Kendo/Iaido
Kendo is a Japanese combat sport and martial art which uses the live blade, the oaken sword and the bamboo sword. It is very old and based upon original sword fighting techniques used by Japanese warriors. Kendo armour consists of a helmet with a steel face grill, a fibreglass breast plate and a pair of stout gauntlets. It is worn over a ‘keikogi’ (a jacket similar to that worn for Judo) and a traditional; hakama.
The basic cuts to the head, midsection and wrists are the usual starting point for a beginner. Other Kendo exercises follow, culminating in practice bouts with more experienced kendoka (the name given to those who practice Kendo). Kendo competitions depend for their result on scores being awarded for clean cuts to scoring areas.
Iaido is the Japanese art of drawing and resheathing the sword. The object is to achieve perfect form in a series of moves.
Select Kendo/Iaido clubs within NAKMAS are currently represented.
