Kendo - General (chinese martial art online) Background
January 29th, 2008
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On first impressions, Kendo appears to be very aggressive and physical, with the dynamics of a fast-striking actiong and high-pitched screams. Yet it is an art that places great emphasis on the development of high level of skill in concentration, timing, awareness, physical agility, footwork, body movement and inherent respect. Kendo was derived from the ancient art of Japanese Samurai swordsmanship. Armour is worn for protection and sword, made of 4 sections of bamboo is bound together to make what is known as sinhai. History: Kenjutsu is an ancient martial art, dating back to before 1590, followed by Kendo, which had more intellectual and philosophical characteristics. Kenjutsu became modern Kendo, which has developed a sport-oriented nature that still embodies many of the traditional values. While Kendo is very much a modern art that has been influenced by Kenjutsu, its roots can be traced back as far as AD 789, through the history of the art of the sword which is linked inextricably to the history of ancient Japan. It was at this time that Komutachi, the sword exercise, was introduced as in instruction for the sons of the kuge (noblemen) in the city of Nara, then the capital of Japan. Aim of Kendo: The aim of Kendo is for kendoka to react intuitively, with fluency and elegance. Speed and body movement are of the utmost importance in the delivery of a skillful technique. Yet the aim is not to be the first one to score a point or to win in the Kendo practice, but to work together, striving towards good technique, giving and taking along the way. Only in competitions should this philosophical aim be different. On first learning Kendo, or any other martial, it is very important to tread slowly. It is very essential to tread slowly because it is easy when people wear armour so suddenly to feel they can dive in regardless, without appreciating the need for continual practice to develop the skills to a standard acceptable in the art. It is important not only to demonstrate proficiency in the art but to ensure safe practice, both for an individual and his/her partner. Kendo places great emphasis on moral values, discipline and self control. Kendo should not be seen as a sport to be participated in for a few years, but as a lifetimes study. Mental and physical controls are of paramount importance, since the balance of the 2 leads to harmony, not only in the art itself, but in the general well-being. It is for this reason that there are 4 deep-rooted mental hurdles that a kendoka ought to overcome: fear, doubt, surprise and confusion. Collectively, these are known as the 4 poisons of Kendo.
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Wado Ryu Karate - General Background
History: Hironori Ohtsuka (1892 - 1982) was the founder of the Wado Ryu system of Karate. He commenced training in shindo yoshin ryu jujitsu at the age of 6, and at the age of 30, he began training under the supervision of Gichin Funakoshi (the founder of Karate-do) before founding the Wado Ryu system in 1939. Wado Ryu is one of the 4 main Japanese styles of Karate that are taught around the world. In 1939, Ohtsuka organised the All Japan Karate Do Federation Wado Ki and the Worldwide Headquarters for the Wado Ryu System. In 1967, he was the first katateka to be awarded the 5th order of merit of the sacred treasure of the Emperor of Japan as an acknowledgement of his achievements. Following his death in 1982, Hironori Ohtsuka’s son, Jiro, became the chief instructor of the Wado Ryu system. Today, there are a number of senior, well-respected representatives of Wado Ryu in Japan, who are also leaders of their own federations or associations. Characteristics of Wado Ryu: To practitioners of Wado Ryu, the main philosophy is to better their attitude both within and outside the art. This is one of the main aims of the martial art which emphasises the development of respect, discipline and understanding in a mental as well as physical capacity. This aim affects our attitude towards ourselves and others in our home life, work and social activities. To show aggression outwardly, even during training sessions, is greatly discouraged. The name Wado Ryu, approximately translated, means “the peaceful way”. Another characteristic of Wado Ryu is that unnecessarily large movements are kept to a minimum. Importance is placed on the speed and efficiency of movements with which each technique is performed, rather than the strength or physical effort outwardly shown. Exponents of Wado Ryu place great emphasis on the coordination of body movement with each particular technique. This principle is found in many other martial arts, such as ju-jitsu, aikido and kendo. This coordination is stressed at all stages of learning, from the execution of basic techniques to the application of advanced, free-fighting combinations.
- Thanaseelan, click on <a target="_new" href="http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com">http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com</a> to view his main blog. Don't forget to check out the categories on his blog.
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