Introduction of Master Teachers

Yoshio Iwanami

Kyoshi, 7th Dan

Senior social and physical education instructor

Job History

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has indicated in its curriculum guidelines that martial arts such as kendo will be compulsory for both boys and girls in health and physical education classes in junior high schools.
Martial arts are said to be useful for learning about traditional Japanese culture and for fostering empathy and a sense of morality.

This announcement is very welcome news. I hope that this will encourage more children to take an interest in kendo, and that they will eventually join the Shikukai.

The foundation of kendo is the correct "men-uchi" (head strike). In this dojo, I thoroughly teach the children to perform a courageous men-uchi, rather than the less risky kote (wrist strike).

The method involves repeating basic techniques, primarily counter-attacks. By repeating this seemingly monotonous practice every day, the children steadily improve.
Even beginners will notice a change in their facial features after about a month.

Kendo is "a path to character development through the practice of the principles and methods of swordsmanship."
It is a rigorous yet noble martial art that sets itself apart from ordinary sports.

Through rigorous training, the children master the fundamentals and eventually graduate from this dojo.
And I hope that even when you face difficulties in the future, you will become someone who is not afraid to strike the "right side."

In this age where anything can be obtained, the things you gain through the sweat and effort of practicing kendo will never fade.
That's why the children who graduated from this dojo come back to visit again as adults.
That is the greatest joy for me.

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