“Two lone warriors crouch, ready to face off, they rise, their swords poised ready to attack. The air is thick with tension, and the only audible sound is their steady breathing. The two swords meet with a crash, and the match is on. The clashing of swords on armour and aggressive shouting is reminiscent of feudal Japan, but this scene actually takes place in 2010, and the two warriors are practitioners of the ancient martial art of Kendo.”

“Kendo” is a martial art that originated in Japan, and literally means the “way of the sword”. Dating back to ancient Japan, Kendo comes from traditional Japanese swordsmanship, and was practiced by the Samurai, or warrior class of the 12th century. Modern day Kendo has evolved so that people of all ages and levels of fitness practice the art in schools called dojos. Originally, samurai trained using heavy steel or hardwood swords with little or no armour, which resulted in injuries and death. Around the year 1710, Japanese swords masters developed bamboo swords for training, and then protective armour for the chest, head and heavy gloves were made to protect the body. This armour or Bogu now consists of helmet or “men”, a breastplate “do”, hip protectors or “tare”, gloves called “kote”, and lighter more practical bamboo swords called “shinai” that are seen in modern Kendo training.

The physical benefits of training Kendo include improved strength, endurance and overall fitness. The mental benefits one experiences are stress relief, improved self-discipline, concentration, mental clarity and calmness. The mental training involved in Kendo teaches the student how to maintain mental calmness and balance when faced with stressful situations. While the physical and technical exercises are important aspects of Kendo practice, a high value is also placed upon performing with full spirit, even if the odds are against winning the match.

Hourahine’s Martial Arts Kendo club is a member of the Canadian Kendo Federation, the governing body of Kendo in Canada.  To see Kendo in action, the Cambridge Kendo club extends an ongoing invitation to the public to sit in and observe a training session.

TUESDAYS 7:oopm – 9:00pm at YMCA of Cambridge, 250 Hespeler Road

SATURDAYS 8:00am – 10:00am at Hourahine’s Martial Arts, 20 Dickson Street