Kendo is lifelong education in self-discipline, self-control and yourself.
We all know it takes our life time to study kendo. But kendo is more of education to teach us how to discipline and control ourselves.
But most importantly, it teaches us about ourselves.
Constantly, we have to learn about ourselves; otherwise, you cannot improve yourself.
The famous saying in kendo, “打って反省、打たれて感謝 (Utte Hansei Utarete Kansha)” is showing the process of this.
It means, “when you gain a valid cut on your opponent, you must reflect back on your cut. When you are struck, you must appreciate your opponent (for teaching you your weakness)“.
Through kendo, we learn our weaknesses. Through kendo we learn how we should act and behave. Through kendo, we learn the pains to improve.
After all, Kendo is lifelong education in self-discipline, self-control and yourself.