Kendo:
Simply put, it is fencing, Japanese style. It is based on the legacy of classical Japanese swordsmanship, that is as old as Japan herself. "Bushi" or "samurai" used the sword to establish and maintain order from the 9th to the 19th centuries. These men and women followed an unwritten code called "Bushido". Bravery, honesty, and integrity was at its core.
Today, the kendo student has the unique opportunity to study an art that has been handed down through the centuries, its theory and methods slowly evolving through generations of great swordsman. Although modern kendo only faintly resembles its feudal origins, it still retains its bushido concepts of dedication, hard work, calm-mindedness, patience, and seizing the moment.
Over the years, like most other martial arts of Japan, the emphasis has changed from killing ones enemy to training for self-discipline, and mental / physical fitness. Kendo can help develop posture, poise, grace under pressure, agility, quickness, clarity of thought, and the power of concentration.
The head instructor, Travis Hill, has been practicing kendo for over 10 years. He has been Midwest Kendo Champion for 4 years running and was a member of the Kendo National Team (Team USA) in 2012 and has competed in Italy, Russian and Korea. He currently holds the rank of kendo Yondan (4th degree black belt).
