Kendo, Kenjutsu and Iaido : The Main Japanese Sword Arts
If you’ve been considering getting started in the Japanese sword arts you are in for a very rewarding hobby. These types of martial arts allow for something different when compared to the more traditional hand-to-hand combat styles. Whether you are a new budo practioner, or have already started on your path to learning the way of the warrior - your first step to get started in the path of the samurai is to learn a little about the arts themselves.
The Japanese sword arts that are commonly taught today are divided into three main areas. We could further differentiate these by talking about different families and styles, but an overview of kenjutsu, kendo, and iaido should be enough to get you started.
KENJUTSU – THE ART OF THE SWORD
Kenjutsu translates to “the art of the sword”, and it is the more traditional of the arts taught today. Kenjutsu is primarily combative in nature. It is the main way that koryu (traditional schools) train their students to use their swords against a variety of classic weapons.
When you study this form of Japanese martial arts you can expect partnered practice with a variety of kata. If you study Kenjutsu you will also likely study sword drawing and sheathing techniques.
KENDO – THE WAY OF THE SWORD
Kendo is one of the modern budo that developed from the more traditional Kenjutsu. Practitioners of this art are referred to as kendoka. With this type of training the focus isn’t all combative; there is also a focus on discipline and improvement of the mind. Kendo is sometimes referred to as the Japanese style of fencing.
If you practice this form of budo you will learn techniques that start with the sword drawn. You will be able to take part in competitions, learn to perform one of 10 katas, and advance through dan grades as you progress.
IAIDO – THE WAY OF MENTAL PRESENCE
Iaido is another of the traditional sword arts. In this case the focus is on drawing the sword, striking your opponent, and re-sheathing the sword. The focus here is one precise, controlled, fluid motion and also on preparedness. It is often referred to as a sword drawing art. The practitioner of iaido is known as an Iaiadoka.
When you study to become an Iaiadoka you can expect to learn individual katas that you will practice against imaginary opponents. Since this form of martial arts uses actual weaponry instead of practice swords it is rare to practice with an opponent. Some schools do include partnered forms of practice, and some also teach tameshigiri (the Japanese art of test cutting).
Comments
One Comment on Kendo, Kenjutsu and Iaido : The Main Japanese Sword Arts
-
Brief intro at the 12 samurai sword forms of Iaido on
Sun, 27th Jul 2008 3:00 pm
[...] world, instruction can be found in many of the Kendo regulated martial arts schools. In fact most Iaido taught today is learned as part of [...]
Tell me what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!
