by kodokankendo.uk | Feb 18, 2026 | Article
By Paul Budden & Major Chris Jones The Special Relationship of Japanese Martial Arts with the British Armed Forces On Sunday, 11th March 2018, I attended the British Army’s 8th Invitational Kendo Competition held at FOX Gymnasium in Aldershot as...
by kodokankendo.uk | Feb 6, 2026 | Article
By Paul Budden It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Masatake Sumi Sensei. A teacher of the highest calibre and without question the finest instructor I have ever met or could ever hope to meet. His technical precision, depth of insight, and profound...
by kodokankendo.uk | Jan 10, 2026 | Article
By Paul Budden I’d like to offer a personal interpretation on the concept of Ki-Ken-Tai-Itchi which is all about ‘balance.’ A principle that will shape every strike you make from now on. Even as beginners, we can...
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...
