Beginning Kendo
Admonition for new students
To practice the 'way of the sword' means to enter a dojo. It consists of much more than going in and out of a school room. It is a pledge between teacher and student. The reason for ' this is that in the 'way of the sword', instruction is imparted directly, face to face, from teacher to student. To receive that kind of individual instruction a formal pledge must be made upon entry. The relationship between teacher and student is like that of a parent to child, Certain people consider this to be an exaggeration, bit it is the proper attitude to take. While it is better to obtain one's own set of equipment, it is permissible to temporarily borrow equipment from the training hall (dojo).
Although practising the way of the sword includes learning how to conduct oneself in contests, more important is the 'way' of training the body and of setting right the mind in a polite and civilised manner. If, during the course of sword training, one's deportment is lax, it will produce negative results, A proper attitude is essential. These admonitions have been in effect for twenty years and it should be common knowledge among swords people, but 1 have written them down for new entrants.
Proper attitude for beginning students
Those who study the way of the sword, must not get caught up with concepts of good-bad/victorydefeat during the initial years of practice. In order not to develop improper habits, strive with your entire being, forcefully and without restraint, swing the sword over and over and over, extend yourself to the fullest, and concentrate on executing the techniques naturally. Eventually, real strength will be fostered; all stiffness will vanish and the techniques can be performed in a freeflowing manner. Your opponents movements can be detected before they strike, one intuitively knows where to cut and any attack can be repelled. Have no confused thoughts or doubts, do not distort the techniques: without delay, train harder and harder.
June 1885 (with slight modernisation)
The above two passages were written by one of Japan's most famous swordsmen Tesshu Yamaoku. He lived in the 19Th century and shaped much of modern Kendo. These two passages are as fresh and meaningful today as when they were written. Both passages are from thr book 'The Sword of No-Sword....'
