A to Z: Kendo and Celebrate the Small Things

 

My theme: fencing and swordplay.

 

Kendo: Japanese fencing with two handed swords.

 

A story of my tiny brush with Kendo. At the club where I first fenced, there were two exchange students from Japan who fenced foil and kendo. They did one demonstration for us. And it was awesome. They were amazing fencers with either weapon. The interesting thing I noticed was that the younger (by one year) fencer would beat the older fencer while at fencing club meetings, but at competitions, he seemed to allow the older (just by one year) to win. They both stated that the older fencer became truly competitive at competitions, but my coach always felt that the younger one held back out of deference to his older opponent in a competition where placement mattered.

 

So, obviously, I don't know much about Japanese culture. Anyone who does, can you enlighten me on this question: would a younger fencer be expected to allow an older fencer to win?

I'm not trying to be offensive, I just would like to know.

 

From the International Kendo Federation

"The Concept of Kendo

The concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through
the application of the principles of the Katana.

The purpose of Kendo is:
To mold the mind and body,
To cultivate a vigorous spirit,
And through correct and rigid training,
To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo;
To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor,
To associate with others with sincerity,
And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.

Thus will one be able
To love his country and society,
To contribute to the development of culture,
And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples."

 

Katana:

 

 

Celebrate the Small Things (I almost forgot again)

1. Almost mid-point for A to Z! Wow!

2. Back to regular life refreshed from last week's vacation.

3. Lots of tap dancing going on in my house lately as my daughters are choreographing pieces for a talent competition . . .I love tap dancing.

4. I got a hair cut from a hair stylist who doesn't scare me. Yay! (and I don't think I need to wear a hat afterwards - double yay!)

5. We might have time to see a movie this weekend as a family. . . maybe even tonight.