The way of the sword

Henriette Lamprecht – Its modern-day purpose is not to win real-life duels or use martial art techniques in a fight. While Kendo, literally meaning the ‘way of the sword’, has evolved from Samurai sword arts, one of the many reasons people still practice it today is for the benefits it can bring to Kendoka’s personal lives.

While it may look brutal, it is not, says André Pienaar, the first person to do Kendo in Namibia.

With the assistance of Shinichi Hamada, a Japanese Sensei employed by the Japanese Embassy, Andre succeeded in establishing the Windhoek Kendo Club as well as the Namibian Kendo Federation.

“It [Kendo] carries principles of Samurai swordsmanship. But it is also a sport that improve one’s character through discipline and the application of the principles of the Katana (sword). These principles of the sword are called kata.”

The suffix ‘do’ in Kendo is what points towards a martial art with a mental focus, says André, as opposed to a purely technical sport.

“‘Do’ signifies a ‘way of life’ that points to practice or experience of the discipline. In other words, Kendo is the practice of the ‘way of the sword’.”

Kendo is a Japanese form of fencing with two-handed bamboo swords, originally developed as a safe form of sword training for Samurai. It has its origin in the martial art developed by the Samurai in battlefield combat and duels.

“It refers to a way of life shaped by the discipline cultivated through its practice, a discipline that produces perseverance, alertness, and concentration. Above all, it requires introspection.”

When samurai face each other, fear inevitably arises, André explains. But from where does this fear come? From the opponent? From the oncoming sword thrust? “No, fear arises from within. To conquer an opponent, one must first conquer oneself. The ultimate objective of Kendo is to internalise challenges. This is the essence of Kendo.”



The concept of Kendo

In 1975, the All-Japan Kendo Federation established the concept of Kendo which reads: The concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the katana (sword).

“In Kendo, a major tenet is ‘know the way of the sword, know yourself’. Seen in another way, it implies that you are your own worst enemy. That is the enemy you must beat in Kendo. In other words, you can improve yourself through the sport,” André says.

He adds that anyone who practices the principles of Kendo as they are meant to be, will not only eventually achieve 8th Dan, but will also enjoy the personal benefits of this discipline.

These benefits include both physical and mental. On a physical level, Kendo is a sport that places demands on the body. One must learn how to wield a shinai and a bogu while sparring. You must get used to the weight of the bogu, and this is only possible through training.

“There are few other sports where the entire body is engaged all at once like it is in Kendo. During particularly intense training drills, short bursts of energy can help train the strength of your muscles. It also improves endurance.”

Furthermore, Kendo is known for its mental benefits. “But as with any martial art, to get the maximum from your training, you must be focused. Here it is fitting to use the cliché ‘practice makes perfect’. Only with rigorous, focused practice will you be able to achieve the perfect Ippon. In the process, as a Kendoka, one learns how to perform in the face of stress. In any stressful situation, Kendoka know how to keep mentally calm and remain balanced, all thanks to their mental training. It teaches self-control, respect, and mercy.”



Further benefits

Another benefit of training for Kendo is the ability to act with a “full spirit” even when the odds are against you, he explains. This means maintaining full concentration and enthusiasm, no matter the situation. With enough practice, Kendoka can achieve high levels of engagement and concentration for long periods while sparring.

Competitive Kendo is nothing but a test of such skills. This valuable skill can then be applied to deal with daily situations in life as well.

“Remember that modern Kendo will only benefit those who understand that the sport is not just a way of defeating an opponent, but a way of life.”

André admits different people learn Kendo for different reasons. Some people do so to find balance amid a stressful life. Others see it as a good form of recreation. Others enjoy the cardiovascular exercise that Kendo provides when it is practised in the correct form. Some enjoy the competitive nature of the sport. Many others become dedicated practitioners with a desire to achieve self-knowledge.

Not many people know that Kendo has influenced other martial arts and is the fastest-growing sport among women in Europe.

“Kendo discipline is beneficial to all and develops gross and fine motor skills as well as coordination and good posture. The same holds true for scholars and teenagers who identify with the body, mind and spirit concept of Kendo.

“The flowing Hakama and Samurai-like armour gives form to the mysticism and creative thinking of students, allowing them to act out their fantasies healthily and safely.”

The sport is ideal for the development of one’s personal life and for families who would like to practice a martial art together and strengthen not only family ties but also meet with fellow Kenshi with similar interests and dedication, André says.

“Kendo can be mastered at any age, as movements are mostly linear. It is often mentioned in jest that Kendo has only two sword moves to master – ‘up and down’. What is not mentioned is the number of ways to get this wrong.”

Kendo, therefore, becomes a lifelong “purpose of improving one’s character through discipline and the application of the principles of the Katana (sword)”.

Efforts to promote Kendo as a martial art and international sport have earned André-Sensei a special commendation from the Japanese Ambassador “for fostering a good cultural relationship between Namibia and Japan”.

As a result, the Namibia Kendo Federation has been earmarked by the All-Japan Kendo Federation as one of four countries worldwide to be the recipient of donated practice swords and armour. – Facebook: Kendo Club Windhoek; [email protected].