Kendo
The way of the Sword
Kendo, the “way of the sword”, is a modern Japanese martial art that embodies the essence of Japanese swordsmanship. Practitioners use bamboo swords called shinai, and protective armour called bōgu that consists of the men (mask), kote (gloves) dō (torso protector), and tare (hip/groin protector). Valid strikes must be made to specific targets with good posture and spirit.
Kendo practice sessions begin and end with bows of respect and include warm-up exercises, basic striking drills, sparring, and practice of forms (kata). New students only require a bamboo shinai and comfortable clothes that they can exercise in. As their skill level develops, they begin wearing the uniform gi (top) and hakama (pants), and as they develop further they will begin wearing protective equipment to receive strikes.
The Ottawa Kendo Club is a member in good standing of the Canadian Kendo Federation (CKF). The CKF is the governing body for kendo, iaido, and jodo in Canada, under the International Kendo Federation (FIK).
Contact: Pierre Sasseville (English/French) p.sasseville@yahoo.ca
Classes: Monday & Wednesday 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Sunday 10:00 am to 11:30 am
