The way of the sword
It translates to ‘way of the sword’ and has its roots based in kenjutsu. Kendo cannot be traced back to a single founder or given an exact starting date. Samurai wanted a way to still practice their skill and perfect their sword techniques without the use of a real sword.
Kendo values mental and physical development, this ties into bushido ‘way of the warrior’ that stresses the virtues of bravery, loyalty, honour and self discipline.
Kendo is a martial art based on traditional sword fighting where a double-handed bamboo sword (shinai) is used to practice a full contact sport on someone wearing protective armour (bogu).
Kendo in South africa
Currently there are eight dojos located in South Africa. Gauteng hosts six, one in Mpumalanga and one in the Western Cape. All the dojos are registered under the South African Kendo Federation, European Kendo Federation and the International Kendo Federation
Maties kendo dojo, based in Stellenbosch, was the first dojo in Cape Town and the Western Cape. It was founded in 2007 by Stellenbosch University students including Jürgen Beck.
In 2015 the Kenshin kendo dojo was established by Jürgen Beck and Andrew Ingle in Durbanville. It is the only active dojo in the Western Cape.
Kenshin dojo is home to the current South African Female Champion, three National Team members and the U/21 South African Champion.
