Question about Kendo

[Laura]

From a purely personal standpoint, how does Kendo help with relaxation, breathing and exercise? What do practictioners of this art see as their greatest benefit? I have a place near me that's not expensive, and I'd like to try it out at some point over the summer, but I'm interested in hearing from anyone that studies. Thanks.

[jubaji]

It's a great workout, it teaches focus and sensitivity, and it's fun to hit people with sticks.

[Laura]

Thanks for the reply. Does no one else study Kendo?

[Sagacious Lu]

Thanks for the reply. Does no one else study Kendo?

I have no experience with Kendo but I do have some (very limited) experience with ARMA-style swordsmanship. In as much as the two have similarities Jubaji is certainly right about it being good exercise and fun. In terms of breathing I find that pretty the same control that I exercise when sparring unarmed (throwing punches) is extremely handy, although I won't claim to know how it is taught in Kendo. IMHO clearing my mind to focus on any athletic pursuit is relaxing but I wouldn't read too much into that.

[Laura]

To be honest, I didn't know very much about Kendo: I didn't know it was physically demanding, I don't know how much breathing exercises and meditation was involved, and I didn't know it was such a caro workout. I'm planning on taking a beginner's course in April so I guess I'll find out first hand. Who knew Kendo could be a work out?

[Hardball]

I studied Kendo for two years. I developed shoulder problems from so much throwing (Uke), and powerlifting. I gave up the Kendo because it aggravated my rotor cuff and shoulder impingement. Besides, I did not want to devote major time to such an antiquated weapon. My time was better spent on the firearms range.

Don't get me wrong, wooden sword is tons of fun--just not my idea of an effective or contemporary weapon.

[jubaji]

Who knew Kendo could be a work out?

Sounds like you'll be finding out just how much!

[kwai chang pain]

From a purely personal standpoint, how does Kendo help with relaxation, breathing and exercise? What do practictioners of this art see as their greatest benefit? I have a place near me that's not expensive, and I'd like to try it out at some point over the summer, but I'm interested in hearing from anyone that studies. Thanks.

I've been training in the Korean version of Kendo for a few months. It is an awesome upper body workout. The whole thing is very "Zen" if you will...you are harmonizing your mind, body, and the weapon in one single moment.
I think it's easier on your joints (knees especially) than TKD for example.
If you have shoulder/rotator cuff issues it might not be for you.

[Hardball]

If you have shoulder/rotator cuff issues it might not be for you.

Yep, that's what I had. From all the powerlifting and uke work and swimming all at the same time.

[ScottUK]

From a purely personal standpoint, how does Kendo help with relaxation, breathing and exercise? What do practictioners of this art see as their greatest benefit? I have a place near me that's not expensive, and I'd like to try it out at some point over the summer, but I'm interested in hearing from anyone that studies. Thanks.

Ask this on Kendo World Forum. We all do kendo on there!

[Dokan]

Kendo is awesome, after working with Tonfa, Bo, Kama and Nunchuku I have found it to be a welcome change. I guess its because of the full contact. Get armoured up and like the man said its fun to beat on people with a sharp stick. Soon I will graduate to real steal----------- Dokan

[ScottUK]

Where do you train, Dokan? You do anything else in addition to kendo?

[Dokan]

Hi ScottUK, Kendo is something new for me only 5 or 6 months now . Most of my training is in Shorinji-ryu karate and for the past 4 years Goshin-Jitsu. I teach both at my Dojo in Huntsville Ontario. I also offer programs in Kobudo,grappling and MMA for adults. The MMA program is for beginners, mostly a cardio drill session on heavy bags with some medium to lite contact. The boken is my next challenge. Hopefully, in a few years I will also offer lessons in Kendo.

[ScottUK]

Hi ScottUK, Kendo is something new for me only 5 or 6 months now . Most of my training is in Shorinji-ryu karate and for the past 4 years Goshin-Jitsu. I teach both at my Dojo in Huntsville Ontario. I also offer programs in Kobudo,grappling and MMA for adults. The MMA program is for beginners, mostly a cardio drill session on heavy bags with some medium to lite contact. The boken is my next challenge. Hopefully, in a few years I will also offer lessons in Kendo.

Jeff, this isn't the spirit of budo. We don't learn for a few years just to pass on to others purely 'to become sensei'. Kendo (or other JSA) are not just considered the 'next challenge'. Many of us have dedicated our lives to these arts. It is generally considered you need 10 years of good study before you start teaching kendo.

Where do you study kendo? As there are no official CKF/ZNKR-affiliated kendojo in Huntsville, I assume you're either training with an unrecognised group or you are travelling some distance to do it properly?

What is the purpose of asking this question when you have already linked to them on your dojo website?