Unlike other sports, kendo can be continued for a lifetime. What is the reason for this? It is because kendo is not just a sport of competing for techniques and points, but a martial art that places importance on mental strength and character. Therefore, a high rank holder has the nobility of a tree with many years of age on it.
One day, about 20 years after graduating from college and its kendo club, I had a small chance to visit Shikukai. I was fascinated by the "adult kendo" and it has been six and a half years (as of November 2010) since I came to realize it. When I was a student, kendo was simply too painful to practice. When I think about why I have been able to love kendo so much at my age, it is because of my encounter with my former teacher, Iwanami Sensei. Six and a half years ago, when I put on a mask for the first time in a long time, he saw through my inexperience, and that was the beginning of my retraining. That training is not so much about technique, but rather about learning mental strength and style.
For example, "a strong heart that does not move in the face of the opponent's movement," "a desire to always be on the offensive without staying put," "to live one's life without cheating oneself or being ashamed of oneself," "to do the right thing," "compassion for the opponent while exchanging swords," etc., etc. Therefore, I am not just acquiring the art of kendo. I am still continuing to learn many valuable life lessons that I could not learn when I was a student. As I pursue "adult kendo" together with my fellow students, I myself have advanced from 3rd dan to 4th and 5th dan, and I feel that I have grown several levels as a human being.
The movies "The Last Samurai" and "A Samurai's Moment" have strongly inspired the Japanese identity and conveyed to us an important message that we had almost forgotten. They are wonderful movies. Also, as you know, "Bushido" has become popular in the street. The reason for this may be that many people have realized that they have lost something important as Japanese people and are searching for what it is. Here is one theory related to Bushido that I learned from my teacher...
When a samurai draws his sword, he is risking his life. Therefore, the true bushido is how much patience you can have without drawing your sword. If the opponent does not attack your territory, it is all right. If he does, however, do not be cowed by it, but swing your sword with a heart of mercy.
The lessons in practice that are found in the Shikukai dojo are no less important than those found in the piles of printed "bushido instructional books" in the bookstores.
One of the joys of the dojo is the exchange with the friends you meet there. Friends who work hard together through swordsmanship are good friends even when they are away from the dojo. Members are mainly businessmen (some are mothers) who look forward to practicing on weekends. Beginners are welcome! You will be taught from the very beginning. If you are a beginner and have been practicing for a while, there is no need to worry. You will gradually learn the basics, and like me, you will have a fun and meaningful practice.
Thank you for taking the time to read this long article. If you are interested in learning or resuming kendo, you should act now and start by observing a practice session. After that, it is up to you to decide whether you want to continue or not. We are looking forward to seeing you at our kendo school.
Yushikai Vice President Hiroyuki Okamoto 7-dan Social Physical Education Instructor, Beginner