The British Kendo Association
The British Kendo Association (BKA) was founded in 1964 as a non-profit making organisation to foster and develop the practice and spirit of Kendo, Iaido, and Jodo along traditional lines.
In the Middle Ages, Ito Ittosai Kagehisa developed the style that forms the basis of present day Kendo.
Kendo historians estimate that there were more than 200 different sword schools and styles by the end of the sixteenth century, it was not until the beginning of the eighteenth century, however, that serious thought was given to developing armour to protect trainees from permanent disability, or even death, during vigorous training.
Known then as 'Kenjutsu', the art of Kendo became more popular with the improvement of protective armour, the simplification of many of the vast number of traditional techniques and the acceptance of rules of conduct within the fencing hall.
From Kenjutsu developed Kendo, using the bamboo sword ('shinai') to replace the metal sword, and thus allowing the free practice of swordsmanship.
The shinai is made of four splints of bamboo held together at one end, with a tubular leather handle slid over the splints and a leather cup at the other end, the shinai weighs around 500 grams, and various basic cuts and thrusts are made repeatedly to build up speed and stamina.
To focus concentration and to aid correct breathing a shout, or 'kiai', is made on the completion of each strike.
When practising Kendo, padded armour (traditionally made of bamboo and cotton) is worn over the customary dress of the samurai.
To score, a good cut must be delivered to well-defined targets (the top of the head, right wrist and the breastplate) using the upper third of the shinai, thrusts to the throat may be made with the point of the shinai, all the targets are well protected by the armour.
First impressions of Kendo are of a noisy, aggressive and violent full-contact martial art.
Kendo is certainly dynamic, but a little study will soon reveal a high level of skill and concentration, together with a grace and physical agility that any choreographer would appreciate.
Students are from all walks of life and of any age, and women train on equal terms with men.
Kendo may be safely practised by men, women and children of all ages, and the type and level of practice may of course be adjusted to suit each pupil, the most senior Kendo teachers in the BKA are 7th Dan, with several 6th and 5th Dans who train in various parts of the country.
In addition to Kendo, the BKA also oversees the arts of Jodo and Iai:
Iaido, loosely translated, means that wherever you are, whatever you are doing, you should always BE PREPARED. Iaido is the art of drawing the sword and was first developed as a means of gaining an advantage in combat over opponents before they could draw their sword.
Today, the object of Iaido is to develop one's mind, body and spirit, the emphasis being on developing the ability to remain calm and in control, especially when under pressure or facing a difficult situation.
Jodo is the way of the staff. Originally called Jojutsu, the name change to Jodo in 1940.
Thi way of using the staff was devised by another in the early 1600s. Gonnosuke Katsukichi was a swordsman who held a teaching licence in Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu. Gonnosuke, like others of his time, developed his skills by engaging in many duels around the country.
If you are interested in finding out more about kendo, iai or jo practice, please visit: www.kendo.org.uk
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JapanEX London
21 - 22 July 2007
ExCeL
Royal Victoria Dock
London, E16 1XL, UK
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SATURDAY: 10am to 5pm
SUNDAY: 10am to 5pm
Adult Ticket:
(15 & above)£10
Child Ticket:
(5 to 14): £5
Infant Ticket:
4 & below FREE entry
Tickets to the JapanEX London can be purchased at the Door each day
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