Kendo keeps east community busy
Although Kendo martial arts is unheard of the SA, Garsfontein residents have found it a unique mental training.
Although Kendo martial arts is unheard of the SA, Garsfontein residents have found it a unique mental training.
Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art, which descended from swordsmanship and uses wooden swords and protective armour.
Armourer Juan Francois Smit from Mushin Kendo Dojo, said unlike other forms of martial arts, Kendo is more relaxed.
“This is a great form of meditating and training. Although it looks simple, Kendo is a tough exercise because it enables you to use every muscle in your body at a very rapid pace. By doing Kendo, you not only training your body but the mind as well.”
Smit said meditation was important after sessions because it calms the mind down and helps relaxation.
“Respect is something very important in this training. Since Kendo comes from Japan, there are certain rules and symbols that we follow and respect,” he said.
The exercise sees the kendoka using a wooden sword which we call the shinai. As you can see, the guys are wearing protective armour, which protects the head, body and the arm,” he said.
Smit said the Mushin Kendo Dojo opened in 2001, but became more popular in 2008, after it moved to a more centralised venue in Pretoria east.
“The dojo was rebranded as the Mushin Kendo Dojo. The dojo also elected a full management committee to ensure that the club runs efficiently. Since the rebranding of the Mushin Kendo Dojo, it has become one of the largest kendo clubs in South Africa. At this stage, it still is the only officially recognised Kendo dojo in Pretoria.”
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He said the dojo strove to perfect the art of Kendo, while also developing competitive Kendo.
“This approach has led to some of the dojo’s key members being selected for the current national team, representing South Africa at various international competitions. The dojo prides itself on creating a friendly environment for training and teaching beginners with the same vigour as the more advanced kendo practitioners.”
He said those who want to try out this unique martial arts exercise, should come to the Garsfontein Community hall to learn.
“We welcome anyone interested in Kendo to visit the dojo and meet the members. We run regular beginner’s courses, usually starting on the first Monday or Wednesday of the month,” Smit added.
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