Danish Traditional Kendo Federation
To Preserve the Classical Martial Ways of Kendo

CURRICULUM

The purpose of the guidelines is to guide the Kendo Dojo in the direction of traditions (dento) prior to the modern period (1868). The Kendo curriculum must be related to the Japanese sword including katana, bokken, and shinai. Parts of the below categories are not in themselves combative in nature. They represent an important educational adjunct roles; symbolic and expressive manifestations of the relationship of the martial tradition to broader areas of Japanese culture.

Reigi
Kendo begins and ends with reigi and the reigi must be based on discipline and respect. Kendo Dojo must reflect Japanese social structure; it is a microcosm of Japanese culture and social organization of the budo past. Without reigi there cannot be any tradition. Reigi is far more than standardized ceremonies and second-hand phrases of politeness.

Symbolic Training
The symbolic training is matters of (a) Shinto relationship, (b) waka, shigin and kanshi, and (c) Kenbu.

Sword
The sword has dense associations with sacred Shinto mythology, Buddhist belief, and the idealized warrior heritage of the bushi.

The principle in the Federation is katsujin-ken (the sword used to preserve life).

Kata is an essential component of training and its execution is often related to practical combative application. The kata represent the essence of the technical combative knowledge of the ryu or ryu-ha. Often the Kendo Dojo has two forms of kata with which to train.
(a) The Dojo will teach the bokken kata prior to 1868 which the Dojo is affiliated with.
(b) The second form of kata training is Iai-jutsu; modern derivations (iaido) are not covered.

Shinai
It is absolutely essential to understand its basic spirit. Pay attention to that the respective training methods do not serve modern purpose.

Ju-jutsu
According to Serge Mol, Danish Traditional Kendo Federation defines Ju-jutsu as:

        'A method of close combat, either unarmed or employing minor
         weapons, that can be used in defensive or offensive ways,
         to subdue one or more unarmed or armed opponents.'

Danish Traditional Kendo Federation covers Jujutsu prior to 1868 had has a relation to Kendo.

The classical warriors had little use for any system of combat that did not use weapons.

The Education System
Danish Traditional Kendo Federation supports Japanese traditions within the system of education founded prior to 1868.

Danish Traditional Kendo Federation

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