quotes

Kendo is lifelong education in self-discipline, self-control and yourself.

We all know it takes our life time to study kendo. But kendo is more of education to teach us how to discipline and control ourselves.

But most importantly, it teaches us about ourselves.

Constantly, we have to learn about ourselves; otherwise, you cannot improve yourself.

The famous saying in kendo, “打って反省、打たれて感謝 (Utte Hansei Utarete Kansha)” is showing the process of this.

It means, “when you gain a valid cut on your opponent, you must reflect back on your cut. When you are struck, you must appreciate your opponent (for teaching you your weakness)“.

Through kendo, we learn our weaknesses. Through kendo we learn how we should act and behave. Through kendo, we learn the pains to improve.

After all, Kendo is lifelong education in self-discipline, self-control and yourself.

Kendo is a barometer of life… It’s a tool for self-development and cultivation.

This was an answer to my question, “What is kendo to you?” to Alex Bennett sensei in “Interview with Alex Bennett” when he passed his 7-dan exam at his first attempt.

Your Kendo Talks…

When you are doing well at your work, your kendo gets better. When your relationship with your spouse, your kendo gets better. You know what I am trying to say now.

Your life influences your kendo quite easily. So your sensei can tell you how your life is going. As a matter of fact, I often feel how my students are doing through training with them, not by asking them how their life is treating them.

Have Your Kendo Influence Your Life…

This is the main goal for us. Even when your life is treating you badly, once you do the right kendo, you can find a way to correct the path of your life.

If you feel agnry, your kendo becomes violent. But by doing the right kendo, your kendo becomes good. That means the good kendo calms you down. The good kendo helps you with controling your emotion.

The right kendo means “knowing how to control yourself“.

Indeed, kendo is a good self-development and cultivation tool.