The Irish Kendo Federation is the IMAC advisory board for Kendo, Iaido and Jodo in Ireland.

For information on the Irish Kendo Federation please visit their website: www.irishkendofederation.org

For membership & general queries, please contact: secretary@irishkendofederation.org

Kendo

Kendo is the martial art of Japanese fencing. Kendo developed from traditional techniques of Japanese swordsmanship known as Kenjutsu.

Since 1975 the Concept of Kendo as stated by the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) is “To discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the katana”

The AJKF state the purpose of practicing Kendo as:

To mould the mind and body,
To cultivate a vigorous spirit,
And through correct and rigid training,
To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo,
To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor,
To associate with others with sincerity,
And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.

This will make one be able:

To love his/her country and society,
To contribute to the development of culture
And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.

Iaido

Iaido is a modern Japanese martial art in which practitioners learn the forms of Japanese swordsmanship using a wooden or blunt-edged metal sword. It involves drawing the sword and cutting in smooth, controlled movements. Unlike Kendo, Iaido does not include fighting or sparring techniques, instead emphasising precise, controlled, fluid motion.

Practicing Iaido helps improve balance, coordination and mental focus. It also teaches self-control, respect and self-discipline.

Jodo

Jodo is a Japanese martial art using staves (jo) in defense against the Japanese sword. The jo staff is usually about 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) long, about the average length of a walking stick. However the art was not used, as one might fancifully imagine, by travelers to ward off aggressive bandits or swordsmen, but was the province of professional warriors.

The actions of the jo when executed in combined series are very effective as a defence against attacks with a sword.

A remarkable aspect of Jodo is the rapidity with which the jo is handled. This is due to the fact that the jo has neither beginning nor end, which allows for many combinations. The jo is as such an excellent way to develop dexterity.