BLOG POST - Considering the Concept and Purpose of Kendo

Considering the Concept and Purpose of Kendo

Most of us are aware that there is an official ‘Concept of Kendo’ (剣道の理念) and a ‘Purpose of Practicing Kendo’ (剣道修錬の心構え), which was set out by the All Japan Kendo Federation in 1975. In case you’ve never read it, here is the official translation from the FIK - 

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 Kendo is:
To mold the mind and body,
To cultivate a vigorous spirit,
And though 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 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.

 

Now, I know it sounds like something of an idealistic purpose, and as I said above, many of us are aware that it exists. However, many of us probably have given it little deep and meaningful thought.

I certainly had never thought about it very much, I had certainly heard about it, and read it on the website - but I never really gave it any real thought. That was, of course, until the months leading up to my 5th Dan exam. As I was set to take the test in Japan, I had asked ahead if it would be possible for me to complete the written paper in English. They told me that it would be possible - however, the questions would be only provided in Japanese. Further, the first question was going to be a question on the Concept and Purpose of Practicing Kendo, and it would be written out in Japanese, with parts missing - and I would be asked to fill in the blanks. This meant that this question at least would need to be completed in Japanese…

Thus I was tasked with committing the text to memory - not just in English, but in Japanese! This was what turned out to be a fantastic opportunity for me, as it not only sharpened up my Japanese writing, but it gave me the chance to really consider why this text has been set out for us, and how it is supposed to be applied to our Kendo practice, and in turn, our daily lives.

‘The Concept of Kendo’ is a fantastic summary of what Kendo is in itself, and the emphasis is on the bit that says ‘discipline the human character’ (人間形成 in Japanese). This was something I had previously underestimated the importance of, but Kendo really does give us a means to become better people. We are provided with tools, and knowledge that help us in our daily lives, and we learn the compassion and kindness required to become helpful and successful members of society. ‘The Purpose of Practicing Kendo’ gives us more detail, and acts as a guide as to why we pick up the Shinai, and don the Kendogu at all.

Moulding the mind and body, and cultivation of a vigorous spirit come from the ‘correct and rigid training’ that is mentioned. We must apply ourselves entirely, to the best of our abilities, to every practice that we do. This will - of course - improve our physical fitness, however, it will also allow us to develop a strong will, and a ‘vigorous spirit’. This can only be developed by your own efforts, and the effects of it will be carried over into your everyday life.

It really is an extremely vital element of Kendo to ‘hold in esteem human courtesy and honor’, as these are the foundations of which Kendo is built. A well know phrase is ‘Kendo begins and ends with courtesy’. We cannot practice Kendo alone, and it is through the kindness and sincerity of others that we are able to have tournaments, gradings, Kendo clubs, or even be able to practice at all. Without these things, Kendo would not have blossomed into the beautiful art that it is today, and its future would be grim, rather than the bright and hopeful future that it now enjoys. This ties into the later statement that practicing Kendo according to these tenants allows us to love our society, and contribute to the development of culture. Again, I know this sounds idealistic, but actually it’s not really - we should treat our work colleagues, our neighbours, the people who serve us in the coffee shop etc with the same degree of decorum, respect and sincerity as we treat our fellow Dojo mates.

This is the purpose of why we practice Kendo - of course, it is fun, and enjoyable to practice Kendo - but beyond that we must remember that the lessons we learn, and the standards that we adhere to in the Dojo should not be behind left there. They should be applied to all aspects of our life.

After all, Kendo is not just a sport. Kendo is life.

Andy

 

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2 comments

  • After a half life practicing many diferents martial arts, I have seen how most of them changed their principles to end up being something very commercial and totally empty.
    Now I am a late beginner on the Kendo path, I hope not to see these changes in this wonderful art, because the sacrifice, honor, courtesy, respect and all the other values ​​it contains is what fills and guide me when I practice every day.
    人間形成

    Fernando
  • John Kelso once told me “its important to do ‘good Kendo’ at home and at work” or outside of the dojo. When he said it to me five or six years ago I didn’t really grasp the full scale of what he meant. Nowadays I find myself far more self aware of my own conduct in many situations outside of the dojo and I can honestly say I still need to “practice my Kendo” much more as its still very much ragged. A little bit snappy and sarcastic and in need of seasoning lol. Still its progress from not being aware of these less desirable traits at all 6 years ago when the lesson was first given.

    Tristan Hann

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