PRACTICE

Kendo Practice

A Kendo practice is composed of many types of training. Each type has a different purpose for developing the Kendo student.

Kendo, like other martial arts requires discipline and a dedication to training. A new student begins with learning the basics such as: etiquette (reigi), different postures and footwork, and how to properly swing a sword. The student progresses through a series of skills preparing them to begin training with armor (bogu).

For children, Kendo practice offers many valuable benefits beyond physical exercise. Through regular training, students develop focus, self-discipline, and respect for others. The structured environment of Kendo helps children learn how to listen, follow instructions, and take responsibility for their actions.

Kendo also builds confidence and perseverance by encouraging students to set goals and improve through consistent effort. Practicing with partners teaches cooperation, sportsmanship, and emotional control, even in challenging situations. As students progress, they gain a strong sense of achievement while learning the importance of humility and respect.

Once a student begins to practice in armor, a practice may be composed of any or all of the following types of practice and this will depend upon what the instructor’s focus is at a particular time:

Kiri-Kaeshi: successively striking the left and right men, practice centering, distance, and proper cutting while building spirit and stamina.
Waza-Geiko: technique practice in which the student learns to use the many techniques of Kendo with a receiving partner.
Kakari-Geiko: short, intense, attack practice which teaches continuous alertness, the ability to attack no matter what has come before, as well as building spirit and stamina.
Ji-Geiko: sparring practice where the kendoist has a chance to try all that he or she has learned with a resisting partner.
Gokaku-Geiko: sparring practice between two kendoist of similar skill level.
Hikitate-Geiko: sparring practice where a senior kendoist guides a junior kendoist through practice.
Shiai-Geiko: competition matches which are judged on the basis of a person scoring valid cuts against an opponent.