What is Kendo?

What is Kendo?

This is a question that people in our community are discussing on a regular business. Whether in the dojo, online, or, around a table of pizza and beer (wow – what other sport has that as a part of its training regimen?), it is an issue that creates plenty of conversation.

The history of kendo (of which I am not an expert but, rather, a devotee) indicates that kendo has morphed from its kenjutsu origins into a martial. This makes sense in that actual combat applications of sword use are not a required part of modern combat.

Also, gaining mastery of lethal sword techniques takes too much time and requires a level of dedication to an instructor that few are willing or economically able to sustain. Those few who do survive that process find that there are few outlets for the application of their specialized knowledge.

I think the martial arts community in Japan after the Meiji restoration understood that for the culture and art of swordsmanship to survive, it would have to be adapted to modern requirements and realities.

In hindsight they did a very good job by porting the basic concepts of individual combat (distance, timing, the strategic use of psychology, and the importance of individual improvement and honing of skills through constant training) as well as some of the sword kata which retained kendo’s connection to the tradition of Japanese swordsmanship.

What was left behind was the application of mikkyo or “esoteric Buddhism” (see Dave Lowry’s excellent book Persimmon Wind for more info) and the pure combat techniques (including tactics for assaulting fortifications, grappling techniques, the art of rope binding, etc.).

This resulted as what we know today as kendo but that may not be its’ final iteration. Increasingly, kendo as a martial art is being challenged by the rise of its application as a sport. Especially in Korea, where it is known as kumdo, but in many places as well.

The question remains, though, is kendo a sport or a martial art? It is an important one because the answer will define its evolution. I very much would like to see it remain as a martial art (with the emphasis on correct technique and behavior) rather than a sport (with an emphasis on winning at any cost). The proliferation of “strip-mall” dojo’s and “masters” with dubious credentials has turned karate and taekwondo into glorified daycare for children and adults, churning out students whose actual skills will not survive long in an actual confrontation.

Thankfully, kendo makes no claim to be preparing a student for actual sword combat. Still, if kendo becomes a sport it will not be long before we see its eventual decline.