Kendo takes over Blairgowrie Recreation Centre

BLAIRGOWRIE – San Kawa Inter-dojo Shiai took place at the recreation centre and lovers of this form of martial art were left beguiled.

The Kendokas square off at the San Kawa Inter-dojo Shai held at Blairgowrie Recreation Centre.

The San Kawa Inter-dojo Shai took place at the Blairgowrie Recreation Centre on 20 May.

Teams from across Gauteng came to compete in the inter-dojo which was in a team format. Development officer, Kate Henry said Kendo is a Japanese martial art based on the path of the samurai.

She explained the original training and teachings of the samurai were condensed into this form of martial art.

“Kendo is a full contact martial art, where competitors aim to score a point by showing the right technique and spirit.”

Kendo uses bamboo sticks in their matches.

People who fight are called kenchi or kendoka and they compete in their various grades.

Matches between kendoka are one versus one with match time generally lasting between three to five minutes.

The kendo shai is described as a competitive tournament between kendoka. Kendoka use a shinai (bamboo Sword) to strike specific areas of the bogu in order to score an ippon (point).

It is a chance for kendoka to demonstrate their style of kendo and to use the techniques that has been practised over the course of their training.

Such competitions are important as kendo is still small in the country and such events help build up for competitions.

Each match between the kendokas last about three to five minutes at the San Kawa Inter-dojo Shai.

Henry added, “There will be a national team that will compete in the world championships in September. In order to compete in these international competitions, we need such inter-dojos as a way to practise and get ourselves prepared for the international stage.”

Throughout the year small inter-dojos like this one take place.