The beauty of kendo
The sport’s inherent discipline is beneficial to all and develops motor skills, co-ordination and good posture.
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
WINDHOEK
Namibia Kendo Federation (NKF) president André Pienaar has called on individuals to consider the sport as a profession.
Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art that descended from ancient swordsmanship, and uses bamboo swords and protective armour.
Pienaar, who was trained by fifth dan Kendo instructor Sensei Shin to obtain his black belt, said the sport is just as important as other sport codes.
Said to be attractive, given the protective clothing worn - which is similar in appearance to the ancient Samurai warrior dress, he said it is a great sport with “so many benefits”.
“I am sure that many people would enjoy it,” he said.
The principles of the katana
“Kendo athletes train and fight each other, irrespective of age or gender, and do not wear any colour belts or insignia to indicate rank or seniority.
“It is a sport that can grow in Namibia if more people come on board to practice it,” Pienaar said.
He added that the concept of kendo is to instil discipline in the human character through the application of the principles of the katana - or sword.
Pienaar said people learn Kendo for different reasons - some to find balance in the middle of a stressful life.
“Others see it as a good form of recreation. Some enjoy the cardiovascular exercise that kendo can provide when it is practiced in the correct form.”
According to the NKF president, there are also those who enjoy the competitive nature of the sport.
“Many other people become dedicated practitioners from a desire to achieve self-knowledge.”
The benefits of kendo
In kendo, a major tenet is “know the way of the sword, know yourself”.
“To look at it another way, it implies that you are your biggest enemy.
“That is the enemy you must beat in kendo. In other words, you can improve yourself through the sport.”
Those who practice the principles of kendo correctly will not only eventually achieve eighth dan – the final level of proficiency in the sport - but will also enjoy the personal benefits of this discipline, he said.
The benefits include the physical and the mental.
Another benefit of the training of kendo is the ability to act with a “full spirit” even when the odds are against you, Pienaar said.
This means maintaining full concentration and enthusiasm, no matter the situation.
For more information on the sport, call Pienaar at 081 127 8899 or email [email protected].
WINDHOEK
Namibia Kendo Federation (NKF) president André Pienaar has called on individuals to consider the sport as a profession.
Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art that descended from ancient swordsmanship, and uses bamboo swords and protective armour.
Pienaar, who was trained by fifth dan Kendo instructor Sensei Shin to obtain his black belt, said the sport is just as important as other sport codes.
Said to be attractive, given the protective clothing worn - which is similar in appearance to the ancient Samurai warrior dress, he said it is a great sport with “so many benefits”.
“I am sure that many people would enjoy it,” he said.
The principles of the katana
“Kendo athletes train and fight each other, irrespective of age or gender, and do not wear any colour belts or insignia to indicate rank or seniority.
“It is a sport that can grow in Namibia if more people come on board to practice it,” Pienaar said.
He added that the concept of kendo is to instil discipline in the human character through the application of the principles of the katana - or sword.
Pienaar said people learn Kendo for different reasons - some to find balance in the middle of a stressful life.
“Others see it as a good form of recreation. Some enjoy the cardiovascular exercise that kendo can provide when it is practiced in the correct form.”
According to the NKF president, there are also those who enjoy the competitive nature of the sport.
“Many other people become dedicated practitioners from a desire to achieve self-knowledge.”
The benefits of kendo
In kendo, a major tenet is “know the way of the sword, know yourself”.
“To look at it another way, it implies that you are your biggest enemy.
“That is the enemy you must beat in kendo. In other words, you can improve yourself through the sport.”
Those who practice the principles of kendo correctly will not only eventually achieve eighth dan – the final level of proficiency in the sport - but will also enjoy the personal benefits of this discipline, he said.
The benefits include the physical and the mental.
Another benefit of the training of kendo is the ability to act with a “full spirit” even when the odds are against you, Pienaar said.
This means maintaining full concentration and enthusiasm, no matter the situation.
For more information on the sport, call Pienaar at 081 127 8899 or email [email protected].
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