by kodokankendo.uk | Nov 12, 2025 | Article
by Paul Budden So what of the future direction of international kendo? John Bowen, former member of the GB Judo team, mentioned to me that there are moves in British judo towards making it even more of a sport than a life-forming discipline. This transition...
by kodokankendo.uk | Nov 12, 2025 | Article
by Paul Budden “Shiai is the forge, and Enbu is the flame that reveals the steel.” Competition has always played an important role in the development of Kendo, particularly for younger practitioners. It offers a clear framework in which skill, timing, and...
by kodokankendo.uk | Nov 12, 2025 | Article
by Paul Budden Sumi-ryu: The essence of Sumi-ryu is Kata-geiko – as a training method is understanding the cause and effect of each movement. Differs from grading Kata. The following are key aspects in the study and practise of Kata: Riai ‘Format’ – how it...
by kodokankendo.uk | Nov 12, 2025 | Article
by Paul Budden Even in the formal, pre-arranged movements of Kendo no Kata, seme — the pressure of intent — is ever-present. Unlike in free practice (jigeiko), where seme is expressed dynamically through attack and reaction, in kata it manifests subtly...
