IGA Kendo Club

Hi guys I got this from the various pdf files that I downloaded from the internet for my research about Kendo. I hope this will help you especially those who are new in this budo. 

1. When entering and leaving the dojo make a reverend bow

2. Do not enter the dojo untidily dressed, if dressed in Japanese style a hakama should be worn

3. Maintain a respectful attitude and the most correct posture

4. Be quiet and conscientious, do not engage in noisy chatter, laughter, clapping or cheering

5. After eating allow a suitable amount of time to elapse before training.

6. If you have taken alcohol do not enter the dojo, let alone engage in training.

7. The sword is ones soul, the bougu is ones armour, handle them with respect according to the correct method.

8. The dojo interior must be cleaned morning and evening and kept tidy.

9. Do not comment on other styles of swordsmanship or in each other’s technique.

10. For those who are training in swordsmanship take caution against shortness of temper or selfishness, do not be quarrelsome but always remain serene of heart.

***CINCAID, Gerry, “The Kendo Reader”, pp 7

Etiquette (Reiho):

Following proper etiquette when entering and exiting the dojo is an easy way to facilitate respect for everyone involved in your training:

➢ Guard Up!

➢ The Instructor

➢ Your fellow class-mates

Entering / Exiting the Dojo:

Rei - Bow to head of dojo

Start of Individual Practice:

Rei - Bow to partner

"Onegai shimasu" - “Please, let's practice”

Sonkyo - Crouching "En Garde" position

End of Individual Practice:

Sonkyo - Crouching "En Garde" position

Rei - Bow to partner

"Domo arigato gozaimashita" - “Thank you very much”

Start of Group Practice:

Sei retsu - Line up

Seiza - Be seated

Ki o tsuke - Attention

Mokuso - Deep breathing and meditation

Mokuso yame - End of breathing and meditation

Shinzen ni rei - Bow to head of dojo

Sensei ni rei - Bow to teachers

Men o tsuke - Put on your men

End of Group Practice:

Sei retsu - Line up

Seiza - Be seated

Ki o tsuke - Attention

Men o tore - Remove your men

Mokuso - Deep breathing and meditation

Mokuso yame - End of breathing and meditation

Sensei ni rei - Bow to teachers

Shinzen ni rei - Bow to head of dojo

Equipment (Bogu):

Men - Face mask

Keiko gi - Jacket

Do - Chest protector

Hakama - Trousers

Tare - Hip protector

Obi - Belt

Kote - Padded gloves

Tenogui - towel

Shinai - Bamboo sword

Tsuba - Sword guard

Bokken - Wooden sword

Iaito - Metal practice sword

Counting:

Ichi - One

Ni - Two

San - Three

Shi - Four

Go - Five

Roku - Six

Shichi - Seven

Hachi - Eight

Kyu - Nine

Ju - Ten

Concepts:

Ki ken tai ichi - Spirit sword body as one

Ken zen ichi - Kendo and Zen are the same

Zanshin - Resolute Will

Ken tai ichi - Attack and Defense are the same

Kokoro gamae - Readiness of Spirit

Tamashi - Fighting Spirit

Hei jo shin - Calmness of Mind

Mizu no yonni - Be like water

Fudo shin - Immoveable Mind

Nami no yonni - Be like a wave

Footwork (Ashi Sabaki):

Suri ashi -"Rubbing Feet"

Aiyumi ashi - Alternating stepping

Okuri ashi - Slide stepping

Hiraki ashi - Diagonal stepping

Fumi komi ashi - Attack stepping

Mae – forward

Ato – Backward

Migi – Right

Hidari - Left

Basic Techniques (Kihon Waza):

Men uchi - Strike to Men

Kote uchi - Strike to Kote

Do uchi -Strike to Do

Tsuki - Thrust to throat guard

***“Historical Weapons: Kendo Study Guide”, Guard Up! Inc., May 15, 2004, pp 6-10