Title.
I. A Brief History and Synopsis of Kendo
The Japanese word “kendo” literally translates to way of the sword.
One of the premier “budo,” or warrior arts of modern Japan, kendo enjoys a rich history originating in the martial traditions of the Samurai, or warrior caste of feudal Japan.
In the later years of the Meiji period, Japan reunified under a new emperor who sought to introduce the nation into the modern era. During this time, the wearing of swords became outlawed, and the samurai caste was abolished. Many established schools of swordsmanship totally dissolved.
However, the advent of the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese Wars in the early 20th century brought about a renewed interest in martial arts, and an organization called the Butokukai was formed to nationally promote and regulate practice.
This organization corroboratively assembled advancements in swordsmanship of the time; standardizing the use of protective equipment and a bamboo sword that allowed full delivery of strikes without injury, regulating practice formats, and establishing ten kata, or forms, taken from various schools all over the nation.
However, with the Japanese surrender effectively ending WWII in 1945, sanctions were placed on the country banning the practice of all overly militant forms of martial combat. The Butokukai was dissolved.
However, enthusiasts lobbied for change, and with permission from the U.S. Government kendo was reintroduced to the public school system in “pure-sport” form that excluded rougher military aspects of practice.
Under the administration of the All Japan Kendo
Federation, International Kendo Federation, and The All United States Kendo Federation among others, kendo has spread to nearly sixty countries, with over 4 million practitioners worldwide.
Steeped in ancient traditions that must be preserved and never forgotten, kendo continues to build character, self-discipline, and respect in a traditional Budo and simultaneously sport-like environment all across the world.
Synopsis
Kendo is a system of edged-weapon combat, as well as a modern sport. Points are scored in Kendo by correctly and intently striking regulated targets on Bogu, or protective body armor. Strikes are considered valid only if properly contacting the following:
· Men (Helmet)
· Kote (Gauntlet)
· Dou (Breastplate)
· Tsuki (Throat Piece)
Students use shinai (bamboo sword) in practice, allowing proper contact to be made in technical application without injury to themselves or others.
When striking, students use a loud shout called kiai to call their point. This practice raises energy and fighting spirit, as well as totally eliminating “lucky shots.”
II. Kendo in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has never featured an astoundingly high percentage of Japanese residents, and consequently the state possessed few genuine outlets for Budo. The Sen Shin Kan Dojo of Oklahoma City, originally founded by Sumida Takayuki Sensei has been the state’s only nationally accredited kendo dojo since 1995. Under the administration of Brian Mosley Sensei (4th dan),
the Sen Shin Kan continues to serve the Greater Oklahoma City area, and now offers several other martial arts in addition to kendo for study.
Up until the founding of the University of Tulsa Kendo Club in November 2006, Tulsa had no outlet for real Budo other than the Tulsa Aikido Club in the Zarrow Jewish Community Center. No official kendo dojo has ever existed in the city’s history.
Founded by existing members of the Sen Shin Kan as well as martial artists of various backgrounds, the TU Kendo club acted as a sister school to the Oklahoma City program. In November of 2008, the TU Kendo club received direct sponsorship from the Shinpu Kan Kikkoman dojo in Tokyo by way of an equipment donation of approximately $2000 value—the only dojo in the U.S. to have been given that honor.
Under the name Shin Sou Fu Kan (New Spring Wind Dojo), the Tulsa Kendo Club strives to represent authentic kendo to the residents of the Greater Tulsa Metropolitan Area.
III. Credentials-Instructor
The Shin Sou Fu Kan Tulsa Kendo Club presides under the supervision of Mosley Sensei in Oklahoma City, and Abe Koki Sensei (4th Dan) in Tokyo, Japan.
Brian Mosley Sensei
Brian Mosley has been actively practicing martial arts for over 20 years, and has been studying kendo since 1996. He has been honored across the United States and Japan, even capturing the SWKIF Dallas Open Invitational Taikai Championship in 2005.
Mosley recieved his 4th Dan in February of 2007, being the only member of his testing group to achieve a perfect score from a jury of five judges—all 6th Dan and above. Mosley’s efforts have been a bastion not only for kendo, but all martial arts in Oklahoma and will continue to be so in the years ahead.
Abe Koki Sensei
Abe Koki has been practicing kendo all over the world since 1986. A Japanese citizen, Abe has trained in a vast assembly of dojo in and around Tokyo all his life. He has competed in countless tournaments since childhood. His victories in the United States include multiple championships at the Annual MWKF February Taikai in Detroit, and a clean sweep of the SWIKF Texas Open in 2005.
Abe is responsible for creating the now prestigious Lexington Kendo Club in the University of Kentucky, as well as the original Sou Fu Kan Dojo in Norman, Oklahoma. He received his 4th Dan in Detroit, achieving a perfect score from his jury. Abe’s support and guidance have been instrumental in the founding of the Shin Sou Fu Kan, and we look forward to his return from Japan.
Michael Lindsay
Acting as an emissary of both Mosley Sensei and Abe Sensei, senior student and captain Michael Lindsay (2nd Dan) has been practicing kendo since 2004.
A founding member of the TU Kendo Club, his experience includes brief training in Japan at the Shinpu Kan under Shojiro Yasuda Sensei (7th Dan), several regional tournaments and seminars under various sensei from around the world (SWIKF and MWKF), and was included on the 2008 SWKIF Regional Team at the 11th Annual National Kendo Competition in Las Vegas.
*The Shin Sou Fu Kan is always open to fellow kenshi. Any individuals with IKF/AUSKF certified rank above shodan are welcome to instruct as guests—with prior notification to the club.
IV. Syllabus and Practice Summary
“If you knew that you could not fail at anything, what would you have done...and what would you be doing? Remember, true love asks for nothing, but embraces everything.”—Brian Mosley
“Once you can feel the pain yourself, you can feel the pain of others more clearly. Once you can feel, you can understand. Once you can understand, you can achieve anything.”—Abe Koki
“Shin Sou Fu Kan, Gambatte! Tulsa Kendo, Gambatte!”--Michael Lindsay
· The Tulsa Kendo Club observes the traditions of etiquette (rei-ho) and manners of kendo in every practice. Its members strive to not only practice technique, but also bolster their fighting spirit and strengthen their minds.
· By endeavoring to perform technique perfectly with each execution, members improve mental and physical strength, stamina, and endurance that may be applied in day-to-day life.
· In enduring rigorous and often physically straining practice without giving up, students are instilled with an understanding and greater appreciation of always giving a best effort, even when under extreme duress.
Classes are open to both men and women, no experience in martial arts is necessary. All ages are welcome to participate in practice.
Equipment for beginners will be provided by the Tulsa Kendo Club, although new members are encouraged to purchase their own shinai, keikogi and hakama (uniform) as soon as possible. Contact Michael Lindsay for a list of qualified vendors before purchasing.
IV.(cont.) Practice
Practice begins according to the schedule (6:30 on MW unless otherwise noted), and it is in your best interest to be at the dojo 15 min. early.
Class begins with Seiretsu, or seated bow. The purpose and order of seiretsu will be explained by an instructor in a new member’s first lesson.
Following the bow-in, club members undergo a series of stretching exercises to prevent injury before commencing with shinai technique, called Suburi.
Suburi involves a number of individual exercises and attacks using the shinai—the type and amount done at each practice largely dependent on the combined level of experience in the class. If the class is largely senior students (sempai), then expect a large amount of variation in the techniques. If the class consists of junior students (kohai) a more step by step approach is taken for individual clarification.
Following suburi, members learn basic footwork (ashi-sabaki) that uses the entire length of the dojo floor, and can involves an intense cardio-workout at upper levels.
After ashi-sabaki, intermediate and advanced students engage in Keiko—armored practice involving the use of Bogu* (protective equipment). This practice is not only very loud, but intensely physically demanding, and should not be attempted outside the dojo. Students must achieve definitive skill in the basics as well as gaining the instructor’s direct permission before engaging in keiko. New members are encouraged to stay and watch this practice, as it constitutes the true foundation of kendo—direct application of technique against human opposition.
Twice a month, advanced members will practice the All Japan Kendo Federation Kata, performed in keikogi and hakama with a wooden sword (bokuto). This practice is reserved for members with uniform, but does not require bogu to participate.
After keiko, students again perform the seiretsu to close practice. Senior students present will offer individual advice to every participant for personal reflection and improvement outside of class.
*Do not ever buy Bogu before consulting an instructor. The equipment is very costly and difficult to replace if sizing mistakes are made.
REMEMBER: THIS IS
YOUR PRACTICE! You will only ever get back what you put in, so do your best every time!
IV. (cont) Tentative Schedule
Beginner/Intermediate
TUES—6:30-7:30pm
Intermediate/Advanced
TUES—7:30-8:30pm
Introduction/Beginner
THRS—6:30-8:30pm
Pick up/ Special Practice
(with Instructor’s invitation only)
SAT—10:00am-12:00pm
V. The Idea of Kendo
In closing, the Shin Sou Fu Kan Tulsa Kendo Club would like to wish any who have found this information helpful a wonderful experience in the study and practice of the Way of the Sword here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We will ceaselessly endeavor to set a positive example for all Budo arts in our beautiful Community.
The following are the Concept and Purpose of Kendo, as established by the All Japan Kendo Federation in 1975:
The Concept of Kendo
Kendo is a way to discipline the human character through the principles and application of the katana (sword).
The Purpose of Kendo
To mold the mind and body.
To cultivate a vigorous spirit,
And through 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 to 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.
Gambatte!