Kendo Nippon vol 3, 2007

[Gessho]

Has anyone read an article in this month's Japanese-language magazine Kendo Nippon regarding Kendo World magazine?

I was thumbing through a copy and I saw an article which referenced Kendo World. It included a picture of a European guy with a goatee and an Asian man and it seemed to indicate some kind of conflict or disagreement between the two.

Since I can't read a lick of Japanese (I buy the magazine for the pictures, baby!) I was wondering if anyone here knew what this was about.

Thanks!

[xvikingx]

It's a discussion about the state of kendo in light of recent events (i.e. 13th WKC) with Abe Satoshi (Hungarian team coach) and Alex Bennett (NZ team, Kendo World.... yeah that guy).

[Gessho]

It's a discussion about the state of kendo in light of recent events (i.e. 13th WKC) with Abe Satoshi (Hungarian team coach) and Alex Bennett (NZ team, Kendo World.... yeah that guy).

Thanks! Btw, how is the "state of kendo in light of recent events?" Is it a discussion about the relative merits of "sport kendo" versus "classical?"

[Anime12478]

I think what he is saying is how the fact that the US beat Japan in the last WKC serves as a major pivotal point for the attitudes of the world view of Kendo. I haven't seen the article for myslef, nor would I be able to read it with ease if I had access to it, so what you said might be in there too.

[xvikingx]

Thanks Chris.
The title of the the article is "日本剣道は、手本を見せよ" which you could translate as "Let Japanese kendo be a model for the world".
Some of the key points of the discussion are:
-the turning point in kendo (Japan loosing the WKC)
-the gap in shinpan skill level
-the gap in kendo skill level & resources (both human and material)
-the lack of information outside of Japan: Kendo World being the only English language kendo mag and the IKF only producing a handful of books. People turning to books like Musashi and Bushido; which in turn changes the focus of training.
-increasing the number of kenshi and spreading kendo culture

It's very interesting and they picked two people who have a clear perspective of kendo on both sides of the pond for this article. You get a good international perspective from a Japanese national abroad and a Westerner who is in the Japanese kendo scene.

[Kenshi]

-the lack of information outside of Japan
-increasing the number of kenshi and spreading kendo culture


.. and this is why KW is so important!!!! in fact, this forum has done more for spreading information and stimulating discussion than the magazine.

also having access to great sensei abroad might help your kendo but - in my experience - it doesnt really help you information wise. but thats another topic.


-the turning point in kendo (Japan loosing the WKC)


but this isnt a turning point of kendo in Japan... is it? the WKC is a non-Japanese persons most important shiai they can aspire too, but it isnt so for a Japanese kenshi, not by a long shot.

this point has been raised before so I dont want to labour it.

[xvikingx]

but this isnt a turning point of kendo in Japan... is it?

I don't think so, but that was the best translation I could give.
Outside of Japan it's definitely a turning point. It is possible. When will it happen again? Who will do it? What about individuals or womens? Blah blah blah... It stirs up a lot of discussion, but things have not changed for me. Kendo is the same as it ever was in my world. In Japan I have only heard from the hardcore older guys who obviously read the mags about Japan loosing.
I think a real turning point is when you see more high level kendo outside of Japan and more international participation in Japan. I would love to see residents not just citizens participating in Japan. Of course being at a competitive level. I know this is WAY off but to me that would be a turning point.

[xvikingx]

After thought....

There is great need for distibution of information on kendo outside of Japan. That is the first step.
I like the fact the there is great love and respect for the "dou" portion of kendo outside of Japan, but it also breeds misconception and over-romanticization (I made that word up didn't I?). This is because you have books on the basics of kendo in English and the rest is "The Book of Five Rings", "Hagakure", "MUSASHI", and so on. You have a lot of philosophy without putting that thought or feeling into action.
On the otherhand you have a lot of action without thought in Japan (as far as my experience goes). Practice everyday because: a) it's the club I belong to b) my parents want me to c) it's just what I've doing since I was a kid Not because: a) I'm searching for... b) I feel ..... c) it means ..... to me

[Awooga Guy]

Sounds like an interesting read. Nice one Leiv.






That is all.

[Kenshi]

Good posts.

There are a lot of people (Non-Js) over here with a lot of experience and knowledge who Id love to hear more from...its a shame they dont post more and share the info (you know who you are!!).

----

Yeah, here the losing in the WKC isnt a big deal. Discussion, sure, but not a turning point. Ive been on the pish with a couple of the team J dudes since the WKC and Ive had a couple of bashes as well.... there is no crying or "we should have" stuff. I think it will be gloves of next time tho!!!

[xvikingx]

Yeah good posts all around, I wish more people would jump in and share.

Definitely no crying over the WKC. I agree and think that it will be "no-holds-barred" next time around.

[Alex]

This particular period of time is a turning point in many respects for Japanese kendo, regardless of the WKC results. I am on an AJKF committee which is assessing the futrure goals of kedno. The powers that be have suddenly been moved into action, and are reassessing the status-quo. The WKC results have acted as one of many catalysts, but the move was already afoot before.

[Kenshi]

This particular period of time is a turning point in many respects for Japanese kendo, regardless of the WKC results. I am on an AJKF committee which is assessing the futrure goals of kedno. The powers that be have suddenly been moved into action, and are reassessing the status-quo. The WKC results have acted as one of many catalysts, but the move was already afoot before.

Is this just a re-assessment of its statment/理念, the workings of FIK, teaching methodology in schools, or is it a taking stock excercise?

Would you say its better to be here (in Japan) or there (Europe/America/etc) in regards to future plans?

You could of of-course pop over to Osaka (or me to Kyoto) to discuss this in the pub!!!

[Alex]

All of the above.

[Kenshi]

All of the above.

Sterling.

Im in the position where I maaaaay have to take over almost complete control of my kendo-bu(中) in April to ensure that it continues.. so my interest in they whys and wherefores as relates to this thread is mainly in the educational area. I find this area really fascinating anyway, and its something that people outside of Japan dont really know about..... a good area of research I think, not just on kendo per se, but on Japanese educational principles. Mind you, the more I get into this, the more I see kendo as a pure tool for education..... anyway, yet more digression!!

[Jefe]

It's a discussion about the state of kendo in light of recent events (i.e. 13th WKC) with Abe Satoshi (Hungarian team coach) and Alex Bennett (NZ team, Kendo World.... yeah that guy).
Abe Tetsushi.

[Kenshi]

Abe Tetsushi.

哲史 can be read both ways. Native speakers of Japanese would be unable to tell the reading favoured by the person... unless they possesed the ability to use ESP of course.

[xvikingx]

Sorry, my ESP was in the shop.

[Jefe]

?? can be read both ways. Native speakers of Japanese would be unable to tell the reading favoured by the person... unless they possesed the ability to use ESP of course.
I don't speak (write, read, whatever) Japanese, don't have ESP either, but I know Abe sensei for 15 years now, therefore I dared to correct the name...

[Kenshi]

The point is that it was an innocent mistake and I was providing an insight into why it may have happened. Nothing more. No criticism.

As for ESP, I think being equipped with this ability would help our kendo! The reference was used to make light of the point being made.

[Jefe]

I didn't want to make any criticism, to be honest. I just thought that it would be proper to correct his name. He's a nice person, and also a great teacher, deserves that.

[Kenshi]

Thats Cool.

[Cornelius]

I'll take your invitation, although it might not have been literal and this message doesn't fit the original intent of the thread . .

I agree concerning the over-romanticizing of budo and samurai spirit. Modern day Japanese kendoists don't concern themselves with that spirit as if its some unnatainable level of enlightment. Rather, its just there in the learning of kendo itself, nothing to get excited about. Seme, zanshin, reading the opponents movements and eyes, patience, ki, becoming stronger because your opponent is strong, etc., these are qualities of samurai, but people don't learn these to become samurai, they learn them to become better kendoists, and stronger human beings. The sayings they have in dojos are not "Be a Samurai" but " Strong Heart Strong Body" "Kendo and Learning are one in the same". The teachings are about gaman (enduring spirit) and to never back down from whoever and to always stay strong in your mind/heart(kokoro).

When we as non Japanese (although I speak from a westerner's point of view) think of "path", emotional intelligence, self development, spiritual growth etc. we think of things like Who am i, why am i here, what purpose is there to living, what forces are guiding me in my life. The big questions for westerners are concerning the existence of soul, of god, and of life after death. This is a line of thinking and a lens with which many view the world. I don't believe this is the way with Japanese culture. The major learning and growth that Japanese take to heart and find meaning in are not revelations in life path, soul, etc, but more in developing strength in relationships with others, passing through really terrible times only to see worth in the action in the end, understanding the 'real' intention of another's actions and heart, knowing that you're not alone, etc.

Lastly, Japanese may seem more like kendo machines to us (doing without feeling, doing becuase they were told to or they were in the club) but thats not what they're aiming for. The curriculum states that all students should pick a club regardless of skill level or interest. Its for the social skills, mental/heart health. Whether they are in the basketball club or badminton club, they will lose and win and fight and celebrate and learn what it means to be a part of a team, apart of something bigger than themselves (which is a major theme in Japan). Long story short, they are growing and learning through kendo. Kendo or any other club are vehicles for growth. There are a plethora of nidans who stopped after junior high, tried something new in high school or didn't do any club in high school. College kids do it cause they've made friends over the years and found good times to be had in joining the college club, and some hold much higher ambitions.

It takes a lot of sweat, blisters, and bruises to realize that the real inner growth starts way later in ones kendo career. You do it like a machine to get your body comfortable with kendo, to get used to and over the pain, and then you can start creating great kendo that exudes confidence and patience. Something to be proud of.

[Cornelius]

whoa, that previous post got away from me there at the end . . .

The educational system in Japan and the differences in training and teaching are great subjects for discussion. Lots to be learned on either side. I enjoy a lot of the discussions that occur here and am real thankful for both sempai and kohai here.

Cheers!