YAMATO KENDOKAI
剣 道
Kendo as defined by AJKF
剣 道
What is Kendo?
剣道は剣道具を着用し竹刀を用いて一対一で打突しあう
運動競技種目とみられますが、稽古を続けることによって
心身を鍛錬し人間形成を目指す「武道」です。
Kendo is a type of athletic contest in which practitioners wear
kendo-gu (protective armor) and use shinai (bamboo swords) to strike each other. However, kendo is a budo (martial way) that aims to forge the mind and body of practitioners and facilitate the development of character through
continued keiko (practice).
剣道の理念
The Concept of Kendo
剣道は剣の理法の修錬による人間形成の道である
The concept of kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the katana (sword).
剣道修錬の心構え
The Purpose of Practicing Kendo
剣道を正しく真剣に学び
心身を錬磨して旺盛なる気力を養い
剣道の特性を通じて礼節をとうとび
信義を重んじ誠を尽して
常に自己の修養に努め
以って国家社会を愛して
広く人類の平和繁栄に
寄与せんとするものである
昭和50年3月20日制定 全日本剣道連盟
The purpose of practicing kendo is:
To mold the mind and body,
To cultivate a vigorous spirit,
And through correct and rigid training,
To strive for improvement in the art of kendo,
To hold in esteem human courtesy and honour,
To associate with others with sincerity,
And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.
This will make one be able:
To love his/her country and society,
To contribute to the development of culture,
And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.
(Established on March 20, 1975)
剣道指導の心構え
The Mindset of Kendo Instruction and its Explanation
（竹刀の本意）
剣道の正しい伝承と発展のために、
剣の理法に基づく竹刀の扱い方の指導に努める。
剣道は、竹刀による「心気力一致」を目指し、自己を創造していく道である。「竹刀という剣」は、相手に向ける剣であると同時に自分に向けられた剣でもある。この修錬を通じて竹刀と心身の一体化を図ることを指導の要点とする。
（礼 法）
相手の人格を尊重し、心豊かな人間の育成のために
礼法を重んずる指導に努める。
剣道は、勝負の場においても「礼節を尊ぶ」ことを重視する。お互いを敬う心と形（かたち）の礼法指導によって、節度ある生活態度を身につけ、「交剣知愛」の輪を広げていくことを指導の要点とする。
（生涯剣道）
ともに剣道を学び、安全・健康に留意しつつ、
生涯にわたる人間形成の道を見出す指導に努める。
剣道は、世代を超えて学び合う道である。「技」を通じて「道」を求め、社会の活力を高めながら、豊かな生命観を育み、文化としての剣道を実践していくことを指導の目標とする。
平成19年3月14日制定 全日本剣道連盟
The Significance of the Shinai
For the correct transmission and development of kendo, efforts should be made to teach the correct way of handling the shinai in accordance with the principles of the sword.
Kendo is a way where the individual cultivates one’s mind (the self) by aiming for shin-ki-ryoku-itchi (unification of mind, spirit and technique) utilizing the shinai. The “shinai-sword” should be not only directed at one’s opponent but also at the self. Thus, the primary aim of instruction is to encourage the unification of mind, body and shinai through training in this discipline.
Reiho – Etiquette
When instructing, emphasis should be placed on etiquette to encourage respect for partners, and nurture people with a dignified and humane character.
Even in competitive matches, importance is placed on upholding etiquette in kendo. The primary emphasis should thus be placed on instruction in the spirit and forms of reiho (etiquette) so that the practitioner can develop a modest attitude to life, and realize the ideal of koken-chiai (the desire to achieve mutual understanding and betterment of humanity through kendo).
Lifelong Kendo
While providing instruction, students should be encouraged to apply the full measure of care to issues of safety and health, and to devote themselves to the development of their character throughout their lives.
Kendo is a “way of life” that successive generations can learn together. The prime objective of instructing kendo is to encourage the practitioner to discover and define their way in life through training in the techniques of kendo. Thus, the practitioner will be able to develop a rich outlook on life and be able to put the culture of kendo into use, thereby benefitting from its value in their daily lives through increased social vigour.
March 14, 2007 All Japan Kendo Federation
