Skip to main content

Kendo beyond the boundaries of dojo

I would love to share a Kendo reflection from the Hundred Suburi Club written by one of our Beginners who just got her Bogu sending from Japan and is going to have her first training with Bogu on this Saturday. 

I am touched by seeing how much thoughts that she has put on linking Kendo and her everyday life and personal development. 

* * *

05.05 300 suburi done. 

There is definitely quite a difference to do suburi with and without the kote! Getting used to it with practice and patience! It felt like I have become familiar with suburi at the level of “no bogu kendo” but once I entered the next level everything is slightly different and new and it’s a whole new training. (Which is great!) 

I also have two additional comments from today: 

1) Like what says in the posted drawing “劍即人生” aka “kendo is life” - I get to apply and reflect many kendo concepts in my daily life. Even small things like reminding myself to put the lid back on the laundry liquid or tidy up an area after use is based on zanshin. And these moments actually make me feel really happy - I felt I was not alone because I can always think about kendo and it definitely goes beyond the boundaries of dojo! 

2) “success” is a delusional terminology. I think “success” is not measured by success. Sometimes it is found in failures too. And failure is not always just a “failure”, it is often the beginning of a new “success”. I wanted to remind myself that “being perfect” to other people’s eyes esp in the field of kendo training is not the right mindset. This state of consciousness is often a reflection of either too much or too little self confidence. But either success or failure measured by your own standards or others, they are all part of the journey. 

Be strong and train your mind to have a bigger perspective to become a better kendoist. Make the intention pure and focused and don’t mind others.




Comments

Unknown said…
That was brilliant.

Kendo reaches people in different ways and we all have goals and desires to succeed in life and to be a better person in our daily lives as well as at the Dojo.
What I've discovered over the many years of training in Kendo is that "What ever you put into Kendo or your daily being, you will reep that reward", nothing comes easy but the path of being a good Kenshi will always be there, some get there quicker than others but the path is the same for everyone.

Thank you for sharing your insight and I wish you well for now and the time to come.
Best regards from Nova Scotia, Canada.

Michael Robertson.
Sam Tsai said…
Thanks for the comments. We appreciate that!

Popular Posts

2025 Beginners Information

You are warmly invited to join us and  start your New Year resolutions as a  Modern Samurai .  --- Information for Year 2025 Beginners --- Little Samurai Class (age under 14): 1.30 - 2.30pm, Saturdays  Beginners Class (age 14 and above): 2.30 - 3.30pm, Saturdays Intermediate and Advanced Class : 3.30 - 6.00pm, Saturdays Starting Dates: Term 1: Saturday 25 January Term 2: Saturday 10 May  We will be accepting new students all Saturdays of May, but the earlier you can start, the better. Term 3: Saturday 19 July   Term 4: Saturday 11 October Join our 2025 Beginners Facebook Group  now to get updates. Or, email us for more information.  Course Information: No previous experience required. Regardless of gender,  ages from 6 to 60  are all welcome. First lesson  is your Free trial. Membership Fees:  Kids and School students: 50.00 per month Tertiary students and adults: 80.00 per month Family discounts : the 2nd family member is 50...

Kendo Journey: A "Travel Guide" from Shodan to Godan-and-a-Half

Waikato Kendo Association Grading (2009)   Kendo Journey: A Travel Guide from Shodan to Godan-and-a-Half ( 中文 ) by Sam Tsai December 27, 2017 Those that know me should know that back in 1998, Marleen and I moved to Hamilton, New Zealand and ended up being the only two people that practiced kendo within the 100 kilometers radius. In the following year, the stars were aligned as we formed the Waikato Kendo Association and I found myself shouldering the responsibility of being a kendo instructor. Practicing kendo myself and teaching others how to do kendo are totally different things! About half a year after we established the dojo, Hsu Heng-Hsiung sensei , coach of Team Taiwan, led a delegation of more than 20 kenshi to come visit us in New Zealand. About a year after their visit, I was in Taiwan visiting sensei. The first thing he said to me was, “Tell me, what are you having trouble teaching?” I could not help myself but laugh out loud as I replied, “Coach you are ...

Kendo Dōjo basic etiquette & commands for beginner & kyu grades

Kendo Dōjo basic etiquette & commands for beginner & kyu grades Thanks to Janet for organising this article. When entering & leaving the Dōjo (道場, training hall), we need to bow respectfully from the waist, first towards the direction of Joseki (上席), in our case this is the Waikato Kendo Club WKC banner.  (But in Japanese dōjo there is often a Kamiza (上座) with a small Shinto shrine or altar displayed with religious significance). And then bow towards Sensei & Senpai on your way in before neatly organising your belongings on the side & getting ready quietly. At beginning of each Keiko( 稽古), Sensei(先生)or Senpai(先輩) will say: Line up -  Seiretsu (整列) :  We will need to quickly find our position along a horizontal line facing Sensei (in the middle) in order of our experience/ rank with Senpai (Seniors) on the right and Kōhai (Juniors, 後輩 ) & Shoshinsha (Beginners,  初心者 ) on the left. Standing straight facing the front, holding Shinai firmly...