by kodokankendo.uk | Dec 6, 2025 | Article
By Paul Budden I first met Masatake Sumi Sensei in the spring of 1988 during a visit to France. At the time, I had organised—together with Terry Holt Sensei—for a group of British kendoka from the Thames Valley Kyōkai (a group of six clubs from within the Thames...
by kodokankendo.uk | Nov 30, 2025 | Article
by Paul Budden Namba Aruki (or Namba Walking) was the running and walking style famously used by the express runners (Hikyaku 飛脚) during Japan’s Edo Period (1603–1868). These runners formed the lifeline of government communications, tasked with carrying...
by kodokankendo.uk | Nov 20, 2025 | Article
by Paul Budden The following was written with adult Men & Women and older kenshi in mind. I’m often asked this question, and while the traditional answer tends to be that a shinai should match your body and ability without being cut down arbitrarily, I...
by kodokankendo.uk | Nov 15, 2025 | Article
by Paul Budden The idea of Shu–Ha–Ri is often explained in grand, philosophical terms, but for me it has always been a simple, practical way of understanding how we learn. It fits not just with kendo but with any long-term practice. My interpretation is...
by kodokankendo.uk | Nov 12, 2025 | Article
by Paul Budden I’ve always been fascinated by the expression ‘Pen and Sword in Accord’ here some further reference for Budō & shodō. Which is quite fascinating, but I know very little about shodō. Here a deeper and culturally accurate breakdown of each kanji for...
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...
