kendo

more than martial art

Ben Sheppard

Sensei

Kendo Cocurricular Program

Term 1 has seen a fabulous start to the Kendo 2017 Cocurricular program and we welcomed an enthusiastic group of new female and male students to Kendo Club. Training is conducted in the new gymnasium after school on Tuesdays every week between  3.30pm and 5.00pm.

Kendo combines martial arts practices and values with strenuous physical activity. The word Kendo translates to 'the way of the sword' and this sport is steeped in centuries-old history and tradition, however we are no longer training soldiers! The formal kendo exercises known as katawere developed several centuries ago as kenjutsu  practice for the legendary Japanese warriors.  And while it is a sport,  there is also a significant focus on personal values and mental strength, so this activity compliments and contributes to a students ability to focus, commit and strive for excellence in their academic goals as well. This is clearly outlined in the Concept and Purpose of Kendo (published in 1975).

Taking up Kendo does not require previous martial arts experience - however a love of Star Wars or anime can be a big help! New members are welcome to join throughout the year - just come along and sign up! Once enrolled, students can access our extensive Kendo Handbook from the Resources tab in Compass. Here you can find detail about the program - such as explanations of the Japanese terms we use and diagrams of how to wear the uniform and armour - and much more.  We also have  a great Yammer Group where we can share our experiences, photos and comments.

The BSC Kendo group have a great time doing this activity. It is fun, it keeps us fit and it sharpens our minds.  As well as this, Kendo  has an awesome amount of history behind it and this is interesting and enlightening too!   

So really,  there is no mystery to Kendo - although sometimes there are interesting and weird Japanese  sweet treats on offer as a reward after good training!

If students or parents have any questions about the class please feel welcome to email me via Compass to get all the answers you need - and we hope to see you at training soon!

Archer Treloar

Year 8

Kendo - second year

I do like Kendo a lot. It's disciplined (you don't talk!) but it's fun anyway! Kendo isn't just swinging a stick around; you're improving mentally and physically. The formality teaches you to be a better person as you make friends along the way.

Archer Treloar (8W) (This is Archer's second year of Kendo).

Poppy McCammon

Year 7

Kendo - first year

I joined Kendo  and I'm loving it. You don't just learn 'the way of the sword' but also Japanese etiquette. It feels amazing to hold a weapon and know how to use it (to the best of my ability) instead of just waving a stick around randomly. I would recommend Kendo to anyone because it is enjoyable, interesting and it feels amazing to wield a shinai (bamboo sword). 

Ethan Gallagher

Year 7

Kendo - first year

I started Kendo this year and I'm really enjoying it. I like learning all the Japanese terminology and especially practising my sword strikes. It's really fun to be doing the same thing the samurai did to train with swords.

Isabella Muñoz

Year 9

Kendo - third year

I've done Kendo for two years now, this is my third year. Ever since I started Kendo I've learned how to control myself much better. Kendo is a good way to exercise and I am always puffed out from so much training. It's a great experience and I encourage you to join!