Benefit
Kendo is more than just a fencing martial art with bamboo swords. It was created and evolved around the culture of the samurai warriors and their discipline, calm spirit, and Bushido moral code. It offers a solid yet exhausting training of both body and the mind. The benefits of training in Kendo are:
Mental strength – Kendo requires much perseverance, discipline, and concentration. Practicing it cultivates a strong, healthy, focused mind to better deal with daily stress.
Physical training – It is an extremely active martial art requiring flexibility, fast movement, stamina, and coordination. Kendo training is an exhausting activity for even the most experienced sportsmen.
Spiritual development and respect – Kendo teaches a lot about mutual respect, etiquette, and courtesy, as well as achieving a state of clarity and tranquility of the mind. For this reason, kendo is often recommended to children.
Cultural appreciation – Kendo offers a deep insight into Asian and Japanese culture. It opens up a new and unexplored world to its practitioners, especially when under the guidance of a true sensei (teacher).
Social interaction and friendship – Training in kendo involves students entering training arenas called dojos, where folks of all ages can be spectators. This provides a sense of community, and lifelong friendships can be built by following the code of kendo.
Self-defense – Kendo can better one’s skills for self-defense. Beginners can experience combat and battle adrenaline, which can help soothe their minds in the event of a real attack.
