An Overview of Kendo 1945-2000, Benjamin H. Hazard, Ph.D

[Hiryu]

For those of you interested in the history of kendo, we have just added part four to Hazard Sensei's article An Overview of Kendo 1945-2000 to the article which can be found at theAUSKF web page in the Articles section. The article is written by Benjamin H. Hazard, Ph.D.. Professor of History-Emeritus (ret.) San Jose State University Kendo Hanshi 7th Dan.

This article is an eyewitness acount of these times and is a must read for kendo practitioners.

Be sure to check out the link to his photo on the articles page.

[AlexM]

Thank you.

[Chopstix]

Nice read

[KhawMengLee]

I met Hazard Sensei during my stay at Glascow (WKC) and he was one of the nicest senseis you could meet, that plus Hashimoto and Yamaguchi Sensei made for a very memorable stay.

Hehehe, one could listen for hours on his stories of the development of kendo in the post war period. If you ever get an opportunity to meet Sensei Hazard, definately take the time to listen to what he has to say(best over a nice cold brewskie)

["Rojindo"]

Ben Hazard Sensei!!

He's a wonderful fellow!

We are fortunate to have him preside at every tournament in the NCKF (Northern California Kendo Federation).

I have also had the exquisite delight of having him instruct me personally at a Kendo Camp held in our area... he took pity on me as I struggled with my skills and has forever changed my perceptions on this amazing sport we enjoy. Dressed in splended white Hakama and Keikogi, he showed me the finer points of deflecting and attacking (that "cresent" flick, to ward away the opponents shinai as you attack) and a hundred other facinating techniques. If only my skills could apply his teachings more effectively... I would be amazing.

Sevseal times, I have sat with him as we watched our monthly "Godo Keiko" for advanced Sensei... he has revealed some amazing stories of his long and colorful life as a Kendo practioner. Historical mind blowers pours out of him like a faucet! You should hear him talk about Kendo training in post-war Japan... while being American SOLDIER, no less.

Oh, if only someone would make a video of his life and lessons... it would be a great insight to a world of post-war Kendo and it's dramatic differances.

You guys should see his HANDS... are they bent, gnarled and otherwise "altered" by Kendo. There is a tendon in his palm that has broken free from it's moors from decades of hard Suburi. He makes his own OCTAGONAL Suburito too (or used to).

What a fine Kendo Master to learn from!

I will read his text with great interest.

[Hiryu]

The final installment of Hazard Sensei's article has been posted on the articles page of the AUSKF web page.

[yoda-waza]

I am sad to report that Hazard sensei passed away on May 16, 2011. Dr. Benjamin Hazard was one of the last of his generation who were so instrumental in the development of kendo, kyudo and naginata in the United States. I was honored to have met him several times and will treasure the stories he regaled about his post-war years in kendo.

[yoda-waza]

Dr. Hazard prepared the first draft of the constitution and bylaws of the AUSKF in 1990. In light of his passing, I think it would be a fitting tribute that his contributions to kendo in the US be commemorated on the AUSKF website.