This document was written in Japanese by Matsumoto Toshio sensei and translated in 1976 by Yamamoto Hisami. The original translation was for my benefit; and at the time Matsumoto sensei was not satisfied that the document was of a high enough standard to put his name to. Unfortunately neither the author nor the original translator are with us today; and feeling that this document is worth sharing with other kendo enthusiasts, I have taken the liberty of rewriting it in more colloquial English. Any errors and inconsistencies are mine.
The aim of swordsmanship in ancient days was to overcome opponents through the application of sword techniques and physical power, but this has changed with the progression of time. Even so, kendo was born from the art of fighting with swords and even though today it is played with bamboo swords, it cannot be said to be kendo if it is practised without the concept of being a fight with real swords. You must train for kendo with the understanding that if you cannot cut your opponent, he is going to cut you. In other words, in its essence, kendo must be practised with the extreme instability of mind that would occur if you were facing life or death.
There is no doubt that the art of kendo is to strike down your opponents and not to be struck down by them. However, in order to be always ready to give an instant strike without missing any proper chances to attack whilst still keeping a perfect defence position, you must master the techniques and skills of kendo. These however, can only be well performed when you maintain a calmness of mind which enables you to fully display your trained technique.
Therefore, it is the true aim of kendo practise not only to try to improve your technique, but also to train your mind and spirit to find the rightness of mind (“no mind” / mushin), so that your mind, which is the source of the technique; will not be bound by anything.
In the practice of kendo, it is most desirable that the training of mind and technique should always progress hand in hand. A strike should not be made recklessly, but you should strike when the opponent’s mind is disturbed. Ineffective or hurried strikes are the causes of self destruction. The following are cited as good chances to attack:-
- Not to attack when your opponent is in replete condition, but try to attack when he is unaware and off guard
- Attack just before your opponent starts to take (initiates) his action
- Attack when your opponent is settled
- Attack when your opponent has exhausted his tricks
- Attack at the time that your opponent has doubt in his mind
- Urge your opponents action and attack the created off-guard position
The three points that would be inexcusable to overlook are:
- Just when your opponent initiates his action
- When your opponent parries
- When your opponent has exhausted his tricks
These are again times when your opponent is off-guard.
In kendo there are four mental states that must be overcome. These are dread, fright, doubt and perplexity – all of which are disturbed states of mind. When your mind is disturbed, your posture is also disturbed leaving you off-guard and allowing your opponent the chance to attack. Unless you are constantly in full spirit, keeping your mind calm and open you cannot instantly strike your opponent off-guard, even when his spirit is no longer alert. If your mind is innocent (free of preconception), you can see through all your opponents actions and strike freely without any hesitation, catching every available chance.
In Zen Buddhism “voidness” is sometimes explained as “The true way of life is to always keep your normal mind”. It is considered to be a state of mind which has no preconceived ideas, free and active without being bound by egotistic interests. You may think that it is extremely difficult to have an innocent mind and that it is the highest condition of mind and impossible to attain, but one who is experienced in kendo to a considerable degree should achieve a similar mental state
When reflecting on a keiko or shiai, one sometimes realises that he has unconsciously made a very fine strike, although such experiences are rare. It is because the perpetrator was in full spirit and “innocent”, enabling an unintended and unaware strike. You must make every effort to increase these opportunities.
From a reversed perspective you need to maintain an undisturbed “ordinary” mind in order to defend well without being struck by your opponent. To keep disturbances from your mind you must:-
- Master the basic forms of kendo
- Understand and appreciate the theory of kendo and try to improve kendo techniques
- Have a firm belief that you are perfectly invincible against any assault
As stated above, the ultimate way of learning kendo is, both in attack and in defence, is to have a constant ordinary state of mind through the theory of the way of kendo. I believe that it is a virtue of kendo to bring to our social lives this developed ordinary mind, rich and level without egotistic interest and emotional influences.
Making best use of such an attitude, you will be able to take good advice from other people and clearly differentiate right and wrong, allowing for effective conduct in your job and at the same time working towards self perfection.
Great text!! Thank you for sharing with us.
Rui C. Dias
Brazil (Londrina Kendo)
thanks for sharing! a truely great read!
May i post a link on our facebook page?
John, Dublin
Great post Geoff, thanks!
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Richard, kenshi247. kenshi247 said: Great post from Geoff (7dan) on kendoinfo.net … check it out! http://fb.me/POsAZWok […]
brilliant!
really good.
again, thanks for sharing it.
j.coelho (portugal)
Excellent! Clear, straight-forward and simple, but also the kind of thing I know I will be able to read over and over to remind myself of the right way to do things. Thanks Geoff for making the decision to share it with the English-speaking world! b
Thanks for translating and thanks for sharing!
Great website,
Having had the benefit of your wisdom at yesterday’s grading in Brussels, I would say that you are a good example of that calm state of mind yourself.
Cheers,
Steve
[…] Allez voir ici l’article qui est TRES interessant et au passage regardez la POSITION DES MAINS sur la photo. Trop bien !!! […]
It’s a great article, sensei. Please give me the permission to translate it into Vietnamese and repost it.
Huy
I am glad you found the article useful. Yes of course. Please translate and post.
Kind regards
Geoff
Is there a Kendo school in Bunbury or surrounds WA
Cheers Cain
Cain
I don’t know. You need to check with The Australian Kendo Federation. http://www.kendoaustralia.asn.au/
[…] https://kendoinfo.wordpress.com/2011/02/03/the-aim-of-kendo-by-matsumoto-toshio-hanshi-kyudan/ […]
[…] From [KendoInfo_Matsumoto] […]
[…] If your mind is innocent (free of preconception), you can see through all your opponents actions and strike freely without any hesitation, catching every available chance. – Matsumoto Toshio (Hanshi, 9 dan) [KendoInfo_Matsumoto] […]