About Kendo 15

Competitions of kendo 3...

In shiai, there are usually three referees, or shinpan. Each holds a red flag and a white flag in opposing hands. To signal a point, the shinpan raise the flag corresponding to the color of the ribbon worn by the scoring competitor. Generally, at least two shinpan must agree, for a point to be awarded. The match continues until a pronouncement of the point that has been scored.

To be continued...

About kendo 14

Competitions of kendo 2...

Additionally, the top third of the shinai must make contact with the target and the direction of movement,hasuji,by the shinai must also be correct. Finally, zanshin, or continuation of awareness, must be present and shown before, during and after the strike, then the kendo player must be ready to attack again.

Zanshin includes a feeling that "I am sorry for hitting you."When you can hit your opponent,you must be modest.

To be continued...

About Kendo 13

Today,I introduce to you competitions of kendo.

In shiai, or competition, a point,yuko-datotsu,is only awarded when the attack is made firmly and properly to a target point,datotsu-bui,with ki-ken-tai-ichi, or spirit, sword and body as one. This means that for an attack to be successful, the shinai must strike the specified target, the contact by the shinai must happen simultaneously with the attacker's front foot contacting with floor and the kendo player must vocalise an expression of kiai that displays good spirit.

To be continued...

About Kendo 12

All candidates for examination face a panel of examiners. A larger, more qualified panel is usually assembled to assess the higher dan grades.

Kendo examinations typically consist of a demonstration of the applicants skill and for some dan grades, also a written exam. The hachi-dan,eighth dan,kendo exam is extremely difficult, with a reported pass rate of less than 1 percent.

There are no visible differences between kendo grades; beginners may dress the same as higher-ranking yudansha.

End...

About Kendo 11

Today,I introduce grades of kendo.I have the 3rd grade,3 dan.

Technical achievement in kendo is measured by advancement in grade, rank or level. The kyu and dan grading system is used to indicate the level of one's skill in kendo. The dan levels are from sho-dan,first dan,to ju-dan,tenth dan. There are usually 6 grades below sho-dan known as kyu. The kyu numbering is in reverse order, with ikkyu,first kyu,being the grade immediately below sho-dan and rok-kyu,sixth kyu,being the lowest grade.

Hachi-dan,eighth dan,is the highest dan grade attainable through a test of physical kendo skills. In the AJKF the grades of kyu-dan,ninth dan,and ju-dan,tenth dan,are no longer awarded, but kyu-dan,ninth dan,kendoka are still active in Japanese kendo.International Kendo Federation grading rules allow national kendo organisations to establish a special committee to consider the award of those grades.

About Kendo 10

The introduction of kata 2...

Nihon kendo kata were drawn from representative kenjutsu schools and tend to be quite deep and advanced. In some areas the regular training curriculum does not include nihon kendo kata.
In 2003, the introduction of Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keiko-ho, a set of basic exercises using a bokuto, attempted to bridge this gap. This form of practice, is intended primarily for kendoka up to ni-dan (second dan), but is very useful for all kendo students.

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About Kendo 9

Today,I introduce to you Kata.Kata is the basis of kendo.

There are 10 nihon kendo kata,Japanese kendo forms. These are performed with wooden swords,bokuto, the kata include fundamental techniques of attacking and counter-attacking, and have useful practical application in general kendo. Occasionally, real swords or swords with a blunt edge, called kata-yo or habiki, may be used for a display of kata.

Kata 1–7 are performed with both partners using a daitō or tachi,long sword,style bokutoh of around 102 cm. Kata 8–10 are performed with one partner using a daitō and the other using a kodachi or shoto,short sword, style bokutoh of around 55cm. During kata practice, the participants take the roles of either uchidachi,teacher,or shidachi,student. The uchidachi makes the first move or attack in each kata. As this is a teaching role, the uchidachi is always the 'losing' side, thus allowing the shidachi or student to learn and gain confidence.

About Kendo 8

Today,I introduce to you the concept and purpose of kendo.

In 1975 the All Jpan Kendo Federation (AJKF) developed then published The Concept and Purpose of Kendo.

・The concept of kendo
Kendo is a way to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana (sword).

・The purpose of kendo
To mold the mind and body.
To cultivate a vigorous spirit,
And through correct and rigid training,
To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo.
To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor.
To associate with others with sincerity.
And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.
This will make one be able:
To love his/her country and society.
To contribute to the development of culture
And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.

Um...Too many purpose.

I usually practice kendo without thinking these purposes.If I think them,I wii be hit!!!

About Kendo 7

The history of kendo 5.

The Dai Nippon Butoku Kai was established in 1895 to solidify, promote, and standardise all martial disciplines and systems in Japan. The DNBK changed the name of Gekiken,擊劍,撃剣, "hitting sword",to kendo in 1920. Kendo (along with other martial arts) was banned in Japan in 1946 by the occupying powers. This was part of "the removal and exclusion from public life of militaristic and ultra nationalistic persons" in response to the wartime militarization of martial arts instruction in Japan. Kendo was allowed to return to the curriculum in 1950 (first as Shinai Kyougi "Shinai Competition" and then as Kendo from 1952).

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About Kendo 6

The history of kendo 4.

Concepts such as mushin, or "empty mind" as professed by exponents of Zen, are an essential attainment for high level kendo.Fudoshin, or "unmoving mind", is a conceptual attribute of the deity Fudo Myo-O, one of the five "Kings of Light" of Shingon Buddhism. Fudoshin, implies that the kendoka cannot be led astray by delusions of anger, doubt, fear, or surprise arising from the opponent’s actions. Thus today it is possible to embark on a similar quest for spiritual enlightenment as followed by the samurai of old.

To be continued...

About Kendo 5

The history of kendo 3.

The introduction of bamboo practice swords ,shinai, and armour ,bogu, to kendo training is attributed to Naganuma Sirōzaemon Kunisato (長沼 四郎左衛門 国郷, 1688–1767). This is believed to be the foundation of modern kendo. Kendo began to make its modern appearance during the late 18th century. Use of the shinai and armour ,bogu, made possible the full force delivery of strikes and thrusts without inflicting injury on the opponent. These advances, along with practice formats, set the foundations of modern kendo.

To be continued...

About Kendo 4

The history of kendo 2.

Those swordsmen established schools of kendo training which continued for centuries, and which form the basis of kendo practice today. The names of the schools reflect the essence of the originator’s enlightenment. Thus the Ittō-ryū (Single sword school) indicates the founder’s illumination that all possible cuts with the sword emanate from and are contained in one original essential cut. The Mutō (swordless school) expresses the comprehension of the originator Yamaoka Tesshu, that "There is no sword outside the mind". The 'Munen Musō-ryū’ (No Intent, no preconception) similarly expresses the understanding that the essence of kendo transcends the reflective thought process. The formal kendo exercises known as kata were developed several centuries ago and are still studied today.

To be continued...

About Kendo 3

From today,I explain the history of kendo.

Since the earliest samurai government in Japan, during the Kamakura period (1185-1233), sword fencing, together with horse riding and archery, were the main martial pursuits of the military clans. In this period kendo developed under the strong influence of Zen Buddhism. The samurai could equate the disregard for his own life in the heat of battle, which was considered necessary for victory in individual combat, to the Buddhist concept of the illusory nature of the distinction between life and death.

To be continue...

About Kendo 2

There are estimates that about eight million people world-wide practice kendo, with approximately seven million in Japan. The "Kodansha Meibo" (a register of dan graded members of the All Japan Kendo Federation) shows that as of January 2003, there were 1.3 million registered dan graded kendo practitioners in Japan. The number of kendo players not yet graded to a dan level is not included: those kendōka would outnumber considerably the dan graded players.
Kendo is one of the modern Japanese budo and embodies the essence of Japanese fighting arts.

About Kendo

Kendo is the Japanese martial art of fencing. Kendo developed from traditional techniques of Japanese swordsmanship known as kenjutsu.Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sporting-like physical elements.Practitioners of kendo are called kendōka,meaning "one who practices kendo", or kenshi,meaning "swordsman". Kendo is practiced wearing traditionally styled clothing and protective armour,bougu,using one or two bamboo swords,shinai,as weapons.

Kendo may be seen as a Japanese style of fencing. However, the movements in kendo are different from European fencing because the design of the sword is different, as is the way it is used. Unlike western style fencing, kendo employs strikes with a defined 'edge' and tip of the shinai. Kendo training is quite noisy in comparison to other martial arts or sports. This is because kendōka use a shout, or kiai, to express their spirit, and when a strike or cut is performed, the front foot contacts the floor in a motion similar to stomping, called fumikomi-ashi.

Practicing Kendo In Meiji University

I have practiced kendo for 12 years.Now,I have a third dan in kendo.I belong to Keiogijuku Taiikukai Kendou Club.It's hard to practice kendo in a humid day.But we must not take off bougu,protecters.

I usually practice kendo in Hiyoshi.But today,I did in Meiji University to step up.

Too tired!!I can't walk!!I want to sleep!!

Good night!!

About mihimaru GT 2

Today,mihimaru GT's song I introduce to you is Kibunn Jojo ↑↑.This song was an important turning point for mihimaru GT.Before the formation of mihimaru GT, both artists had a solo career. However their solo career was not successful and without any hits. The group was formed due to the joint management of the two artists.mihimaru GT attracted the attention of Japan with this song,which literally translates to “Feeling Hyper”.

About mihimaru GT

Today,I introduce mihimaru GT to you.

On January 2003,hiroko,who has been active to be a vocalist,and miyake,who has provided many famous artists with compositions,met and formed mihimaru GT.They took the first two letters in their first name and adding "maru", or "perfection", to the end of it, as well as the initials for Miyake's favorite video game,Gran Turismo.

Unlike many other groups, mihimaru GT will often record songs featuring only one of their members, though because of each members' background, they are both involved with every song in some way. Hiroko is usually responsible for the main melody of the song, whereas Miyake is featured in the rap that may appear in a song. The band is known for its urban and pop-oriented songs, as well as slow ballad oriented songs.

When I listened their songs for the first time,I thought that I should know them earlier.Their songs are very good.

I'm going to introduce their songs in coming articles.

About Otsuka Ai 4

Otsuka Ai's song I introduce to you today is Rennaisyashinn,恋愛写真.This song is in 13th single CD.This song is about a broken heart.In this song,the most important phrase is "ただ、君を愛してる","All I do for you is to love you."



A couple consider each other for a long time.Then,they wear a mask and they can't tell each other what they want to say.You should not want a special consideration and should be satisfied with loving each other simply as they love each other when they started to go together.

Renaisyashin is a picture taken when a couple started to go together.It shows real happiness.I wish that real happiness would remain.

I want to take such a picture.

About Otsuka Ai 3

Otsuka Ai's song I introduce to you yoday is Happy Days.This song is in 4th single CD.This is a song with an upbeat tempo.

Otsuka Ai usually songs about love.But this song means that we want to be able to feel small happiness.I think that a strong point of Otsuka Ai's songs is her using simple but deep words.

This song is always sung at concerts.At concerts,Otsuka Ai does not only sing but also plays piano and violine.In this song,a piano and a violine are not used but she uses a megaphone instead of a microphone.I was surprised when I saw her use a megaphone for the first time.

At a recent concert,because songs are with simple dance composition,an audience can make positive efforts to join a concert.So concerts are more exciting than before.

I haven't joined a concert.I want to.

About Otsuka Ai 2

Otsuka Ai's song which I introduce to you is Puranetariumu,a planetarium.This song was used as the closing theme music of a television drama.The television drama is Hanayoridanngo,花より男子.I think that this song match this television drama.

In this television drama,a son of a noble family who go to a prestige private high school and like to boss people around the school has fallen for a girl who is strong-minded and sophisticated,but sensitive person. But he couldn't tell her his feelings because he thought that he had a different upbringing from her and he didn't match her.Bt then,through fortune telling,he found that she share the same star.And he watched the star with her and told her his feelings. So he could get along with her thanks to the star.

In this sond,through watching the star which a girl watched with a boyfriend,whom she can't meet now,she considers him.But,because she can't meet him,she worry about whether their feelings remain or not. Otsuka Ai sings so.

In this way,this song means an unstable of love.This melody matchs words.This song is one of the songs I like the most.

About Otsuka Ai

My favorite singer-songwriter is Otsuka Ai.

One of the most famous songs of hers is SAKURANNBO.

This song have made her famous and popular all over Japan.

She tells listener that she wish feelimgs of people who love each other would remain.

The title SAKURANNBO express so.

Sakurannbo is cherrys.

Two cherrys are connected with two stems.

In the same way,a person you love beside you would keep being beside you forever,Ai think.

This song is a song with an upbeat tempo,but it is put such a feeling into.

I want you to listen this song!

I am sure that you get to like this song and Otsukaai.

A person beside me.....I want my girl friend!