How to Learn Kendo: A Beginner’s Guide
How to Learn Kendo: A Beginner’s Guide
Blog Article
Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art that uses a bamboo sword or shinai. The sport combines self-defense techniques with deep Zen philosophy, aiming to develop physical, mental, and spiritual strength. Although it originally originated from samurai training, Kendo is now practiced by many people around the world as a way to improve self-discipline, speed, and concentration.
If you’re interested in learning Kendo, here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started and mastering the basics of this martial art.
1. Understanding Kendo Basics
Before you start practicing, it’s important to understand what Kendo is and what its purpose is. Kakek Merah
Understanding Kendo: Kendo literally means “way of the sword” and is a martial art that focuses on the use of swords for combat. In Kendo, bamboo swords (shinai) are used to practice cutting, striking, and defending in a structured manner.
Kendo Philosophy: Kendo is more than just a physical exercise, it’s also a mental and spiritual practice. Kendo practitioners strive to develop morality, respect, calmness, and perseverance through disciplined practice.
2. Providing Kendo Equipment
Before you start practicing, you need to have the right Kendo equipment. This equipment is not only important for your safety, but also to support correct technique.
Shinai: Bamboo sword used in Kendo practice. Shinai consists of four bamboo sticks tied together and is used to practice attack and defense.
Bogu: Protective equipment consisting of:
Men: Head and face protector.
Kote: Hand protector.
Do: Chest protector.
Tare: Waist and stomach protector.
Keiko-gi and Hakama: Traditional Kendo attire, where keiko-gi is a kimono jacket used for practice, while hakama are traditional trousers worn under keiko-gi.
3. Understanding Basic Kendo Techniques
To get started, you need to learn the basic techniques in Kendo, which include attack, defense, and basic movements.
Men (head attack): This is a basic attack performed by hitting the top of the opponent's head with the shinai. This movement is done by raising the sword and attacking quickly.
Kote (hand strike): This attack is performed on the opponent's wrist. Typically, the attack is carried out with a sideways cutting motion.
Do (body attack): Attack towards the opponent's body or chest by making a cutting movement from top to bottom.
Tsuki (throat attack): An attack towards the opponent's throat carried out with a stab at the opponent's weak point.
Apart from that, you also have to learn how to dodge and defend using basic techniques such as:
Zanshin: A state of heightened alertness. Always keep your attention on your opponent.
Kiri-otoshi: A defensive technique used to stop an opponent's attack by cutting back.
Tai-atari: Using your body to suppress or restrain an opponent at close range.
4. Kendo Practice: Step by Step
To learn Kendo, you must follow a structured training program. Below are the basic exercise steps for beginners.
Step 1: Learning the Basic Stance (Shisei)
Before beginning any attack or defense technique, it is important to master the basic stance or shisei. This stance involves:
Kamae: Fighting stance, where you are ready to attack or defend.
Chudan-no-kamae: Middle stance, with the shinai in front of your face.
Jodan-no-kamae: High stance, with the shinai above your head.
Gedan-no-kamae: Low stance, with the shinai below your waist.
This stance teaches balance, alertness, and readiness to act.
Step 2: Learning the Offensive Technique (Atemi)
Practicing offensive techniques is an important part of Kendo training. Focus on practicing men, kote, and do attacks with quick, precise movements.
Step 3: Practicing Evading and Blocking Attacks
Kendo teaches you not only to attack, but also how to avoid an opponent’s attack by cutting or dodging using techniques such as kiri-otoshi or tai-atari. This practice helps you improve your defensive skills.
Step 4: Keiko (Partner Training)
Once you have mastered the basics of Kendo, you will begin training with a partner or keiko. Keiko is a training that involves sparring or light duels with a training partner to improve your speed, accuracy, and fighting strategy.
Keiko focuses not only on physical attacks, but also on mental aspects such as concentration, respect, and calmness. In keiko, you will learn how to control yourself and act quickly in stressful situations.
Step 5: Taking Exams and Competitions
After learning the basics of Kendo, you can take exams to earn a belt or kyu. A belt indicates your level of