Sport from Japan

International kendo fighters demonstrate their skills

The 25th International Kendo Danube Cup will take place in Baden from March 16 to 17

(Bild: zVg)

On March 16 and 17, kendo fighters from all over the world will make a pilgrimage to the city of Baden (Lower Austria) to demonstrate their skills in Japanese sword fighting. Maximilian Harland from Lower Austria will also be taking part in the championships. Bruises, slight bruises and blisters on his hands and feet are part and parcel of this sport, says the 21-year-old.

Maximilian Harland (21) from Breitenfurt near Vienna has been practising the Japanese sword art of kendo in the Viennese club "Kenschikan Vienna" for less than three years. He will also be demonstrating his skills at the Danube Cup in Baden next weekend. 

The kendo fighter trains two to three times a week at his club. But he also practices diligently at home and researches certain techniques of the sport on the internet. "I also enjoy taking part in various seminars and friendship training sessions abroad," says Harland. He has even finished on the podium in various individual and team competitions. 

Kendo

Kendo is a modified, modern form of the original Japanese sword fighting as learned and practiced by samurai. Kendo not only focuses on the techniques and tactics of sword fighting, but also on the spiritual training of the individual. Above all, practitioners should gain strength of character, determination and moral strength through kendo

Sword fighting from Japan
Kendo is practiced very intensively in Japan today. Alongside sumo and basketball, it is said to be one of the most popular sports. Kendo is also widely practiced in Japanese schools and universities. The modern form of Japanese sword fighting is also very popular in Austria. The Austrian Kendo Association (AKA) was founded in Vienna in 1980. A short time later, the AKA became a member of the European Kendo Federation and the International Kendo Federation. Since then, this sport has been growing steadily, says André Ho from the "Kenshikan Vienna" association. "I have noticed that interest in kendo is sometimes linked to interest in Japanese culture. The film 'The Last Samurai' with Tom Cruise was released in 2003 and suddenly we had a huge increase in the number of people interested," says Ho. 

Incidentally, more and more women are also becoming interested in Japanese sword fighting. Kenshikan club president Sarah Dirneder, for example, has taken part in several European and world championships since her youth. The Austrian national team is also represented by many female fighters.  

Kendo fighter Maximilian Harland

(Bild: zVg)

(Bild: zVg)

(Bild: zVg)

(Bild: zVg)

(Bild: zVg)

(Bild: zVg)

(Bild: zVg)

Maximilian Harland came to kendo through a friend: "As I have been practicing various martial arts for a long time, I wanted to try out a sport with a 'sword' (shinai)." After that, he was hooked on the sport.

Japanese culture
Kendo is a very old sport that originated with the samurai. And that is precisely what fascinates the Lower Austrian: "As I am also very interested in history, kendo also appealed to me in that respect. It's a sport that requires a very high level of stamina, body control and discipline." 

In addition to the fighting technique, kendo also includes an inner philosophical teaching of "Do" (the way), explains André Ho. Like other Japanese martial arts, kendo is a budo discipline. 

Kendo also teaches moral principles such as fairness, honesty and self-control. Kendoka develop a strong moral awareness and learn to make the right decisions even under pressure or in difficult situations.

André Ho, Kenshikan Vienna

Kendo uses a bamboo sword, the so-called shinai. However, training often takes place with equipment ("bogu") so as not to physically injure the partner. 

Rules of conduct

As with other budo disciplines, etiquette ("reiho") is very important in kendo and should be observed by kendoka. By greeting and saying goodbye, kendoka show respect for the hall ("dojo") as well as for their fellow students and teachers. This is expressed, among other things, in an orderly and respectful attitude as well as in polite interaction with one another. Through correct techniques with precision and concentration, kendoka show consideration and help each other to learn and improve.

Kendo is deeply rooted in Japanese tradition. Kendoka pay attention to the observance of traditional rules and rituals, such as the wearing of clothing and the correct execution of "Reiho". Kendoka learn self-discipline and self-control by keeping their emotions and reactions under control during training and focusing on their own improvement.

"Bruises are part of the game"
Harland has never really suffered any serious injuries so far. Despite the armor, which offers great protection, minor "aches and pains" are possible: "Bruises, slight bruises and blisters on hands and feet are part and parcel of this sport."

The key to victory? "Fighting spirit, stamina, mastering the basic techniques and physical fitness," emphasizes Harland. A healthy mind in a healthy body will also help you to win. "And, of course, having fun, then success 'almost' comes by itself." 

Danube Cup in Baden
Whether Maximilian Harland will be victorious will be revealed at the upcoming Danube Cup from March 16 to 17 in Baden, which is being held for the 25th time. In addition to local kendoka, participants from Croatia, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Serbia, Poland, Germany and Japan will also be making the pilgrimage to Lower Austria to demonstrate their skills at the championships.  

Info: www.kenshikan.at