Welcome to Cleveland Kendo | クリーブランド剣道へようこそ

The Cleveland Kendo Association provides expert instruction in the Japanese Martial Art of Kendo in the Cleveland, Ohio area since 1986.

 

Cleveland Kendo Association is a martial arts school located in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. The school was established in 1986 as a not-for-profit organization and has maintained a philosophy of assisting students to obtain Kendo training with minimal financial impact.

All of our instructors volunteer their time and do not profit from their Kendo activity. This non-commercial and community service philosophy have been instrumental in reaching an array of students from diverse backgrounds to develop a samurai spirituality that can be a powerful source of strength and focus to manage their daily lives.

Cleveland Kendo is a proud member of The Greater North Eastern U.S. Kendo Federation - a regional federation of The All United States Kendo Federation, and The International Kendo Federation.

An Introduction to Kendo

Kendo is the Japanese martial art of swordsmanship. Kendo is practiced with a split bamboo sword with leather bindings called a "shinai" and its practitioners wear a modified form of armor that is fashioned after the Oyoroi of the Samurai. Wooden swords called "Bokken" or "Bokuto" are used to practice kata. The uniform consists of a traditional woven cotton top called a keikogi and pleated skirt-like trousers called a hakama.

 

Origins of Kendo

Kendo, literally translated, the way of the sword, cannot be traced to a single founder or given an exact founding date. The story of the rise of the modern martial art of Kendo begins with the samurai and extends over the culture of several centuries.

Establishment of the Shogun (1192 CE)
By the end of the 12th century, the authority of the Japanese central government had declined. Bands of warriors grouped together for protection forming local aristocracies. Feudalism had come of age, and was to dominate Japan for several centuries. With the establishment of the Shogun in Kamakura and military rule controlling Japan, a new military class and their lifestyle called Bushido, ìthe way of the warrior,î gained prominence. Bushido stressed the virtues of bravery, loyalty, honor, self discipline and stoical acceptance of death. Certainly, the influence of Bushido extended to modern Japanese society and the martial art of Kendo was also to be greatly influenced by this thinking.

The Japanese warrior had no contempt for learning or the arts. Although Kenjutsu, "the art of swordsmanship" had been recorded since the 8th century, it gained new prominence and took on religious and cultural aspects as well. Sword making became a revered art. Zen and other sects of Buddhism developed and the samurai often devoted time to fine calligraphy or poetry.

Muromachi Period (1336-1568) to the Tokugawa period (1600-1868)
The next great advance in the martial arts occurred during the late Muromachi period (1336-1568) often call the "age of Warring Provinces" because of the many internal conflicts. This period brought an increased demand and respect for men trained in the martial arts. Consequently, many schools of Kenjutsu arose, eventually numbering about 200. Each was taught by a famous swordsman whose techniques earned him honor in battle. Real blades or hardwood swords without protective equipment were used in training resulting in many injuries. These schools continued to flourish through the Tokugawa period (1600-1868), with the Ittoryu or ìone sword school,î having the greatest influence on modern Kendo.

Kendo began to take its modern appearance during the late 18th century with the introduction of protective equipment: the men, kote and do and the use of the bamboo sword, the shinai. The use of the shinai and protective armor made possible the full delivery of blows without injury. This forced the establishment of new regulations and practice formats which set the foundation of the modern martial art of Kendo.

Meiji Restoration (1868 – 1912)
With the Meiji Restoration (1868) and Japanís entry into the modern world, Kendo suffered a great decline. The Samurai class was abolished and the wearing of swords in public outlawed. This decline was only temporary, however, interest in Kendo was revived first in 1887 when uprisings against the government showed the need for the training of police officers. Later the Sino-Japanese War (1894-95) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-05) again encouraged an awareness of the martial arts spirit.

Consequently in 1895, the Butokukai, an organization devoted to the martial arts was established. In 1911, Kendo was officially introduced into the physical education curriculum of middle schools and in 1912, the Nihon Kendo Kata, a set of regulations for Kendo, was published. In 1939 as Japan prepared for war, the martial art of Kendo became a required course for all boys.

Post WWII - 1945 through today
After the war, because of its nationalistic and militaristic associations, Kendo was outlawed and the Butokukai was disbanded. However by 1952, supporters of Kendo successfully reintroduced a ìpure sportî form of Kendo, called Shinai Kyogi which excluded the militaristic attitudes and some of the rougher aspects of practice characteristic of prewar Kendo, into the public schools. Today, Kendo continues to grow under the auspices of the All Japan Kendo Federation, the International Kendo Federation, and federations all over the world.

Although the outward appearance and some of the ideals have changed with the changing needs of the people, the martial art of Kendo continues to build character, self-discipline and respect. Despite a sportlike atmosphere, Kendo remains steeped in tradition which must never be forgotten. For here lies the strength of Kendo which has carried it throughout history and will carry it far into the future.

Aikido 合気道

Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art, founded by Morihei Uyeshiba Sensei in the last twentieth century. Aikido is rooted in the Japanese martial art of Jujitsu, which emphasizes grappling, joint locks (immobilization) and projections (throws). Unlike Jujitsu though, Aikido places focus on non violent resolution of conflict and not on the destruction of the opponent.

 

Instruction in Aikido is provided by Betsy O’Donnell Sensei 4th Dan Aikido of Lake Shore Aikido.

O’Donnell Sensei is affiliated with, and accredited by The Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) which is the membership organization that affiliates more than 100 North American Dojos under the instruction of Mitsugi Saotome Shihan. It is a formally recognized organization under the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Established in 1975, the ASU is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization managed by a board of senior instructors.

To learn more about O’Donnell Sensei and Lake Shore Aikido please visit their website at www.lakeshoreaikidocleveland.com .

The Concept of Kendo

The concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana (sword). The Concept of Kendo was established by All Japan Kendo Federation in 1975.

The Purpose of Practicing Kendo

 

To mold 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.

The Dojo Sho

Cleveland Kendo Association - Akitsu Dojo

 

What is a Dojo Sho?
In Japanese culture, a school (dojo or juku) logo is called a "Dojo Sho（道場章)". A Dojo Sho is an important symbolic reflection of the values of the school.

The Meaning of Akitsu あきつ
In ancient Japanese “Akitsu あきつ” was a word used to describe the "Dragonfly", and was word also used to symbolically describe "Japan". The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan, compiled in 720 AD), the second oldest book of classical Japanese history mentions Dragonflies as "Akitsu あきつ". The chronicle says that when the first emperor Jimmu Tenno climbed a mountain in Nara Prefecture he said “The shape of my country is like two Akitsu mating.”

The Dragonfly
The Dragonfly is said to only fly straight ahead. Unable to fly backwards, it thus became a symbol of the spirit to “never give up” and “never retreat”. Additionally, the Dragonfly’s wings resemble the blades of a sword (Katana). During the Sengoku era, this quality was especially admired by warriors, and it received the name of “Kachi-mushi” （勝虫）as a symbol of sure victory. 勝虫 can be also pronounced as Katsu-Chu. Coincidentally, “Katsu-Chu” is the same pronunciation as the word for armor (甲冑).

These characteristics made the Dragonfly a symbol that was used by the samurai for centuries. The image of the Dragonfly has been used in the design of clothes, decoration of armor and related items to bring success to the owner of these items.

The Dojo Sho of Akitsu symbolizes our deep connection to traditional Japanese martial arts values (Budo), and the Samurai concept of moving straight forward courageously, without retreat, and never giving up.

The Shape of our Dojo Sho
The shape of our Dojo Sho is round, like the tsuba (hand guard) of the sword carried by the Samurai (Katana). In Japanese culture the sword is a powerful symbol that represents, among other things, a person’s soul and inner strength. Just as the sword passes through the hole in the center of the tsuba, we also pass through our own personal challenges and elevate ourselves through the practice of Kendo (the way of the sword).

Our Instructors

The Cleveland Kendo Association operates under the guidance of Dr. Tsuyoshi Inoshita MD (Kyoshi 7th Dan Kendo), President of the GNEUSKF.
Head Instructors: Dr. Shigemi Matsuyama PhD (5th Dan Kendo 2dan Iaido), Mieko Matsuyama (4th Dan Kendo).
Instructors: John Beaty (5th Dan Kendo), Neil Adelman (4th Dan Kendo).
Note: All of our instructors are accredited by the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF).

Etiquette 礼儀

"Kendo begins and ends with Rei". The word ‘REI’ in Japanese refers to the physical act of bowing as well as ‘good manners’ in general. Good etiquette in kendo is essential. It is the manifestation of respect, consideration, and gratitude for your partner, your instructors, and yourself. This is the essence of "REI".

 

In Kendo, like many other martial arts, etiquette is an important aspect that needs to be constantly practiced and continually observed. To be clear on terminology, "Reigi" is the concept of etiquette and "Reiho" is its physical manifestation. Etiquette in the dojo is not designed to give airs and graces to senior members. Nor it is designed to contribute to the mystique of the martial arts. Etiquette is common sense, discipline and manners on the whole, and is an integral requirement for self-awareness and development. It is the means of conveying respect towards the dojo, sensei, sempai, peers, and towards the art of Kendo itself. It is perhaps the easiest facet of Kendo to transfer from the dojo to everyday life as concepts of respect, courtesy, and restraint become embedded in everyday actions and considerations.

Almost all of kendo has been regulated and systematized, which make it almost impossible to list and memorize all the possible points; this is at best an incomplete list. We are all learning and all make the occasional mistake but if you find yourself in an awkward position, correct yourself as quickly and quietly as possible, apologize ("gomenesai"), and return your attention to practice. Much of it is really just common sense and good manners in the dojo.

Basic Dojo Rules and Etiquette

• Bow (Rei) as you enter or leave the dojo
• Remove your shoes on entering the dojo and place them neatly in a row with others
• Greet your instructors and seniors upon entering the dojo.
• Make sure your kendo gear is clean and tidy and your own person is clean – no dirty hands or feet
• Everyone should assist in the cleaning of the dojo (soji)
• Check your shinai and other kendo equipment before practice starts
• Place your armour (Bogu) in a straight line when lining up ready to start practice
• The "Men" should not be taken off until the command is given at the conclusion of practice.
• Always remember to assist lower grades where possible
• Always demonstrate humility and respect for all people regardless of rank
• During the practice the higher grades stand on the Sensei side facing the lower grades
• If you must adjust your armour during the practice then move off the practice area, or to the side. Your armour should always be put on in seiza (sitting position)
• Ensure that you arrive at the dojo in plenty of time to change into your kendo gear before the warm-ups commence

Never do this:

• Step over a shinai, bokuto (wooden sword), or Iaito, lean on it, twirl it, or drag it. Treat it with disrespect. It is to be considered as a real sword and is to be afforded the necessary level of respect.
• Run in the dojo unless it is part of taiso ( warm ups )
• Use bad language or whistle
• Eat or drink in the dojo
• Walk in front of other kendoists who are seated or standing. If necessary, extend your right hand and bow slightly as you pass.
• Move another person’s equipment without first asking
• Leave the dojo floor during practice
• Lean against a wall either standing or sitting. If relaxed sitting is permitted, sit with your legs crossed but not showing your feet
• Smoke in the dojo

Soji - Cleaning of the dojo

Soji (sōji) is a Japanese ritual/art for cleaning the dojo after practice. It derives from Zen where purification and several practices around it are closely connected to cleanliness and purity.

At Akitsu Kendo Dojo (Cleveland Kendo), we sweep the floors with traditional brooms, clean the floors with hand cloths, and wipe down any areas that collect dust, including the guest area. All instructors, students, and visitors participate. The purpose of Sōji is not only to clean the dojo and polish the floor, but to polish ourselves. Soji is a fundamental part of our Kendo practice that demonstrates appreciation, care, pride and respect for each other and the dojo we have the privilege of using.

Mokuso (Meditation)

Mokuso is part of the training of the mind called “Mushin”, which comes from Zen Buddhism. One must attempt to return to the mental state of a new-born-child that is without a sense of fear, not conscious of distress, pain, cold etc. A baby cannot anticipate these things and therefore has no fear and does not hesitate before moving. An adult knows fear and is afraid. When attacked they feel tense and are often useless against the assailant because movement is restricted.

If one sees a beautiful flower, normally the mind concentrates on it, but with an empty mind (Mokuso) the mind is aware of everything else as well as the flower. So when one fights an enemy, attacking and defending, if only concentrating on blocking techniques, the mind is restricted to that movement, but if the mind is empty the body is able to do the next movement automatically and movements will always be natural. If the body is tense it is wasting energy and restricting speed, it is essential to move without being conscious of it. That feeling is called Mushin.

The word Mokuso is formed by several ideograms that all together, are translated as “watching in silence toward our heart. To think or to reflect profoundly”. Meditation is to the soul and the spirit, what the physical workout is to the body and mind. “As a crystalline water's lake reflects without distortion all that exists around it, giving to it a shade of tranquility and perfection to the nature; thus it must be the mind of the kendo student toward the teachings of the master”. Mokuso is one of the paths leading to this state of mind.

The development of a strong commitment toward attaining peace and serenity puts us in harmony with the universe. The meditation is the vehicle to this union with the world and its inhabitants. Releasing the mind of any thought, we can see another dimension of the world. In this state of complete relaxation and sublime concentration, we release any mental disturbance (hatred, fears, pains, excessive desires, etc.) and simultaneously we unconsciously generate a psychic force. It is virtually impossible to create this force consciously. Just as we train hard to perfect techniques until they become part of our “body memory”, the practice of meditation teaches us to release this psychic force in a conditioned reflex for spiritual growth. While we advance toward this goal, the practice of meditation has beneficial effects.

Daily meditation reduces stress, oxygen consumption decreases, which (cellular oxidation). The blood pressure and the pulse tend to slow. The lower respiratory rate stabilizes the nervous system.

Meditation is defined by some experts as the perfect passive activity for the health of human beings. To practice standing, sitting or lying down, we should meditate in complete stillness.

Keep in mind that the practice of kata is by and large, an active form of very advanced meditation, and only those which have devoted many years to the practice of passive meditation, along with kendo training, can discover this active meditation. To reach this level one must learn and practice certain specific relaxation techniques. These techniques must be executed with an iron will.

In Kendo, Mokuso is a very important ceremony and should be practiced immediately before "Men Tsuke" (putting on the Men, or head gear) to garner the proper resolve for a hard practice session, as well as after each Kendo practice.

Additionally, practice Mokuso for at least sixty minutes daily, preferably at sunrise and before bed. Little by little, as a result of perseverance, Kendoka can learn to live in a constant moving meditation.

How to Join

The Cleveland Kendo Association and Lake Shore Aikido are "non-commercial" groups and do not profit from our activities. We only seek to cover our minimum expenses and keep our practices affordable and accessible. Our instructors are all volunteers.

Unlimited Training! For one monthly membership fee you can choose to learn Kendo or Aikido, or both, and participate in as many practices as you want during any week or month (note: new members may be restricted to beginner's classes until they reach a sufficient level to join in more advanced group practices as decided by the instructors).

Free Trial: Your first lesson in Kendo and/or Aikido is free.

 

Federation and Organizational Fees
Both Cleveland Kendo and Lake Shore Aikido are part of a wider community of national and international organizations who provide instruction, guidance, accreditation, and promotion exams to our instructors and students. All students are required to become members of these organizations depending on which martial art you practice.
Kendo students: Membership in the Greater Northeastern U.S. Kendo Federation and the All United States Kendo Federation.	Collected once per year in January or February. <> For age 17 and younger: Total: $50 <> Full-time college student: Total: $50 <> For age 18 and older: Total: $80
Aikido students: Membership in the Aikido Schools of Ueshibo.	Collected once per year in January. <> Cost is $45.00. <> Payment made directly to the Aikido Instructor.

Visitors

Visitors are always welcome to watch our practice. We are happy to answer any of your questions before and after the scheduled practice. We only ask that you e-mail us at contact@clevelandkendo.com to let us know you are coming.

CANCELLED: 32nd Cleveland Kendo Tournament / GNEUSKF Championships

Albert Gymnasium
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio

Since 1988, The Annual Cleveland Kendo Tournament has become one of the longest running continuous Kendo tournaments in North America, attracting competitors from across the United States, Canada, Japan, and other countries. SEE DETAILS BELOW.

March 8, 2020
 

Update March 8, 2020:

Cancellation of 32nd Cleveland Kendo tournament / GNEUSKF Championships scheduled for March 28, 2020.

Dear Sensei and Friends,

With a heavy heart, I regret to announce the cancellation of the 32nd annual Cleveland Kendo Tournament / GNEUSKF Championships scheduled for March28, 2020.

We were hoping that the nascent coronavirus epidemic starting to affect the whole world will come under a reasonable control by now, but it appears that this is in fact getting worse. We are seeing exacerbation rather than amelioration, and it does appear that the clusters of outbreak s are just beginning, indeed far from reaching their peaks in the United States. Fortunately Ohio is one of the few remaining states without positive cases, but this may be due to the fact that testing was not widely available until recently. With this in mind, we have decided it is more prudent to make a decision at this point rather than wait until the last moment, jeopardizing everybody’s heath.

We, therefore, will cancel the entire events for the weekend of March 27 – 29, 2020. We are considering holding a small tournament in conjunction with the Student Cup Tournament this fall if the situation improves by then.

As a personal note, I have been directly involved with the tournaments past 31 years consecutively, and this was a heart-wrenching decision. However, everybody’s health is more important than anything else. Please understand the situation, and I apologize sincerely to those who have already made travel arrangements.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Inoshita
Chairperson
Tournament committee

9th Annual CWRU Student CUP Kendo Tournament 2018

Since 2010, the Case Western Reserve Kendo Club has been hosting a kendo tournament in September for middle school, high school, and college students (and recent graduates). The weekend encompasses special practices and seminars with visiting instructors, an AUSKF sanctioned promotion examination, and of course the competition itself.

When: October 5th to 7th, 2018

Where: Case Western Reserve University
10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
 

**UPDATE September 8, 2018**  

Dear Senseis and Kendoka,

On behalf of the Case Western Reserve University Kendo Club, I would like to cordially invite all of you to our 9th Annual Student Cup. This event will be held on the 5th to 7th of October 5th to 7th, 2018. We welcome all high school, university, and recent alumni to participate in our event. Furthermore, I am happy to announce that this event will also include a shinpan seminar, a promotional exam up to the 3rd dan, and many opportunities for godo geiko. The seminars, co-sponsored by GNEUSKF, are open to everybody, not just student kenshi, so please do not hesitate to join us!

Follow the links below for our tournament and promotion exam registration and information. Please take care to read the information, and send us your forms postmarked by the 17th of September 2018.

Thank you everyone, and I hope to see you all there!

Tournament Information, Tournament Registration, Promotion Exam Registration, Promotition Exam Questions.

Sincerely,
Sean Wong
President CWRU Kendo Club

Media and News

Selections of photos, videos, and other media from Cleveland Kendo

In the News

April 19, 2016: Cleveland State assists CWRU kendo tournament

February 1, 2016: Japanese martial arts school opens in Cleveland Heights:

Practice Schedule

Iaido Practice:

Aikido Practice: DUE TO COVID 19, PLEASE VISIT http://lakeshoreaikidocleveland.com/ FOR CLASS AVAILABILITY