The
Iaido Journal July 2010
Kendo, The Japanese Puzzle
copyright ©
2010 Danielle Marcotte, all
rights reserved
Original Title: Kendo, le casse-tête japonais (Casse-tête in French means
head breaker and puzzle)
This is a translation of the article Danielle wrote for L'Express du Pacifique, you'll find it at http://www.lexpress.org/societe/kendo-le-casse-tete-japonais/
At fist sight, kendo seems to
be just an oddity left over from medieval Japan. In fact, it is today
a 300 years old sport practiced by people of all cultural and ethnic
backgrounds.
Why would nearly 1,800 Canadians
put on an old Japanese armor twice a week? Why would they train to
participate in tournament such as this latest one in May 2010 at
McMath Secondary in Richmond BC? That day, some 300 participants
seamed to be quite frantically attempting to break each other’s
head with bamboo swords. To do so, they had come from Canada and the
U.S., some as far as New York and Hawaii, to participate in one of
the oldest such tournament in North America. What’s their
motivation?
First of all, there is an ethical code
attached to kendo or “The way of the sword” as it is referred to
in a body of literature. These books, still read today, teach and
celebrate the life of the noble Japanese knight of old, the Samurai.
They explain how discipline, austerity, and sacrifice for a higher
cause are part and parcel of kendo and exalt these virtues. In fact,
when Ray Murao, 7th dan, defines kendo, he does not speak at all of
it as a sport. Rather the instructor at the Steveston Martial Center
says “kendo teaches, manners, discipline and respect.” For him,
learning those values is central to this martial art.
It is an opinion shared by his students
of Japanese descent, some of whom, though teenagers, have been
practicing the sport for some seven years or more. For instance, when
15-year-old Jack says “Through kendo I acquired strength and
speed”, his 17 year old brother Joshua is quick to add: “It helps
with the physical but it also gets us into the Japanese heritage to
share with family and friends” They display, like Sean, 14, a quiet
self assurance uncommon amongst youth their age. “My grand-parents
and my uncles came to this Richmond dojo before me. Kendo gave me
self confidence and focus but also to show respect to elders and
peers,” confides Sean.
An intriguing energy
For two young newcomers not of Japanese
descent, the attraction of this competition sport is its physicality.
The primal screams, the clatter of arms and armors, the sword flying
around the body, the ardor of combat, carry in the dojo an intriguing
energy. “I love the excitement of sparring. I find inspiration in
watching the older ones and I try to work harder to imitate them,”
explains young Jasmine. “ I think I am more capable of defending
myself and it helps me to keep fit” adds Alexis.
Evan and Stéphanie are from occidental
descent. For them, the attraction of kendo is linked to its
esthetics. The black or deep blue uniform is very elegant. Its vest
and broad pants recall the kimono. The armor, divided in four main
parts, reinforces all at once the impression of menacing strength and
mystery. Indeed, watching a kendoka in combat, one cannot guess his
rank, his gender, his age or his personality as only the family name
appears on the protective apron. The mythical helmet, the Men,
reminds us of the noble Samurai of ancient times, their code of
conduct and their sense of duty.
“I like the Samourai and their
swords, the real ones, not the bamboo shinai. Actually, my Dad also
finds them interesting,” declares Evan, 17 years old. Stéphanie is
of the same age and has been learning Japanese for the past five
years. “Many elements of this culture interest me “, she says, “I
have been drawing in the Japanese style for many years, I read manga,
watch anime and work in a sushi restaurant. Kendo is another aspect
of this world.”
