Kendo is a form of fencing from Japan whose historical roots lie in samurai sword fighting. It is a Japanese martial art and is not only a competitive sport, but also a method of spiritual development. Through physically and mentally demanding training, it aims to promote firmness of character, determination and strength.
Kendo is practiced with a fencing stick (shinai in Japanese), which consists of four elastic bamboo struts. For protection, armor (jap. Bogu) is worn, which protects all hit areas. For the most part, kendo consists of practical training with shinai and bogu. Kendo also involves practising kata forms from traditional sword fighting schools.
Kendo can be practiced regardless of age and gender, but is physically and mentally demanding. Strength plays a subordinate role, but endurance, stamina and agility are more important. Contact between the fighters is usually only made with the fencing stick. There are no grip techniques, foot sweeps or similar.
At a certain point after learning the basics, kendo is only practiced in armor. However, the beginners' course can only teach the basics without armor. The transition to training in armor takes place after the beginners' course in regular club training.
Important notes
- The first four units teach the necessary basics and should not be missed under any circumstances. The first two units are planned with consideration for those moving up.
- Waiting list and moving up: Currently, it is likely that up to four participants will not take up their places on the course in the first week.
- As the transition to armor only takes place after the beginners' course, the course is primarily aimed at people who have the goal of continuing with kendo after the course.
The club training can be visited at any time before the start of the beginners' course to get an idea of kendo. See website for training times.
Website: https://www.kendo-tuebingen.de/
Introduction video Kendo of the German Kendo Association: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5Y67pIRuLw
Contact person: Christian Kaden
This course is only held in German.
Please bring 10,- Euro rental fee for the fencing sticks to the first training.
