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 Kendo training begins and ends with courtesies. The strikes and thrusts of kendo
are directed against a single opponent. They therefore exert a more direct
psychological effect on the mind rather than the techniques of group sport. Pushed
to the extremes, the emotions involved in kendo might degenerate into primitive
aggression.
We employ courtesies to control and humanise these emotions.
The aims of kendo are to respect your opponent and assist each other in refining the
spirit, tempering the body and developing technical skill.
Since the feelings of the
mind and heart reflect in the way you act, the courtesies enable you to maintain a
correct posture and a feeling. Consequently, they make an important contribution to
the creation of kendo"that is mutually beneficial to both parties.
Standing bow
Keeping your eyes on the opponent and without bending your neck or your knees,
lower your upper body forward to an angle of about thirty degrees. Let your arms
hang naturally to the sides of your body. Hold the bowing pose for a few seconds,
then r~turn to the normal standing position.
Bow from seiza.
Kneel with your knees about the width of two fists apart. Your hands are held lightly
on your thighs and your back is straight. Relax your shoulders, direct your head
straight forward, close your mouth and look directly to the front. The traditional way
to assume the position is to bend the left leg first, then lower the body. When
standing, put the sole of the right foot on the floor first. Your hands must not touch
the floor in either the kneeling or rising action.
Keeping your eyes on the opponent and without raising your hips or bending your
neck, lean your upper body forward. Advance your hands slightly on front of your
knees with fingertips either together or slightly parted; place them on the floor.
Quietly lower your head. Hold the position for a brief moment, then return to your
original position.
Bowing while holding the shinai
With the shinai in a low position next to your hip, execute a standing bow. Starting
with the right foot, take three steps forward. Between the second and third step, you
grip the base of the guard of your shinai from the bottom with your right hand. Raise
the shinai diagonally upward as if you were drawing a sword from its scabbard. With
your left hand, grip the end of the shinai. Lowering both hands to the front, assume
chudan-no-kamae. Then assume the sonkyo position.
The signal to rise in a match is given by the chief referee. In practice sessions, the
two opponents watch for the best opportunity to stand. In either case, after rising,
assume chudan-no-kamae and begin.
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