Nambu Kenshi Kai Kendō Dōjo
We had originally encouraged our iaidō dōjo members to practice kendō as a way to understand the dynamic of kenjutsu as it applied to iaidō. We did not operate kendō keiko as a separate training until we had discussions for ideas for introducing Kiwi youth to Japanese culture in 2008. We were then lucky enough to receive a donation of a large amount of second hand Kendo-gu (gear) so that anyone could get involved without a large expense. In 2017, in recognition of the fact that we have developed from the original project to become an independent kendo dōjō we chose a new name, the Nambu Kenshi Kai. The name Nanbu Kenshikai 「南武剣士会」combines the kanji: 南＝South、武＝Martial / Budō、剣士＝Swordsman、会＝Group / Club.
Instruction
We are looked after by Dan's kendō sensei and dōjo in Japan. Dan has trained with this group since 2001 in Wakayama-ken and we still visit the dōjo and join trainings and gradings when we return. Sensei offer guidance online when we are in New Zealand as well as providing important updates and instruction. Both Dan and Yoshimi hold 1-dan in kendō.
Training and mind-set
Kendō training is held every Wednesday from 8:00 pm at Rolleston Community centre. We have some gear which can be borrowed to make it easier to join and experience kendō at first. We encourage a serious atmosphere in terms of reigi, and everyone should be doing their best, but we still respect that everyone has different physical limits so we aim to be an accepting Kendō dōjō.
Kendō is a great way to learn about Japanese culture and etiquette, keep fit, learn discipline and more. Japanese Budō (martial arts) often have a reputation as being rough and tough, but Kendō is relatively low impact and there is little difference in potential for boys or girls. The techiques are all centered on moving the body and striking with the shinai to specific protected targets so there are no throws and punches or significantly traumatic impact. Our Kendō dōjō is open to all, but it is especially focused on people who want to learn Budō and Japanese culture.
We are not members of the NZKF and do not enter competitions and do not encourage violent confrontational kendō. Our Kendo is aimed at introducing Japanese culture and etiquette through swordwork and kihon. Keiko still involves learning how to handle the sword and fight against an opponent, but your opponent is to be respected not to be ground into the dust. When you train with us, you will be expected to be humble, take training seriously and learn as much as you can.
The Nambu Kenshikai focuses on Kendō as Budō, not as sports Kendō. This means that the purpose of training is to follow the ideals of Budō, trying to make yourself a better person, rather than winning the fight at all costs and beating your opponents into the ground. Instead, we respect our training partners and do our best at all times to train correctly, respect each other, observe Kendo etiquette and all the other things that come with Budō. A focus on budō does not mean that winning the fight is not important or is abandoned, it is just not the prime purpose.
Many sensei in Japan say that kendō is a type of kihon for budo, and that experience in kendo gives you a good foundation for doing other budō. This is because kendō incoprorates fundamental movements and coordination that are used in other budo, and kendō arises from the basic training that all Samurai would have experienced to become proficient in the use of the sword. This gives a good grounding in the practical aspects that are easy to lose sight of when you only focus on seishin shugyo (dō, Zen, etc) but as the practical sword work is the foundation on which kendō and iaidō are based on, it shouldn't be ignored.
