About Kendo
History Equipment Terminology Etiquette Mokuso Kata
Nihon Kendo Kata was created by integrating many kata (forms)
from different kenjutsu schools in 1912. The purpose of this
action was to keep the traditional kenjutsu forms in kendo to
remember where kendo came from.
Kendo kata are practiced with a solid wooden sword called a
bokken. More formal demonstrations are conducted with Katana,
usually of a form that is similiar to that used in Iaido, but
heavier since contact is made with another sword.
There are ten kendo kata specified by the All Japan Kendo
Federation, 7 kata with tachi (long sword) and 3 kata with
kodachi (short sword).
Each kata studies a single set of concepts in a very pure
setting allowing the practitioner to delve deeply into these
concepts.
Kendo kata are practiced between two people, the Uchitachi and
the Shidachi. In kendo kata, the Uchitachi attacks the Shidachi
who in turn demonstrates a proper response to the attack. Seven
of these kata are illustrations of the technique of the long
sword against the long sword. The last three kata illustrate the
short sword defending against attacks by the long sword.
Prior to the invention of the shinai and bogu, kata were the
only way that kendoists could safely practice. Originally, the
role of Uchitachi was taken by the teacher and the role of
Shidachi by the student. This tradition carries over into modern
Kendo kata in that the Uchitachi always sets the pace and
distance at which the actions are performed.
The ten kata are:
Tachi vs. Tachi
Kata No.1: Ippon-me
Kata No.2: Nihon-me
Kata No.3: Sanbon-me
Kata No.4: Yonhon-me
Kata No.5: Gohon-me
Kata No.6: Roppon-me
Kata No.7: Nanahon-me
Tachi vs. Kodachi
Kata No.8: Ippon-me
Kata No.9: Nihon-me
Kata No.10: Sanbon-me
Bokuto Application for Kendo Fundamental Technique Practice
by Mark Uchida (kendo
6th Dan, Renshi )
Copyright 2003 - Posted by permission of
author
Overview
The fundamental concept of Kendo is to cut with a sword: the Shinai representing the sword. However, this concept has become obscured, as Kendo has become more sports oriented. The Kendo Kata was established in 1912 to teach to and preserve the concept that the shinai and the katana are one in the same; however, the Kendo Kata, in addition to being difficult for most beginners, is infrequently practiced and is often exercised only in hurried preparation for examinations. Therefore, the Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keiko-ho was developed to bridge the gap between modern kendo practice and traditional training concepts and values.
From 1999 to 2002, the Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keiko-ho was worked from concept to application. April 5th and 6th, 2003, the first Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keiko-ho workshop was conducted in Tokyo, Japan to introduce the new methodology to selected representatives from each region of Japan. On April 12, 2003, the first known demonstration and group teaching of this practice in the U.S. was carried out in Colorado Springs, Colorado at a workshop sponsored by Mushinkan Kendo Dojo. The instruction was lead by the principal developer of the Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keiko-ho, Mr. Tadanori Ota.
The main intent of the creators of the Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keiko-ho was to develop a form of bokuto training that could be incorporated into regular kendo practice for purposes that include:
1. Help beginners learn the concept that the shinai is the representation of the katana.
2. Develop solid basics and techniques that are directly translatable into bogu kendo practice.
3. Develop the student's abilities and understanding for later practice of the Kendo Kata.
4. Develop reiho (manners).
The all Japan Kendo Dojo Federation is focusing the application of this new bokuto practice in the primary and secondary school systems. Currently, the Osaka prefecture kendo federation is applying it in promotional examinations, in addition to Kendo Kata and Keiko. The All Japan Kendo Federation is also looking into avenues of interjecting the Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keiko-ho into all general kendo practices throughout Japan.
Practice
In Kendo Kata, there are five kamae (on-guard positions) used, some of which have no practical application in modern kendo. Therefore, in the Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keiko-ho only chudan-no-kamae (center on-guard position) is taught. All of the strikes are executed within the center-plane of the body and the techniques directly translatable into bogu-kendo practice and the Kendo Kata. As well as provide a methodology for fundamental and technique development, this practice system also allows latitude in its application for instructors to incorporate advanced teachings to further elaborate on particular waza or fundamental points, if so desired.
There are nine fundamental forms in the Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keiko-ho. The accepted practice is for students up to the rank of 1st kyu to learn and be able to execute confidently and correctly the first three kihon forms. The next three forms are added for shodan, and all nine forms for nidan and above.
Like the Kendo Kata, there are two roles: Motodachi, who acts primarily as the receiver*, allowing the other practitioner to execute the various waza; and Kakarite, who executes the basic techniques. However, unlike the Kendo Kata the relationship between the two practitioners is equal.
[*Motodachi's role is not solely that of the receiver, but is that of an equal practitioner in the exercise, working to refine the basics within the role of Motodachi.]
See the complete article at: http://www.mushinkankendo.com/kendo_kihon_waza.html
