Kendo Practice (Keiko)

Within Kendo training and practice there is no place for ego. It can be suggested that the Kendoka's great mental triumph is to become one with the sword. The Japanese phrase for this is Ki-Ken-Tai no icchi. They say that the spirit, sword and body should be as one, You do not strike with your sword and then your body. Everything: body, sword, mind and intention should be as one. This is difficult to achieve on a consistent basis and demands that the Kendoka constantly practice the same technique repeatedly until a strike or thrust can be delivered without thought. If you only follow your instincts in Kendo you will be defeated. In Kendo you are trained to see things with your eyes, react immediately to the situation and make instant judgements with your mind.

During a Kendo practice, session or match, you observe your opponent with your eyes, react quickly and positively to his moves and create the initiative for your attack, as seen through your mind. You must look at your opponent's heart, his spirit and eyes. You must see him as he is. To do this you must defeat not only your own ego but also the eye of your opponent. Your mental attitude is important: it can decide whether you beat your opponent or yourself.