KENDOJIDAI 2016.8
Translation by: Sato Mariko, Pepijn Boomgaard
The All Japan Kendo Dojo Federation, the central organization for youth Kendo, was established in 1963. As a driving force behind the promotion of Kendo among boys and girls, the federation has undertaken various initiatives.
Two facilities affiliated with the federation include the Tokei Budokan in Omori, Ota Ward, and the All-Japan Youth Kendo Training Center in Hino City.
We spoke with Toyomura Azumori Hanshi, who has long been involved in youth Kendo at these dojos, about tips for guiding beginners in their first steps into the world of Kendo.
Toyomura Azumori (Hanshi)
Born in 1950 in Kagoshima Prefecture. After graduating from Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School, he attended Chukyo University. Following graduation, he worked as a company employee before becoming an organizational staff member. Currently, he serves as the Executive Director and Secretary-General of the All Japan Kendo Dojo Federation.
Point 1: Expanding the Kendo Population
At the Training Center, we continuously recruit new students and tailor their progression, such as determining the appropriate timing to introduce wearing Men, based on individual development. While the number of new entrants has remained steady, there have been times when children shifted their interests to baseball or soccer. Additionally, the declining birthrate has been a noticeable factor. With the increased variety of extracurricular activities available today, it’s gratifying when people recognize the unique appeal of Kendo. Most new members join through word of mouth, indicating that the advantages of Kendo are being effectively conveyed.
One of Kendo’s key strengths is that it does not require exceptional athletic ability. Although the movements in Kendo are complex and not easy to master initially, once learned, they are not easily forgotten. Moreover, Kendo can be continued even when we get older.
One of Kendo’s stated objectives is “lifelong Kendo”. The concept of lifelong Kendo is valuable because dojos bring together individuals from various walks of life—different ages, professions, and schools. Interacting with such a diverse group is an invaluable life experience. A distinctive feature of Kendo is the high number of participants who are accomplished in their respective fields, including doctors, lawyers, and company executives. Learning from these individuals is an important aspect of personal growth.
Through Kendo, I have had the privilege of engaging with people from various fields, including education, corporate athletic teams, media, law enforcement, and the judiciary, such as the late Hashimoto Ryutaro, former president of the All Japan Kendo Dojo Federation. Despite not excelling in school studies, I feel I gained tremendous inspiration through my experiences in Kendo.
Furthermore, the presence of accomplished individuals in the dojo serves as a strong promotional point for parents. Unlike baseball or soccer, where a professional career with significant earnings is achievable by only a select few, Kendo offers the opportunity to see people who have consistently balanced their studies and Kendo thrive across various fields. Having such admirable and accessible role models is undoubtedly encouraging.
Without explicitly teaching children about “what Kendo is” or “what life is,” dojos naturally nurture their character. Even if they eventually leave Kendo, we hope they use those experiences to contribute actively to society and grow into resilient individuals. Notably, many adults are now returning to Kendo after years away, often training alongside second- or third-generation family members.
Interestingly, women play a significant role in preventing the decline in youth Kendo participation. Currently, 30% of youth Kendo practitioners are girls. Even more encouraging is the tendency for women who practiced Kendo as children to return to the dojo as mothers, training alongside their children. Their involvement is an invaluable asset in sustaining the Kendo population.
Point 2: Discipline
Currently, very few children at the Training Center and Tokei Budokan quit Kendo. Out of approximately 60 students, only one or two may leave in a year. One key to keeping children engaged is avoiding excessive emphasis on “Kendo being about manners and etiquette,” especially with young beginners. While etiquette and manners are certainly important, there’s no need to overdo it or enforce it too rigidly.
Beginners, especially young children, often do not know the proper manners and etiquette of Kendo. Teaching them with a mix of playfulness and seriousness is sufficient. Among them, there will naturally be children who chatter endlessly, make noise, or do not follow instructions. However, with loving and patient guidance from instructors, these children will eventually settle down.
When a child can sit quietly in seiza for just one or two minutes, it’s a significant milestone. There’s no need to force them into a mold. Nowadays, many mothers and children discover dojos online and visit for a trial. If they are immediately confronted with harsh or overly strict instruction, they might be scared off and never return. Even if an instructor feels frustrated, it’s important to remain composed, scolding in a gentle tone that doesn’t startle the child. Creative and patient approaches are key.
The traditional teaching of viewing the shinai as a real sword may not resonate with young children. For them, it’s more effective if instructors treat Kendo as a kind of play activity. Over time, they can gradually be taught the deeper principles of Kendo.
One of Kendo’s primary objectives is to cultivate the mind. While phrases like “The world is fair” exist, the reality is that children will face a competitive society in the future. Through Kendo, they can develop the mental and physical resilience necessary to navigate this competitive world. Additionally, as children grow stronger and more resilient, they naturally develop kindness and empathy toward others.
Additionally, for instructors, the ability to “notice” is crucial in teaching. In essence, this means training through praise. Many instructors emphasize this approach. To praise effectively, one must consistently observe the child, pay attention, and recognize their efforts.
However, while attentiveness is important, there are times when it is necessary to let go. Over-caring can lead to dependence, making it difficult for children to adapt to the next stage, such as high school or university Kendo. They may develop an attitude of, “They don’t understand me here; back at the dojo, they did,” which fosters reliance on understanding and attention from others. While children are endearing, and observing them closely is important, it is not always necessary to offer overly sympathetic words. Excessive understanding and nurturing during instruction can lead to setbacks when children face new challenges in high school or university.
When children experience setbacks, they often return to the dojo. If the instructor sympathizes too much, the child may conclude that their approach is acceptable as it is. The world is diverse, with people holding various perspectives. As children progress through different environments, such as high school and university, they need to develop the ability to adapt. This, too, is one of the lessons Kendo aims to teach.
Point 3: Motivation
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