Tokumeikan

Kendo

What is Kendo?

The two kanji for kendo can be literally translated as “sword path” or more commonly translated as “The Way of the Sword”. According to the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF), or Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei (ZNKR) in Japanese, kendo is the study of the nature of the sword. Through the hardships involved in the practice of sword fencing, one can come to understand the spirit of the samurai. Kendo is not about winning and losing. It is, according to the AJKF, a means of developing character.

The Concept of Kendo

The concept of kendo is to develop a person’s character via the trials of rigorous training with the sword.

The Objectives of Kendo

The objectives of kendo are:

• To mold the mind and body
• To cultivate a vigorous spirit
• To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo
• To hold in esteem human courtesy and honour
• To associate with others with sincerity
• To forever pursue the cultivation of oneself

The Realization of Kendo

This will enable a person:

• To love his/her country and society
• To contribute to the development of culture
• To promote peace and prosperity among all peoples

Source: The All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF)/ Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei (ZNKR).

The School

The Kendo program at Tokumeikan operates as a branch dojo of the St. Catharines Kendo Club and as such is a member of the Canadian Kendo Federation

Links

For more information about the St. Catharines Kendo Club, please visit their webpage at: www.sckendo.ca

For more information about the Canadian Kendo Federation (CKF), please visit their webpage at: www.kendo-canada.com

For more information about the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF), please visit their international webpage at: www.kendo-fik.org/english-page/english-top-page.html