 7-dan)Kihon-d¿sa, 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 y¿k¿-datosu (valid attacks) in kendo. This article examines striking basics and the theory behind striking motion.Unlocking Japan Part 24: Gaijin StyleBy Lockie JacksonLockie Jackson's column continues as he ruminates on the image of foreign men in Japan.The 43rd Kanagawa-ken Yonsha Taik¿ Kendo TaikaiBy Michael Ishimatsu-PrimeOn Sunday February 17, 2013, Michael Ishimatsu-Prime visited the Kangawa Prefectural Budokan in Yokohama to report on the 43rd Kanagawa-ken Yonsha Taik¿ 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 4By Blake BennettBlake 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 j¿ge-kankei, and the idea of k¿ken-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.... .... ....
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.
Bud¿ is one of Japan's most significant contributions to the world's athletic heritage. In fact, I consider bud¿ to be Japan's most successful cultural export. Wherever you go in the world, even in the remotest towns of the farthest countries, there is a high probability that there will be a 'd¿j¿' of some sort in the community. In that d¿j¿ you will find the local people barefooted, dressed in Japanese d¿-gi, obeying commands in the Japanese language, bowing the Japanese way, and more often than not, there will be a Japanese flag or a picture of some great Japanese master from the past occupying a prominent part of the d¿j¿. Interestingly, probably not one of the members will have ever been to Japan, and contact with Japanese people will be limited. There will always be some idiosyncrasies in the way training is conducted stemming from the fact that it is not actually Japan, and there are many aspects which have to be adapted to suit that particular social milieu.
Un travail de cette nature ne vaut, en somme, que par le nombre et l'exactitude des dessins qui en éclairent le texte. Toute description est impuissante à évoquer dans l'esprit le mieux doué l'idée exacte d'un monument monétaire, et cette impuissance est surtout complète quand il s'agit des productions d'un peuple dont l'écriture est formée d'idéogrammes compliqués, tout à fait étrangers à nos conceptions européennes.Avant tout, par conséquent, il fallait parler aux yeux, mais bien parler. Si donc cette étude sur la Numismatique japonaise présente quelque intérêt, il est dû surtout au savant consciencieux, à l'artiste de c¿ur et de talent qui, par pur amour pour la science, a bien voulu employer son temps et sa peine à la reproduction scrupuleuse de la plupart des monnaies qui composent ma collection. Que M. Laugier, l'éminent conservateur du Cabinet des Médailles de la ville de Marseille, veuille bien recevoir ici l'hommage le plus sincère de ma reconnaissance, et qu'il me permette de lui dédier ce travail d'un numismatiste d'aventure bien peu digne de s'abriter sous un nom aussi connu que respecté.E. de Villaret
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