[Answer example]

Kendo is a path to character development through the training of the principles of the sword.

💡 Important: This is a question that must be memorized word for word. It is the most important question for all levels.

[Answer example]

Kendo is a path to character development through the training of the principles of the sword, and is a uniquely Japanese athletic culture that was born from the precious experiences of our ancestors, who incorporated it into their daily lives through long periods of effort and ingenuity, throughout Japan's history.

The purpose of kendo training is, first and foremost, to acquire technique, secondly, to train the body, and thirdly, to refine the mind. Kendo is not just a sport in which one competes by hitting each other with bamboo swords; it is practiced to acquire a healthy body and mind, and proper etiquette through kendo. What one learns through kendo training should also be applied to various aspects of everyday life outside of kendo.

[Answer example]

This question is based on personal experience. There is no right answer, but it would be helpful to write something like the following honestly:

• "I wanted to build a healthy body."
• "I wanted to become a strong-willed person."
• "Because my parents and teachers recommended it."
• "I wanted to be a polite person."
• "Because I was interested in traditional Japanese culture"

💡 Tip: Write honestly about how you really feel. Candid responses based on your own experiences are more highly valued than formulaic answers.

[Answer example]

Practicing kendo not only helps you acquire skills, but also has many physical, mental, and social benefits.

Physical benefits: Improved posture, increased agility, increased stamina, and improved cardiovascular fitness

Mental effects: Developing the habit of hard work and perseverance, cultivating concentration, determination, and independence, and developing the mental strength to face difficulties.

Social effects: Becoming polite, developing the ability to observe others' movements and feelings, developing cooperation, and improving safety awareness

[Answer example]

"Kei" means "to think," and the original meaning of "keiko" was "to think about the past" or "to research the past and know what to do now." From there, the word "keiko" also came to be used to mean learning or studying martial arts.

Therefore, rather than practicing aimlessly, it is important to have long-term goals and short-term tasks, and to always work on them with a strong will and enthusiasm, actively and seriously. It is also important not to become complacent, but to accept what you are taught with an open mind and to respect good manners. Furthermore, it is important to always reflect on your practice afterwards and to have an attitude of thinking up ideas and researching for the future.

[Answer example]

Advanced techniques and expressions in various arts and sports are all achieved through mastery of the basics, and the basics are also important for improvement in kendo. By firmly mastering the basics, you will eliminate waste in your techniques and acquire efficient and accurate techniques. Furthermore, if you have mastered the basics, you will develop the ability to apply what you have learned to handle any situation.

[Answer example]

Because kendo is an interpersonal sport, there are times when one's fighting instincts can be easily exposed. The significance of courtesy in kendo lies in controlling this fighting instinct as a human being. For this reason, kendo has long been strictly taught and practiced as "beginning with courtesy and ending with courtesy."

When practicing kendo, the teachers and friends you practice with are good allies who help you train your mind, train your body, and hone your skills, so it is very important in kendo to respect each other's personalities, never forget to be grateful, and to be polite with good posture.

[Answer example]

There are three types of bows in kendo: two standing bows, and one sitting bow, called zarei.

Bowing to a superior: Standing and leaning forward about 30 degrees

Bowing to each other during a match or training: Standing, lean forward about 15 degrees, and bow with your eyes to your opponent.

Zarei: From a seiza position, lean your upper body forward, and at the same time place both hands on the floor in a "V" shape, point your nose towards the center of the shape, and bow your head quietly. Take a breath, then simultaneously lift both hands off the floor and return to the original position.

Whatever the ceremony, it should be done with sincerity, moderation and proper etiquette.

[Answer example]

How to prepare: Step your right foot forward slightly, grasp the base of the shinai from underneath with your right hand, squat down and draw the shinai diagonally above, then grab the handle with your left hand and draw it together, then pull your left foot back and squat down. Then stand up and assume the middle stance.

How to put it up: From the middle stance, squat down, remove your left hand from the shinai and place it on your hip, then with your right hand, turn the tip of the sword from the upper left to the back, with the string facing downwards and place it on your left hip. Gripping the shinai with your left hand, place your right hand lightly on your right thigh and stand up, assuming a stance to obi the sword.

In both cases, it is important to be in sync with your partner.

[Answer example]

Maai refers to the distance between you and your opponent. There are three types of maai: one foot, one sword, far, and close.

One-foot-one-to distance: The basic distance in kendo. It is the distance between the opponent's strike and the opponent's strike.

Far distance (enma): The distance between you and your opponent is farther than the distance of one foot and one sword, so that your opponent's strikes cannot reach you, but at the same time your own strikes cannot reach you either.

Close distance (kinma): The distance between you and your opponent is closer than the distance of one foot and one sword, so that your strike can reach them easily, but the opponent's strike can also reach you.

[Answer example]

There are four types of footwork used in Kendo: amu-ashi, okuri-ashi, hiragana-ashi, and tsugi-ashi.

Walking foot: How to use your feet when moving forward and backwards quickly and far

Okuri-ashi: A technique used when moving quickly in all directions, including forward, backward, left, right, and diagonally, or when striking. This is the most commonly used technique in kendo.

Open feet: How to use your feet when dodging or blocking an opponent's strike.

Tsugiashi: A footwork technique used when striking from a long distance, with a small first step and a large second step

[Answer example]

Kirigaeshi combines front strikes with successive left and right face strikes to comprehensively practice basic movements. The purpose is to master the stance and posture, the line of the blade and the inner part of the hand when striking, footwork, how to maintain distance, breathing techniques, as well as strengthening muscle strength and energy, and mastering striking with the unity of spirit, sword, and body. It is always performed at the beginning and end of training, and also serves as a warm-up and cool-down exercise.

[Answer example]

From the distance of one foot one sword, you first strike the front, then immediately move forward and strike four times to the left and right sides (left → right → left → right), then move backward and strike five times (left → right → left → right → left), then move backward and adjust the distance to strike the front from the distance of one foot one sword. This counts as one strike, and is usually done twice. Depending on the level of skill, the number of strikes to the left and right sides may be instructed by the motodachi.

[Answer example]

In the Kendo match and refereeing rules, the areas where strikes are made are defined as follows:

Surface: Front and left and right surfaces (above the temples)

Kote: Right kote for chudan kamae (left kote for left hand front), left kote or right kote for other kamae

Torso: Right and left torso

Thrust: Tsuki-tare (thrust is prohibited for junior high school students and younger)

[Answer example]

Tai-attama is a movement in which you use the momentum of a strike to hit your opponent, disrupting their posture and creating an opportunity to strike. As you slam your body into your opponent, you strike them with both fists, scooping them up from their lower abdomen, disrupting their momentum and allowing you to strike immediately.

[Answer example]

There are five things to keep in mind when taking the middle stance:

1. Drop your shoulders and straighten your spine
2. Stand up straight and tuck your chin
3. Put some pressure on your lower back and your abdomen
4. Stand with both knees extended and your center of gravity in the middle of your feet
5. The eyes look at the whole (Toyama's eyes)

[Answer example]

1. Is the toe leather torn? Is the size correct?
2. Is the knot broken or loose? Is it located about 1/4 of the way from the tip?
3. Are the strings loose?
4. Are there any splintering, splitting or cracks in the bamboo? In the case of carbon bamboo swords, are there any exposed fibers?
5. Is the handle leather torn?

💡 Important Note: This is a very important point from a safety standpoint. Be sure to inspect your shinai before the judging.

[Answer example]

1. Using bamboo swords that do not meet the standards (length, weight, thickness) specified in the match and referee rules.
2. Bamboo pieces that are splintered, broken, or cracked
3. Items with damaged accessories, such as broken knots, torn leather tips or handles
4. Those that do not use standard accessories properly and the length or diameter of the toe cap is smaller than the standard.
5. The central knot is not fixed at a position approximately 1/4 of the total length from the tip.

[Answer example]

There are four types of practice:

1. Up and down practice swings (front practice swings)
2. Diagonal swing (left and right diagonal practice swing)
3. Space strikes (strikes on the men, kote, do, etc. in space)
4. Jumping practice (practice while jumping)

[Answer example]

There are five stances for the sword in Japanese kendo kata:

Chudan no Kamae: The basic stance for all other stances, and the stance best suited for offense and defense.

Jodan no Kamae: A stance in which the sword is raised above the head, suppressing the opponent's energy and attacking with a suicidal attitude. There are two types: Morote Hidari Jodan and Morote Jodan.

Lower stance: Lowers the tip of the sword to protect yourself, while shifting to attack depending on the opponent's movements.

Hasso no Kamae: Hold the sword firmly on your right shoulder, and while watching your opponent's movements, prepare to attack depending on how they respond.

Waki Gamae: A stance in which the sword is held at the right side while turning halfway, and the opponent's movements are monitored while the stance is changed to attack flexibly.

[Answer example]

1. All footwork is done with "suriashi" (sliding feet) and no "fumikomi-ashi" (stepping on) is used. The center of gravity must be kept steady and smooth.
2. The principle of footwork is to move forward with your front foot and backward with your back foot.
3. As a rule, when you move one foot, the other should follow. In particular, when striking, do not leave your back foot behind, but be sure to pull it towards your front foot.

[Answer example]

1st move: The Uchi-dachi strikes the Shi-dachi in the front (men)

2nd move: The uchi-dachi strikes the right kote of the shi-dachi

Third move: The Uchi-dachi strikes the Shi-dachi's solar plexus (pioneer's stomach).

[Answer example]

A valid strike is one made with full spirit and proper posture, with the striking part of the shinai struck in the correct direction, and with Zanshin remaining. This is called a "strike with ki-ken-tai unity," and unless the three elements of spirit (spirit), the action of the shinai (strike), and the handling of the body (posture) are in harmony, it will not be recognized as a valid strike.

[Answer example]

A tsuba clash occurs when the distance between the swords becomes so close that the tsuba of each sword comes into contact when attacking or being attacked by the other.

Hold your shinai at a slight angle to the right, lower your grip, and tighten your abdominal muscles to ensure your body is centered. As your tsuba come into contact with each other, you can create opportunities to strike by changing your grip or losing your balance.

Things to note:

1. Lower your hands, tighten your lower abdomen, and fully stretch your waist.
2. Keep your neck straight, face your opponent as if you were comparing heights, and avoid leaning forward.
3. Make sure the tsuba of each sword touches each other.
4. Do not place the shinai on the opponent's shoulder or place the blade on the body.
5. Don't strain yourself more than necessary, and don't take breaks.
6. Make it clear whether to use techniques or not

[Answer example]

When competing, it is important not to focus solely on winning or losing, but to respect the personality of your opponent, maintain the correct posture and attitude, and maintain a fulfilling spirit, and to be prepared to compete fairly and openly. Matches are also a place to demonstrate the results of your daily training, and an opportunity to reexamine your own kendo. It is important not to become arrogant if you win, or discourage yourself if you lose, but to always approach the match with a desire to improve.

[Answer example]

Please choose five questions from the following and answer them.

1. Use drugs
2. Behaving in a disrespectful manner towards the referee or the opponent
3. Using equipment other than that specified (illegal equipment)
4. Tripping or sweeping an opponent
5. Unfairly forcing an opponent out of the ring
6. Going out of the field during a match
7. Dropping one's own bamboo sword
8. Making an illegal cancellation request
9. Putting your hands on or embracing someone
10. Gripping the opponent's shinai or the blade of your own shinai
11. Holding the opponent's bamboo sword
12. Intentionally placing a bamboo sword on the opponent's shoulder
13. When falling, you will fall face down without responding to the opponent's attack.
14. Deliberately wasting time
15. Engaging in unfair clashes and strikes

[Answer example]

It is important to check your own physical condition, keep your fingernails and toenails short, and do plenty of warm-up exercises. Check the condition of the tip, middle knot, and bamboo pieces of your bamboo sword, and make sure the strings and leather of your kendo equipment are not torn. Check your hakama and dogi for tears and adjust your attire accordingly. It is also important to ensure the safety of your training area, making sure there is no water spilled on the floor and that there are no obstacles.

[Answer example]

The effects of shouting in kendo are as follows:

1. Enhance your energy
2. Intimidate the opponent
3. Concentrate your strength to exert more force and power
4. Matching the spirit, sword and body to make the strike accurate
5. Identify striking opportunities

[Answer example]

"Ki" refers to willpower, "ken" refers to the use of the bamboo sword, and "tai" refers to the body's handling and posture. This is primarily a teaching on striking movements, and when these are timed and harmonized, a strike becomes effective.

Specifically, it refers to a strike that simultaneously meets three elements: a strong spirit (loud voice), accurate use of the bamboo sword (striking the striking part with the correct blade line), and proper posture (correct stepping in).

[Answer example]

Zanshin is the posture and mental state that allows you to respond to your opponent's counterattack without letting your guard down even after striking.

Specifically, this refers to the following:

1. After striking, take some distance to prepare for your opponent's counterattack
2. If you are unable to maintain the proper distance after striking, place the tip of your sword in the center of your opponent's body to prepare for their counterattack.

Furthermore, a strike without Zanshin will not be a valid strike, so you must not forget to maintain Zanshin.