Kendo is an art in which athletes fight using bamboo sticks. It appeared in Japan. At home, there are a large number of outstanding athletes in this sport. Kendo was created to protect and defeat an opponent. However, these days, swords are not used for self-defense. Central to this sport is the spiritual aspect.
Philosophy
Initially, the art of kendo was intended to defeat the enemy on the battlefield. But over time, it has become the art of educating the spirit of youth throughout the world. Development is carried out as a result of regular training under the guidance of experienced trainers, which are available in many countries. Spiritual education is the result of mastering the principles of working with a bamboo sword. The art of kendo arouses respect for its country and its culture. It unites people of different nationalities.
Appearance story
Kendo is an ancient martial arts. Samurai regularly practiced with wooden swords. Until the 17th century, such a weapon was used as an auxiliary weapon, and after that it was ranked among the main ones. Hitting with wooden swords caused great harm to rivals in training. Therefore, at the beginning of the 18th century they were replaced by swords made of bamboo. Since then, training has been similar to modern. The situation radically changed in 1968. It was then that a law prohibiting the wearing of swords came out. After the advent of the new law, kendo turned into a form of art and has survived to this day. Kendo was banned for a short time in Japan. At the end of World War II, US authorities outlawed kendo.
But already in 1953, the ban on this art was lifted. Since then, the popularity of kendo has grown in Japan and beyond. There are many admirers of this ancient Japanese fencing art in our country. All major cities have kendo federations. People of all ages come to fitness clubs to learn this art. After all, kendo is not only a good physical condition, but also a spiritual development.
Refereeing
Kendo is an art in which the athlete with the most points wins. The rating itself is called ippon. A point is given to the athlete for a successful reception and return to the starting position. The point is given not for the blow itself, but for a series of correctly performed actions. If everything was done in accordance with the rules, the judge raises the flag and the athlete receives one point. Compliance with the rules is monitored by three judges. Each of them should have white and red flags in their hands. Tapes of the same color should be attached to the backs of athletes. After a series of successful actions, the judges raise the flag that matches the color of the athlete’s ribbon. A point is awarded to a fighter if two of the judges raise the flag.
Stops and violations
Referees have the right to stop during a fight in the following cases:
- if one of the athletes has violated the rule;
- if a controversial moment has occurred and the judges need time to make a decision;
- when one of the athletes was in a supine position;
- if one of the fencers asked for a timeout by raising one hand;
- if both athletes are in a state of crossed guards for a long time.
The rules provide for actions for the double commission of which one point is assigned to the opponent of the offender. This will happen if the athlete during the fight does the following:
- If the fencer touches one of the sword’s arms above the handle during the battle.
- When one of the athletes during the battle will lose his sword.
- If one of the fencers goes outside the ring.
- If the athlete is improperly wearing clothes and armor.
Regulations and uniforms
Kendo competitions are held in the form of one-on-one fights. During the battle, each of the fencers enters the ring. After that, they take three steps towards each other, bow and squat. After the judge’s team, the athletes rise and immediately begin the duel. In order to pass certification, the athlete must take part in the match and successfully complete the technical techniques. The kendo fight lasts five minutes. If during this time it is not possible to identify the winner, then an additional three minutes are appointed.
Athletes should wear protective equipment. Fights take place on square platforms. They usually have a length of 9 or 11 meters. Half of the ring is covered with a wooden coating. The ring ends are marked with ordinary white adhesive tape. Athletes over 7 years old are allowed to take kendo classes. At such a young age, athletes do not participate in official kendo competitions. Lessons with children are held in a playful way. Japanese teens begin to actively participate in competitions only in high school. Their fights usually take 3 or 4 minutes.
Kicks
Athletes fight using a bamboo sword or its substitute. The use of such material in the manufacture of the sword significantly reduces the number of injuries of fighters. Athletes hold weapons in both hands. Basically, the sword is held by the efforts of the left hand, and the right one works for accuracy. There are two kinds of strokes in kendo:
- Chopping. Such strikes can be made to the head (with the exception of the face), torso and wrists.
- Stitching. This kind of blow beats only in the throat. Such blows are not taught to beginners. Since the chance is too high to inflict a serious injury on the opponent.
Development today
After the ban was lifted, kendo gradually gained popularity among the population of Japan, and then around the world. Federations began to open in many countries. To coordinate them, the "International Kendo Federation" opened in 1970. In 2003, it included clubs and organizations from 44 countries. Kendo competitions have attracted more and more attention. Athletes from a large number of countries participate in the kendo world championship. The founders of this martial art are always favorites of international tournaments. Battles are held according to the rules of the "All-Japan Kendo Federation".
Appearance in our country
The opportunity to learn kendo from the Russians appeared in 1989. The first trainer of this martial art was the teacher of Japanese at Moscow State University Vladimir Aleksandrovich Yanushevsky. Four years later, the Moscow Kendo Association was formed. After that, gradually, they began to engage in this oriental art in the regions. Therefore, in 1997, the "Russian Kendo Federation" was formed. Thanks to the efforts of the first Kendo teacher in Russia, Vladimir Yanushevsky, Japanese specialists began to come to the country.
In 1998, an important event took place for all kendo lovers. Our country was visited by Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto. During his visit, he held a joint training with Russian athletes. After he learned that the Russian kendo championship would be held in the country, the Minister of Japan presented the Peace Heart Cup. To this day, the team of winners of the country's kendo championship receives it.
In the homeland of kendo, more than one and a half million people are engaged. This Japanese art is a must for schoolchildren and students. Kendo is studied from the earliest years to a very old age. In Japan, even the police are required to improve in this art. In the rest of the world, only a few regularly practice kendo. In Russia, citizens have the opportunity to engage in this type of fencing only in big cities.