Kendo (剣 道 Kendō) or "way of the sword", is the martial art of Japanese fencing.
Kendō developed from traditional techniques of Japanese swordsmanship known as kenjutsu.

Since 1975 the Concept of Kendō as stated by the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) is "to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the katana".
The AJKF state the purpose of practicing kendō as:

To mold the mind and body,

To cultivate a vigorous spirit,

And through correct and rigid training,

To strive for improvement in the art of Kendō,

To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor,

To associate with others with sincerity,

And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.

This will make one be able:

To love his/her country and society,

To contribute to the development of culture

And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.

………….:::::::::::::::::::::::………….

Iaido The way/art of drawing the sword.

Iaido is a sword-based Japanese martial art that trains the motions associated with drawing a sword (?) from its scabbard or saya, striking or cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade, and then replacing the sword in the scabbard or saya. This is all performed with smooth, controlled movements. Modern day iaido exponents typically use iaito instead of a real sword or shinken, at least in their beginning stages of study. .

Iaido may be confused with kendo (??). They differ in focus and methodology. .

Kendo, as an art, does not include drawing and re-sheathing since the shinai uses no scabbard. Kendo includes more dynamic, sporting aspect. Kendo is practiced in pairs with full contact sparring, therefore a flexible bamboo sword and protective armor are needed. .

Furthermore, iaido is performed individually against one or more imaginary opponents in pre-arranged situations (kata) and with a metal blade. .

The primary emphasis in Iaido, is on the psychological state of being present. The secondary emphasis is on drawing the sword and responding to the sudden attack as quickly as possible. Starting positions can be from combative postures or from everyday sitting or standing positions. The ability to react quickly from different starting positions was considered essential for a samurai (?). .

………….:::::::::::::::::::::::………….

Jodo (Japanese:??), or Jojutsu(japanese:??), is a Japanese martial art using staves (jo), similar to bojutsu, in defense against the Japanese sword. The jo staff is usually about 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) long, about the average length of a walking stick. However the art was not used, as one might fancifully imagine, by travelers to ward off aggressive bandits or swordsmen, but was the province of professional warriors.

The main target to which hits and thrusts are aimed is the plexus solaris. Beside this the temple, the point between the eyes and the sides of the trunk are important targets.

The actions of the jo are, when executed in combined series, very effective as a defence against attacks with, for example, a sword.

A remarkable aspect of Jodo is the rapidity and the frequency by which the jo is handled. This is due to the fact that the jo has neither beginning nor end, which allows for many combinations. The jo is as such an excellent way to develop dexterity.

Irish Kendo Federation . (Governing body for all Official Irish Kendo activities)

The Irish Kendo Federation is a democratically run and appointed organisation providing direction and guidance to Kendo activities within Ireland.
There are four committee members - Peter Sherriff (President), Jason Bryne (Chairman), Jason Clouston (Treasurer) and Vincent Long (Secretary) and upwards of 80 ordinary members. Membership is compulsary to partake in any Irish, European or Worldwide Kendo activities.
Membership forms can be found here in the downloads section. They must be completed and returned to the treasurer.

All Correspondance with the Irish Kendo Federation must go thru our Registered Secretary's Office.

Address: Kendo Na h-Eireann, Shandon House, Western Rd, Cork.
Phone/Fax: 00353 (0)21 4347273
Email: secretary@irishkendofederation.org

Please also note our other correspondance addresses
president@irishkendofederation.org The president's office
chairman@irishkendofederation.org The chairmans's office
treasurer@irishkendofederation.org The treasurer's office