Member of the Midwest Kendo Federation
and the All United States Kendo Federation

In addition to information on this page, you can also check out this guides:
Beginning Kendo and Kendo Equipment Manual

Kendo

Simply put, it is fencing, Japanese style. It is based on the legacy of classical Japanese swordsmanship, that is as old as Japan herself. "Bushi" or "samurai" used the sword to establish and maintain order from the 9th to the 19th centuries. These men and women followed a unwritten code called "Bushido". Bravery, honesty, and integrity was at its core.

Today, the kendo student has the unique opportunity to study an art that has been handed down through the centuries, its theory and methods slowly evolving through generations of great swordsman. Although modern kendo only faintly resembles its feudal origins, it still retains its bushido concepts of dedication, hard work, calm-mindedness, patience, and seizing the moment.

Over the years, like most other martial arts of Japan, the emphasis has changed from killing ones enemy to training for self-discipline, and mental / physical fitness. Kendo can help develop posture, poise, grace under pressure, agility, quickness, clarity of thought, and the power of concentration.

Kendoists use a lightweight split bamboo sword, and a set of protective armor that consists of a helmet, gloves, chest protector, and a waist flap-groin protector. The armor is not needed for the beginners, for they will practice the basic swings of the attacking motions with their "shinai" (bamboo sword). They learn the correct footwork and then combine it with their swinging strike, together with the "ki-ai" (shout). Then time is spent attacking and practicing on their seniors. After weeks or months they are finally allowed to wear "bogu" (armor), and freely practice with others. Finally they can now freely practice the full delivery of their attacks without injury to certain target areas on their opponents body. Later one can enter tournaments and participate in matches, with judges.
Matsuura Sensei (right) in action at a tournament

Ranking in kendo is similar to other martial ways, with six levels below black belt and ten levels above. In contrast though, there is no colored belts, or outward sign of rank. Certification is under the All U.S. Kendo Federation, and registered in the International Kendo Federation. Also in contrast, the art doesn't have to compete with many schools and traditions for the "self-defense dollar" the average person is looking to spend. Instructors in this country rarely profit from their activity, usually giving up their own time, merely for the love of kendo. Kendo is not recommended for those who are looking for a flashy or even a practical style of self-defense.
Class is in session at the Toyoda Center

 Kendo, like its ancient ancestor, benefits the practitioner forever with the ideals of the formidable warriors of the past. It builds character, adds strength, tones bodies, relieves stress, and teaches one to shoulder responsibility for ones actions. It is for those who desire to become strong in spirit, quick in action, gentle in preserving life, but above all, kendo is from the heart.
At the Grand Rapids Kendo Kai, our philosophy is to practice Kendo in a very fundamental and traditional manner. Our motto is "Kendo the right way." No exceptions. However, we do not forget to enjoy the art of Kendo. Classes are intense, but there is great camaraderie. We participate in many Kendo events together as well as non-Kendo events. See you soon.
Doing Kendo the right way