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The first step for us to master Kendo is to learn and practice Kihon (the fundamentals); Suburi (swing with a Shinai). Ashisabaki (footwork), Kamae (postures), and Tenouchi (grip of a Shinai). To repeat Kihon is an attempt, in other words, to put oneself into a Kata following in perfect obedience to one’s Sensei. You may find it uncomfortable and constrained to follow the Kata at first, but once you master it, you will get to know the fact that to be in Kata is very comfortable, and that the Kata is not in the least restrictive but even very creative.

I sincerely hope that readers of this book will practice Kata repeatedly until you can find by experience that Kata is very profitable for your Kendo both mentally and technically.

Associate Professor of Saitama University International Committee Member of All Japan Kendo Federation,

Sasaburo Takano and Hakudo Nakayama from the Budo Hokan-Showa-Ten Ran Shiai Huroku Dai Nihon. Yuben Kai 1930

INTRODUCTION

This study has several aims, the most important being to offer some small insight (so vast is the subject) into the history, background and formulation of nihon kendo kata, thus forming a testimonial to the greatness of the masters who conceived the wonderful standardisation originally known as Dai nihon Teikoku Kendo Kata. Such is their importance to Kendo that I had hoped to be able to link up the individual forms of dai nihon teikoku kata to their original influences. Unfortunately, this has proved to be virtually impossible, although the genealogical reference diagram does indicate the masters of the various committees involved, and it is possible from this to determine the influences and origins of Kendo and the Kata. Indeed, the foremost influence is to be found within the kodachi forms where there is a strong resemblance to Itto ryu Kodachi Kata.