The Spirit of Kendo

The word Kendo translates directly as “Way of the Sword”. The term is a relatively recent one - a 20th century way of describing what used to be called “Kenjutsu”. The old term “Kenjutsu” translates directly as “Sword Techniques”.

The adoption of the term Kendo implies that in modern Kendo, we're looking to achieve more than just proficiency in using the sword. This is exactly correct. Proficiency in swordsmanship is no longer of much practical value. We practice Kendo today for the satisfaction we get from pushing ourselves both physically and mentally, beyond our old limits, improving ourselves in the process.

In this regard, Kendo is similar to most sports. However, in many respects, the similarity ends there. If you watch television and observe the behavior of today's professional athletes, you will see that character no longer matters in Western sport. In fact, it could be argued that many behaviors associated with good character are seen today as impediments to achieving victory, and are actively discouraged by coaches.

After more than 30 years of involvement, I can honestly say that in each and every practice I see expressions of character that make me proud to be a part of Kendo in Canada. That is because the development of character is, and always will be, an important part of Kendo. I believe that this emphasis on character is the essence of the “Spirit of Kendo”.

In October of 2001, Canada was honored by a visit from Mr. Teruhiko Kurasawa, Kendo Hanshi 9th Dan. Although well over 80 years of age, Kurasawa Sensei showed us flawless and vigorous Kendo. At the end of his visit, he made a speech to those attending his last practice with us at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Center in Toronto. For me, that speech captured the spirit of Kendo exquisitely. Luckily, a copy was translated into English by Robin Tanaka and Kiyotaka Kamata of the Etobicoke Kendo Club, making it possible for Kurasawa Sensei's thoughts to be shared and contemplated by all of us.

The title of the speech in Japanese was “Kendo to Kokoro”. The direct translation is “Kendo and Heart”. In this context, “heart” could just as appropriately be translated as “Kendo and Spirit” or “Kendo and Character”. You can decide for yourself as you read the speech.

Richard Tizzard - March 2003

KENDO AND HEART

By Teruhiko Kurasawa (Kendo Hanshi 9th Dan)

Koji Tawigawa, who is the highest ranking master in Shogi (Japanese chess), says “Shogi is a battle between one individual and another. If you are not refined as a person you will not be able to win.” He is a young man in his mid-thirties, and I will never forget how he is full of great confidence, with a heart on a great scale.

When you transpose that thought to our essence of character development in Kendo, and I look back to when I was in my thirties until now, I feel that I have not reached his level of accomplishment.

From the outside, Kendo can be seen as an expression of combat where one must train to beat the opponent. However, one must also train one’s inner self to become pure hearted. To the untrained person, the blows to the head and jabs to the throat may seem like a form of violence. At times it is easy for our emotions to get the better of us and we may develop violent intentions. This is a shameful and it is vital to keep a straight and pure heart.

When doing Kendo, we must keep in mind that we require an opponent first. It is only when we have an opponent that we are able to enjoy and better our Kendo. Thus we must care for the opponent, and appreciate their help in our training. This should then develop into mutual respect.

Great people in the past have said that if in Kendo you simply beat each other with a vengeance from beginning to end, it is just a brawl - a shallow act of barbarism. Just improving on one’s ability to hit is not the way of Kendo. Otherwise, basic important human attributes such as caring, appreciation, and respect would not be formed. Ones heart should be dedicated, half to the development of the opponent and half to oneself.

So, it goes without saying that utmost care must be taken when training children, beginners, and people of lower rank. By only caring in our hearts about hitting, winning and not losing, glory or victory, it is not possible to care for each others well being. The attitude of hoping for your opponent’s development is all a function of the heart, we must heighten our sense of caring. It is wrong to say we have to win at all costs, and to say our efforts will mean nothing if we don’t

In Kendo training, results are important, however the true importance and value is in the path we take to achieve a pure form of Kendo. If you practice with a tainted heart, you too will become tainted. If we are pure-hearted the goodness in our character will be further improved

In closing, I would like to say that I hope that everyone will endeavour to train their heart, and I hope for your further development in Kendo.

In the late 1600’s a great swordsman by the name of Shimada Toranosuke said The sword is the heart. If you wish to learn the sword, first you must make your heart pure.