In this blog post, we’ll explore why Kendo is called the “Way” (道) of life training, focusing on its various forms, history, and the significance of Kendo practice in modern society.
Why Kendo is Gaining Attention in Modern Society
The world has become materially more affluent due to industrialization and advances in science and technology. Modern capitalist society is structured in a way that constantly demands people pursue wealth, and many people spend most of their time creating economic value. In this environment, as more people lose their mental peace and stability, the concept of “well-being”—which emphasizes quality of life—has spread. Today, more people are seeking a balance between work and leisure, and a culture of enjoying various sports and martial arts has taken root. For those wondering which sport to choose from the many available options, I would like to briefly introduce what kendo is. We will examine the history and types of kendo and explore together what practicing kendo means in modern society.
Types and Characteristics of Kendo
First, let’s look at the types and characteristics of kendo. The forms of kendo commonly found in South Korea are broadly categorized into Daehan Kendo and Haedong Kendo. Although both disciplines use the name “Kendo,” there are significant differences in their training methods, purposes, and historical backgrounds.
First, Daehan Kendo is a discipline that developed based on modern Japanese Kendo. In South Korea, modern-style swordsmanship was introduced during the military reorganization at the end of the Korean Empire, and it later evolved into today’s Daehan Kendo as swordsmanship was incorporated into police and military training programs. After liberation, it experienced a period of stagnation as it was perceived as a remnant of Japanese culture, but the foundation for systematic development was laid with the establishment of the Korea Kendo Association in 1953.
The swords used in kendo training include wooden swords (mokken), bamboo swords (jukdo), real swords (jinken), and practice swords (kaken); Daehan Kendo primarily uses bamboo swords for striking-focused training. Due to this training method, protective gear (hogu) must be worn. Protective gear consists of a helmet (homen) to protect the head and neck, wrist guards (hwan) to protect the wrists, a lower body protector (gapsang) to protect the lower torso, and a chest and abdominal protector (gap) to protect the chest and abdomen. After thoroughly mastering basic movements and striking drills, practitioners put on their protective gear and engage in sparring.
In sparring, attacks are not permitted on any part of the body; valid striking areas are strictly defined. Generally, attacks are permitted to the head, wrists, and waist, and neck thrusts are also allowed. However, for safety reasons, neck thrusts are permitted only on a limited basis to practitioners who have reached a certain level of proficiency. Through sparring-centered training, Daehan Kendo cultivates the ability to read an opponent’s movements and attack with appropriate timing and strategy. Therefore, it places great importance on combat instincts, quick reflexes, and the ability to manage a match.
Currently, Daehan Kendo is the most widely practiced form of kendo internationally, and the World Kendo Championships, organized by the International Kendo Federation (FIK), are held regularly. South Korea also participates in international competitions with Daehan Kendo as its representative discipline.
Next, Haedong Kumdo is a modern swordsmanship training system established in South Korea. Haedong Kumdo developed under the philosophy of preserving traditional martial arts, and its training system is structured by drawing on the various swordsmanship techniques recorded in the ‘Muye Dobo Tongji’. However, the historical background of Haedong Kumdo differs from that of Daehan Kumdo in that it is a martial art reconstructed for the modern era rather than a direct continuation of Joseon Dynasty swordsmanship.
Haedong Kumdo began to spread in earnest in the 1980s, and the number of practitioners nationwide has since increased with the establishment of related associations. Unlike Daehan Kumdo, it primarily uses wooden swords and focuses on cutting techniques and sword forms. It places greater emphasis on mastering precise stances and the trajectory of the sword than on striking with a bamboo sword.
While Daehan Kendo focuses on sparring, Haedong Kendo centers on repeatedly practicing sword techniques and perfecting proper form. Although sparring is practiced, it plays a relatively minor role. Much of the training involves practicing sword techniques alone to refine posture and breathing; it can be understood as similar to scenes in movies where a character practices swordsmanship by himself. Most of the demonstrations shown on TV—such as cutting through rice straw or various other cutting demonstrations—also fall under this sword-technique-centered training method. Because of these characteristics, some view it as a form of kendo that prioritizes demonstrations over practical application.
Why is kendo training considered a form of life training?
Finally, let’s examine the meaning of kendo training.
Kendo holds value beyond that of mere physical exercise. Originally, kendo evolved from swordsmanship intended to defend oneself and subdue an opponent. However, if kendo had been nothing more than a martial art, it would likely not have survived to the present day. The reason kendo continues to be practiced steadily even in modern society—where the use of swords in actual combat has all but disappeared—is that it embodies values of spiritual cultivation and character development that modern society demands, going beyond that of a mere combat sport or physical exercise.
This significance can be seen in the training process itself. The purpose of kendo training can be broadly divided into three categories: mental discipline, physical conditioning, and technical mastery. Among these, mental discipline is considered the most important. Even the processes of learning techniques and conditioning the body can ultimately be viewed as part of mental cultivation.
Generally, kendo training takes place through sparring, and the most important factor in this process is one’s mindset. In kendo, there is a concept called “jonshin” (存心). Jonshin refers to an attitude of never letting one’s guard down at any moment. If one remains tense before attacking but then lets one’s guard down out of satisfaction with victory after the attack is over, that is not maintaining jonshin.
The mind must maintain a balanced state—neither overly excited nor overly withdrawn. In other words, “jonsim” can be described as a mindset that allows one to control oneself unwaveringly, much like the harmony of nature. Those who practice kendo strive to maintain this “jonsim” in their daily lives as well, and this ultimately serves as an important attitude and guiding principle for living.
In this way, the principles (ri-ho) of kendo go beyond mere technical principles to embody a philosophy that pursues both the order of nature and the moral duties that humans must uphold. In this regard, kendo is not merely a sport or a martial art, but a path for cultivating one’s life. Ultimately, the realization that “kendo is life itself” is the greatest significance and intrinsic value of kendo practice.
