Text Box: So you are interested in learning kendo? Here is a quick FAQ for learning kendo at UCSD or with the San Diego Kendo Bu. 1. What IS Kendo, exactly? Kendo is a Japanese martial art which has become a national sport in Japan, and played in over 100 countries. It is the Japanese style of fencing. Please see the links page for a Wikipedia entry on kendo. Here is a description of kendo and its purpose, according to the IFK (International Kendo Federation): The Concept of Kendo The concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana (sword). The Purpose of Practicing Kendo The purpose of practicing Kendo is: To mold the mind and body, To cultivate a vigorous spirit, And through correct and rigid training, To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo, To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor, To associate with others with sincerity, And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself. This will make one be able: To love his/her country and society, To contribute to the development of culture And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples. (The Concept of Kendo was established by All Japan Kendo Federation in 1975.) 2. How do I join the UCSD Kendo Club? It’s easy! Just contact us and we will give you info about the practice times. If you are learning kendo for the first time, it is best to join the UCSD Recreation Department’s Kendo Class. See the Links page to access the UCSD Recreations Department. 3. How do I join San Diego Kendo Bu? You can contact us, or email Scott Chang and we will give you info about practice times, location, fees, and answer any questions you might have. See Contacts page for more info. 4. What kind of equipment do I need for kendo? Beginners just need a shinai, which can be purchased at the first day of the Rec class, or online with E-bogu, Eguchi, or some other company. The more advanced members will need a gi, hakama, bogu (kendo armor), and a bokken for kata. See the links page for more information on shinai and bogu. Here are some examples of the equipment used in kendo: (click on the picture to see a larger version) The shinai: a hollow, slatted bamboo sword. The bogu set: armor made of deerhide as well as plastic, metal, fiberglass, and other materials. The parts are: men (helmet), kote (gauntlet), do (chest plate), gi (top shirt), hakama (traditional Japanese pants), and tare (contains the name plate). 5. Anything else I should know about kendo before I start? Counting is a very important aspect of kendo. The players count loudly while warming up, as a demonstration of spirit and to encourage each other. Counting is done in Japanese. Below is a list of counting terms in Japanese. Ichi Ni San Shi/Yon Go Roku Shichi/Nana Hachi Kyu/Ku Jyu 20. Ni-jyu 30. San-jyu 100. Hyaku 200. Ni-hyaku 300. San-byaku 1000. Sen -Kai/hon/bon/pon = times Understanding of the 5 Reflections, which originated in Buddhist/Shinto tradition, may also offer a more cultural/philosophical perspective of kendo. The Five Reflections Hitotsu, shisei ni motoru, nakarishika Have I compromised my sincerity? Hitotsu, genkou ni hazuru, nakarishika Have I spoken or acted shamefully? Hitotsu, kiryoku ni kakuru, nakarishika Have I been lacking in spiritual vigor? Hitotsu, doryoku ni urami, nakarishika Must I regret the level of my effort? Hitotsu, bushou ni wataru, nakarishika Have I lapsed into laziness? Here are the striking zones in kendo. In order to score a point, one must strike one of these zones, while exhibiting proper posture (kamae), footwork (suriashi), distance (ma-ai), follow-through (zannshin), and spirit (kiai).

The UCSD Kendo Club

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