Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art that is supported by many enthusiasts around the world.
In this article, we will delve into the humorous and relatable “Kendo reality” that people who practice Kendo may commonly experience.
We will introduce you to the interesting and strange aspects of Kendo’s daily life, from the training sessions to the unusual incidents of matches and fighting with equipment.
Through these episodes, which all Kendo enthusiasts will experience at least once, we will shed light on the joy of Kendo and its cultural background.
目次
Introduction
Kendo is more than just a martial art; it is an activity rich in culture that offers a variety of experiences through daily training and competitions.
This article focuses on the “Kendo Aru Aru” that everyone who has been practicing Kendo for a long time will experience at least once.
These anecdotes are often shared among Kendo enthusiasts and bring laughter and sympathy.
The story of Kendo is wide-ranging, including small incidents that occur during practice, unexpected events during matches, and fighting with equipment.
These shared experiences strengthen bonds within the Kendo community and provide an opportunity for new participants to enjoy the culture of this martial art.
Through articles, we will explore the fun of Kendo and its deep cultural background, and introduce how Kendo captures people’s hearts and never lets go.
Promises during rehearsal
Kendo training involves many conventions related to the daily practice.
While these are a source of humor for those who continue to practice Kendo, they are also familiar as part of Kendo training.
Rules for the day you forget your kote
In kendo, it is a typical “happening” that many kendo practitioners experience when they forget their kote (armor to protect their hands) and the instructor intensively teaches them the techniques of the kote.
This phenomenon has the ironic result of somehow forgetting the most necessary protective gear for practice, and then having to thoroughly practice the technique that requires that protective gear.
This experience not only makes us keenly aware of the importance of having a complete set of protective gear, but also shows how a kendo practitioner should approach the day of practice with a touch of humor.
Sudden basic skill practice
Another possibility is that after a particularly long day or when you’re not feeling well, the instructor suddenly decides to do a thorough drill of basic techniques.
Many kendo practitioners sigh inwardly when they begin practicing the most physically demanding basic techniques only when they are tired, but they understand that this is part of their self-training and approach it positively. It will be.
jokes about forgotten items
One of the jinxes of Kendo is that if you forget something during practice, you almost always need that item.
This is often told as a light joke in the rehearsal room, and not only does it annoy the person who has forgotten something, but it also contributes to lively communication within the group.
These practice routines are a fun way to learn about the sense of unity that is built through Kendo, and how unpredictable daily practice can be.
By sharing these experiences, the bonds between Kendo practitioners will become even stronger.
unwritten rules of the game
There are many such episodes in Kendo matches as well.
These are humorous elements that ease the tension of a match, bringing laughter and empathy to players and spectators.
Toilet problem right before the match
The fact that many kendo players suddenly feel the need to go to the bathroom just before a match is a story that resonates with many people in the history of kendo.
This phenomenon, in which the body reacts just before tension reaches its peak, is seen not only in kendo but also in many other sports, but in kendo in particular, you have to wear protective gear, so it can be difficult to visit the restroom at this time. .
Jokes about this phenomenon are often shared between players and can help take some of the pressure off the match.
Discovering something you forgot just when you were ready
Just when you think you’re fully kitted out and ready for the match, you realize you’ve forgotten something important.
This often happens right before the match starts, sometimes on the way to the match, or at the match venue.
It goes without saying that such forgotten items are usually very important items, and you’ll have to rush back to get them.
An unexpected incident during the match
Unexpected events that occur during a match are also part of Kendo.
For example, problems with the equipment may occur, such as the straps suddenly coming undone or the torso shifting.
These situations often temporarily interrupt the flow of the match, providing a moment of instant tension relief.
The unwritten rules and anecdotes of these matches provide humorous moments and universal issues faced by the players, even within the solemn atmosphere of a kendo match, and serve to strengthen the bonds of the entire community. I am fulfilling my role.
Each episode contributes to relieving the tension of a Kendo match and creating a relaxed atmosphere for the players and spectators.
fighting with tools
Struggling with equipment on a daily basis is an unavoidable part of Kendo, and there are many stories that many Kendo practitioners can relate to.
Small problems with wearing kendo tools have become a daily part of practice, and these common struggles are often talked about within the community.
Torso challenge
Among the equipment used in kendo, the body strap is particularly difficult to handle.
Tying the torso correctly and securely can be a major project, especially for beginners.
It is a common sight at many dojos for students to ask their seniors or instructors for help when tying their doso before practice begins because they do not know how to tie it.
Furthermore, it is a typical example of Kendo that the torso string becomes loose and the torso becomes misaligned during a match or practice.
surface fit problem
Kendo masks are braces that require a very individual fit, but finding a mask that fits perfectly can be a challenge.
The new surface is especially hard and it is not uncommon for it to be painful for a while.
The difficulty of not fitting the mask properly is a common topic for many people who have been practicing kendo for a long time, and many kendo practitioners try various methods to adjust the mask.
Armor maintenance and fighting
Maintenance of kendo tools is also a major issue in continuing kendo.
In particular, it is an experience unique to Kendo practitioners to worry about daily care, such as how to dry surfaces and hands that absorb a lot of sweat, and how to suppress odors.
Proper care is essential for the longevity of armor, and learning how to do so is an important part of Kendo.
Fighting with these kendo tools is sometimes tedious and difficult, but it is also an essential process in practicing kendo.
Through these experiences, kendo practitioners develop patience and deepen their understanding of equipment.
A rare incident outside the dojo
Kendo is an activity that takes place inside the dojo, but there are many unusual events that occur outside the dojo as a result of practicing Kendo.
Stories that happen socially related to Kendo are often told as interesting experiences unique to Kendo enthusiasts.
Kendo costumes and public reaction
When you wear a kendo hakama or costume, you may sometimes get noticed in public or on the streets.
Hakama in particular is very conspicuous and is often even more rare outside of Japan.
When you see someone wearing a Kendo costume, some people will stare at you with interest, while others will have the courage to ask, “What kind of clothes are they wearing?”
These experiences are commonplace for Kendo practitioners and are often a good opportunity to explain their cultural background.
Armor bag on transportation
When kendo practitioners travel for matches or training camps, they often carry large armor bags with them on the train or bus.
Armor bags are usually very large and can be a pain to carry during busy commute times.
Passengers around them often look at them with curiosity, and due to their unusual size and shape, it is not uncommon for them to ask, “What are you carrying?”
Situations like this are common sights for Kendo practitioners, and can sometimes spark conversations with other passengers.
Kendo talk at work or school
When the topic of kendo comes up in places unrelated to kendo, such as at work or school, it often attracts the interest of people who don’t know about kendo.
Talking about Kendo usually leads to the question, “What kind of sport is it?” and it becomes an opportunity to introduce Kendo and talk about its appeal.
These topics not only contribute to the spread of kendo, but can also be considered small adventures in the daily lives of kendo practitioners.
These rare incidents outside the dojo are part of the daily life of Kendo practitioners, and they strongly demonstrate the social impact of the martial art of Kendo.
Each episode often reminds us that kendo is more than just a sport; it has a cultural component.
Life lessons learned from Kendo
Kendo offers more than just a martial art. The training not only strengthens the body, but also sharpens the mind and teaches many important life lessons.
Learning from Kendo is very useful in daily life and in all other fields.
patience and persistence
Kendo requires long hours of practice and repetition to hone your skills.
In this process, the Kendoka greatly develops patience. Although you often won’t see results right away, by learning the importance of persistence and accumulating small progress, you can achieve big results.
This teaches us the value of continuing to work hard towards a goal.
humility and respect
Kendo training fosters humility.
This martial art, which begins and ends with courtesy, always emphasizes respect for the opponent.
This teaches respect and courtesy, which are fundamental when building relationships with people.
Humility is the foundation for accepting lessons from others and developing an attitude of constant learning.
harmony of mind and body
In Kendo, it is not only important to train technically, but also to control your mental state.
Through practice, you can strengthen your inner peace and outer strength at the same time by training your mind as well as your body.
This harmony helps you stay calm during stressful situations.
decisiveness and confidence
Kendo develops the ability to make quick and effective decisions. This builds confidence and decisiveness, as instant decisions are required during a match.
This will help you make decisions with confidence when faced with difficult choices in business or everyday life.
These lessons learned through Kendo are more than just learning techniques.
They show how Kendo practitioners can become better people and apply those lessons to their daily lives.
Kendo is a rich source for developing both body and mind.
summary
The story of Kendo is more than just a joke, it is an important cultural element shared within the Kendo community.
These common experiences are retold among Kendo enthusiasts, strengthening the bonds and identity of the entire Kendo community.
Unity within the community
By sharing the story of Kendo widely among enthusiasts, Kendo practitioners old and new can feel connected.
These stories often lead to shared laughs and help lighten the atmosphere in the rehearsal room.
Kendo Aruru also serves as a way to break the ice between newcomers and veterans at the dojo.
For newcomers to share common experiences with others, they no longer feel that there is a wall between them and their seniors, which can be a great motivator for them to continue practicing Kendo.
cultural heritage
The story of Kendo shows that the martial art of Kendo is more than just a sport.
It is a form of cultural transmission, serving to pass on not only the techniques of kendo, but also the philosophy and lifestyle behind it, to new generations.
In this way, Kendo as a martial art is enriched not only by its technical aspects, but also by its spiritual aspects.
The spread and influence of Kendo
Kendo history can be an interesting topic even for people who don’t know about Kendo.
This may stimulate interest in Kendo and encourage new enthusiasts to take up the martial art.
There is no doubt that these episodes have contributed to the spread of Kendo as a means of conveying its appeal.
Kendo practice is an important element that enhances the charm and sense of community throughout the Kendo world.
These stories, passed down among kendo enthusiasts, illustrate how kendo is ingrained in the lives of many people.
