In this article, we dive into the experiences of a seasoned Kenshi (Kendo practitioner) living in the Netherlands, who spent over two decades mastering the art. Through her unique perspective, we explore the deep-rooted connection between Kendo and essential life principles, and how the art serves as a powerful channel for understanding and embracing Japanese values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Kenshi explains how corporations in Amsterdam sometimes request the local Kendo dojos to organize training workshops in their companies, with the purpose of team-building training as well as reinforcing bonds among their employees through Kendo and teaching them experiences that could be applied in both their professional as well as personal lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Facing the Inner Self through Mokuso Meditation<\/h2>\n\n\n\nOne of the most profound aspects of Japanese martial arts, including Kendo, is the practice of Mokuso, also known as silent meditation. Before beginning their practice, Kendo practitioners participate in Mokuso to integrate their minds and spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this serene moment of introspection, they kneel with their backs straight, gently place their hands in their laps, close their eyes lightly, and regulate their breathing. For some, it’s a time to visualize their practice goals, while for others, it is a time to let their minds go blank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The focused state achieved during Mokuso lays the groundwork for mindful and purposeful training, cultivating qualities like patience, self-awareness, and mental strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Describing the process further, the Kenshi says, \u201cAfter meditation, we put on our facemasks and begin practice, vigorously striking one another. Our performance in this active practice is immensely affected by the moment of spiritual quiet preceding it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some Kendo clubs and dojos also conduct ten or fifteen minutes of \u201cstanding practice,\u201d which is similar to the \u201cstanding Zen\u201d meditation, where one stands motionless facing themselves to acquire endurance, emotional control, self-control, and concentration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While meditation & mindfulness have attracted more attention in recent years, this custom of facing oneself in quiet has been rooted in traditional Japanese martial arts and values for centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Cultivating Harmony with Aesthetics<\/h2>\n\n\n\nKendo practitioners understand the significance of preparing a favorable environment for training to enhance concentration and self-control. Before each practice session, they diligently clean the dojo, demonstrating respect not just for the space but also for their fellow practitioners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Practice](\"https:\/\/workmill.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/08\/ph02_hollandreport1.webp\")
Practice in a dojo, where the grain of the wood is neatly arranged and the place is well cleaned. A dojo is a place to learn martial arts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMoreover, Kendo emphasizes an aesthetic sense, even in the choice of equipment. While modern Kendo uses bamboo swords (Shinai<\/em>), the samurai used old-wielded real blades. These finely sharpened Japanese swords were not merely instruments of combat; they were considered works of art. The Japanese believe that keeping your equipment, your heart, and your stance beautiful leads to strength of the mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe pursuit of aesthetics, even in the context of weaponry, reflects Japan’s commitment to infusing artistry into every aspect of life and shows its deep appreciation for beauty in all its elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aesthetics play a pivotal role in Japanese culture, fostering a sense of harmony and balance. Emphasizing this, Kenshi adds, \u201cWe Japanese have pursued aesthetics even in these weapons, originally used in life-and-death encounters. This is why the phrase \u201cmartial arts\u201d\u2014the art of fighting\u2014is used in English to translate the Japanese budo. The conversion of fighting techniques into art is said to be a rare phenomenon even on a global basis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Embracing Propriety and Respect with Shosagoto<\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn Kendo, the art of bowing is an expression of deep respect and propriety (politeness & decency). Kenshi bow when entering and leaving the dojo, before and after practice, and when engaging in combat with their opponents. The precision and grace of these bows convey sincerity and reverence toward others. The perfect bow is done at a precisely calculated angle and the process of sitting is also determined based on which leg goes down first. These are called Shosagoto <\/em>or prescribed gestures, concepts that were originally established in the pursuit of efficiency and rationality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"expression](\"https:\/\/workmill.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/08\/ph03_hollandreport1.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIt is not widely known, but in Kendo, if you pump your fist and gloat after scoring a point on your opponent, that point will be taken away. This rule was based on consideration towards the opponent and on the belief that without the opponent, there would not have a match at all. That\u2019s why gloating over a win is considered as discourteous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Kenshi suggests that the things which the Japanese have been understanding so instinctively must be explained in words so that people of different cultures, customs, and religions can understand them. In fact, a lot of European parents want their kids to study Kendo so that they can learn how to behave with other people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basically, these expressions of respect in Kendo, extend beyond the martial art and form the foundation for harmonious interactions and mutual understanding in daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Summoning your Own Courage with Kiai<\/h2>\n\n\n\nKendo is not just a physical practice; it requires a courageous spirit. The practice of Kiai<\/em>, a loud shout before striking an opponent, serves not only to intimidate adversaries but also to draw out the practitioner’s courage and confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt takes tremendous bravery to face a higher-ranked teacher in practice or to enter a match with a more skilled opponent. And this experience of summoning one’s courage to overcome challenges in Kendo can translate into newfound confidence and self-assurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Kendo\"](\"https:\/\/workmill.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/08\/ph04_hollandreport1.webp\")
Practicing basic footwork. The Dutch participants, who were shy at first, showed great enthusiasm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThese qualities are the result of not just \u201cdrawing out your own courage to overcome something,\u201d but also, as mentioned above, of the \u201ctime spent face-to-face with yourself\u201d and \u201cconsideration for others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kendo promotes the idea that the most valuable thing in life is the ability to believe in yourself, which is why it is essential to quiet down and come face-to-face with yourself, for just a few minutes every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Looking Beyond Ranks & Accepting Humility<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe practice of Kendo embodies the virtues of humility and self-discipline, challenging practitioners to transcend the confines of rank and ego.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is often believed that martial arts can have particularly strict hierarchical relationships and because of the strict rules and regulations, opinions are often imposed from above. However, discipline imposed from higher ranks is not always good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Kendo](\"https:\/\/workmill.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/08\/ph05_hollandreport1.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nEmphasizing this, the Kenshi says, \u201cA renowned 8th-dan teacher once told me that judging people by their rank leads to great mistakes. Kendo is built on a system of titles and ranks that turn into objectives. But lower ranking can never be a judge of their humanity. The teacher warned me that if we forget this and judge people only by their dan ranking, big mistakes will be made. He also taught me that the higher we get, the lower we must bow down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kendo practitioners understand the significance of preparing a favorable environment for training to enhance concentration and self-control. Before each practice session, they diligently clean the dojo, demonstrating respect not just for the space but also for their fellow practitioners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, Kendo emphasizes an aesthetic sense, even in the choice of equipment. While modern Kendo uses bamboo swords (Shinai<\/em>), the samurai used old-wielded real blades. These finely sharpened Japanese swords were not merely instruments of combat; they were considered works of art. The Japanese believe that keeping your equipment, your heart, and your stance beautiful leads to strength of the mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The pursuit of aesthetics, even in the context of weaponry, reflects Japan’s commitment to infusing artistry into every aspect of life and shows its deep appreciation for beauty in all its elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aesthetics play a pivotal role in Japanese culture, fostering a sense of harmony and balance. Emphasizing this, Kenshi adds, \u201cWe Japanese have pursued aesthetics even in these weapons, originally used in life-and-death encounters. This is why the phrase \u201cmartial arts\u201d\u2014the art of fighting\u2014is used in English to translate the Japanese budo. The conversion of fighting techniques into art is said to be a rare phenomenon even on a global basis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Kendo, the art of bowing is an expression of deep respect and propriety (politeness & decency). Kenshi bow when entering and leaving the dojo, before and after practice, and when engaging in combat with their opponents. The precision and grace of these bows convey sincerity and reverence toward others. The perfect bow is done at a precisely calculated angle and the process of sitting is also determined based on which leg goes down first. These are called Shosagoto <\/em>or prescribed gestures, concepts that were originally established in the pursuit of efficiency and rationality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not widely known, but in Kendo, if you pump your fist and gloat after scoring a point on your opponent, that point will be taken away. This rule was based on consideration towards the opponent and on the belief that without the opponent, there would not have a match at all. That\u2019s why gloating over a win is considered as discourteous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Kenshi suggests that the things which the Japanese have been understanding so instinctively must be explained in words so that people of different cultures, customs, and religions can understand them. In fact, a lot of European parents want their kids to study Kendo so that they can learn how to behave with other people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Basically, these expressions of respect in Kendo, extend beyond the martial art and form the foundation for harmonious interactions and mutual understanding in daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kendo is not just a physical practice; it requires a courageous spirit. The practice of Kiai<\/em>, a loud shout before striking an opponent, serves not only to intimidate adversaries but also to draw out the practitioner’s courage and confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It takes tremendous bravery to face a higher-ranked teacher in practice or to enter a match with a more skilled opponent. And this experience of summoning one’s courage to overcome challenges in Kendo can translate into newfound confidence and self-assurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These qualities are the result of not just \u201cdrawing out your own courage to overcome something,\u201d but also, as mentioned above, of the \u201ctime spent face-to-face with yourself\u201d and \u201cconsideration for others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kendo promotes the idea that the most valuable thing in life is the ability to believe in yourself, which is why it is essential to quiet down and come face-to-face with yourself, for just a few minutes every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The practice of Kendo embodies the virtues of humility and self-discipline, challenging practitioners to transcend the confines of rank and ego.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is often believed that martial arts can have particularly strict hierarchical relationships and because of the strict rules and regulations, opinions are often imposed from above. However, discipline imposed from higher ranks is not always good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Emphasizing this, the Kenshi says, \u201cA renowned 8th-dan teacher once told me that judging people by their rank leads to great mistakes. Kendo is built on a system of titles and ranks that turn into objectives. But lower ranking can never be a judge of their humanity. The teacher warned me that if we forget this and judge people only by their dan ranking, big mistakes will be made. He also taught me that the higher we get, the lower we must bow down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Embracing Propriety and Respect with Shosagoto<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Summoning your Own Courage with Kiai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Looking Beyond Ranks & Accepting Humility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
![\"Kendo\"](\"https:\/\/workmill.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/08\/ph06_hollandreport1.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Kendo](\"https:\/\/workmill.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/08\/ph07_hollandreport1.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n