A Traditional Guide to the Way of the Sword  

Welcome to Kendo Beginners Guide. I am so glad that you are interested in learning kendo. Kendo has a long history. It is derived from the samurai swordsmanship, so called "kenjutsu". As a matter of fact, kendo was a part of training in kenjutsu.  The bamboo sword (shinai) and armor (bogu, now commonly called kendogu) were developed so practitioners could train intensely without the risk of serious injury or death.

the kendo basics are from kenjutsu

As mentioned above, kendo is derived from kenjutsu. So kendo inherited the movements, techniques and teachings from kenjutsu. That is why I use the iaito (the sword used for iaido) to show the etiquette and manners in kendo as well as how we should swing the sword.  

What Kind of Kendo Do You Learn Here at Kendo-Guide.com? 

What I share here is what I learned from my senseis,

• the late Juichi Tsurumaru sensei (9-dan, hanshi), 
• the late Keisuke Murayama sensei (8-dan, hanshi) and 
• Masayoshi Miyazaki sensei (7-dan, kyoshi).

Tsurumaru sensei and Murayama sensei graduated from Budo Vocational College a.k.a. Busen. There were five 10-dan (the highest grade ever in kendo) sensei and they were all graduates from Busen. And also many of the graduates received 8-dan and 9-dan. 

I learned the kendo basics from them and I am sharing them with you here at this site. Well, I can only share what I learned from them. While I cannot guarantee you will reach their heights, I can ensure you are starting with the same solid foundation they taught me. That is how vital these basics are to your journey!

Where to start?

Now you know what you can learn at this site. So from here, where should you go? Just click the link below by answering my question.

• Have you started kendo already? Then, click the button, "Go to Kendo Basics Training" below.
• Are you thinking to learn kendo soon or do you think you need extra instructions?  Then, click the button, "Start the Beginner's Guide" below.

What are the differences of these two?

• "Kendo Basics Training Method" is introducing all the basic movements that you learn kendo. You can learn good basics from this. 
•  "Kendo Guide for Complete Beginners" includes extra information and is designed for those who cannot go to a dojo to learn kendo.

"Kendo Guide for Complete Beginners" is to help you understand kendo so you can enjoy kendo and improve it quickly!

---