Kendo Styles

[nodachi]

Well, I have read from different articles and posts comments about different countries styles of Kendo.

For example, I thought I read somewhere that other people sometimes think of Japanese Kendo as being a little bit nippy (if that makes sense to you, can't find a better word) and concerned about getting that one perfect point with one strike. Korean Kendo (or Kumdo if you wish) is much more agressive and strives to make opennings from a more relentless string of attacks.

So (and feel free to correct me as I am just restating things I have read elsewhere) what characteristics make up your country's style of Kendo? What is emphasized more, what things do you see in tournaments from those country's kendo people, is there kendo more flowing and beautiful, characterized by small subtle movements, are there prefered attacks or stances, etc... You get the point.

Provide your thoughts and opinions on your own country's style and what you observe of other country's styles.

[kendo_chick]

I believe that there is no exact kendo style for Canada as we have a large mix of different styles, influenced by other countries' styles.

But I believe that our training style is more relaxed like the country itself. We have lots of fun playing kendo and it never seems like a chore.

[Charlie]

I would think that in most cases since kendo is still developing in that country, it is most like the Japanese model it is trying to emulate. I think this is certainly true of the U.S., where we are really only in our first generation of kendo teachers. (At least, this has been my experience.)

[Steve]

Depends on the area you are in. In some areas, where there is a large Korean population, you'll see a more "Korean Style".

In the end, i guess its up to the individual to develop their own "style".

[Nishi]

I dont think there should be any personal style until yondan(at least)...

Theres far to many bad habits to get rid of first. I think all low level kendo (from every country in the world) should look similar, large cutting, with load kiai, and tremendous vigour.

As for the style of kendo in England, hard to say! My sensie had japanese tuition, so i would say my dojo emulates that particular approach. Considering the size of this country, we have a very good sized kendo community (mabye 35 dojos or so). Most from different beginnings.

So i would say the style of kendo for England would resemble the Japanese approach (as good as we can). First you win, then you cut. Failing that, kakrigieko!!!

[kendokamax]

again that "shouldnt have/do whatever before yondan?"

In the case of style it looks more the other way around. Younger kendoka tend more to have a different style because they are doing more competition kendo (most of the time). When they get older they all look more the same to me.

[Hyaku]

Watching people from other countries the one thing they have in common is a lack of Kahashin (lower body power) I was surprised to have to teach this to Korean University students. I had somehow assumed that being Asian and next door, this would be a natural element.

Withoubt doubt if one wishes to keep Kendo as a martial art and not a sport it is essential that we learn the fundamentals then add to it a bit of flavour if possible.

Where older Kenshi differ is that they manage to keep their character well hidden.
You learn that not moving is as important as moving and if you move its when you move thats important. Not how fast.

I go with the Yondan and would even add one more grade to that.

Hyaku

[Nishi]

I do believe that if kendoka start to develop there own personal style/ideas about kendo at early stages, they will be doing this based on their own misseducation.

I see kendo as a perfect thing, like a perfect truth, and some are closer to the truth than others. Or you could say, we are all wrong to different degrees.

However you want to word it, perfetcion in kendo never gets easier or harder, although our bodies may develop, only our understanding changes.

[bronxjragon]

In New York the lower ranks (like me -shodan) tend to be very jumpy and aggressive. Its fun and all, but as we go up the ranks the fights tend to be one shot fights.

[misterkurukuru]

Most higher level people, and people that win at the big tournaments(Like the US championships) are people that have gone to japan for a couple of months and practiced there. I have seen a lot of people who had ugly kendo return from japan to have good kihon and nice kamai, they still suck, but they look a lot nicer!