About
About Minnehaha Kendo Dojo
Minnehaha Kendo Dojo is led by Bob Cochran Sensei (4th Dan), and Minnehaha Kendo Dojo is a member in both Midwest Kendo Federation and the All U.S. Kendo Federation. Minnehaha Kendo Dojo is a non-profit group locates in the Minneapolis, Minnesota trains in the martial art of Kendo. Our instructor does not take any salary, and all membership fees go toward rent and upkeep. Visitors and beginners are welcome to come to our training sessions.
A short introduction to Kendo
What is Kendo? Kendo literally means “The way of the sword”. Many mistaken Kendo for Iaido or Kenjutsu which use live blades. In fact, Kendo’s main training weapon is Shinai – bamboo swords – and Kendoists wear armor or Bogu when practicing the art. The modern philosophy of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the sword.
Brief history
Kendo shares a common origin with other Japanese sword arts. It was developed during the Tokugawa Shogunate period to allow for the practice swordsmanship against opponents without unnecessary injuries or deaths. After the Meiji Restoration in the 1860’s, Kendo barely survived the abolishment of the Samurai class. However, uprisings against the government showed the need for the training of police officers in the 1870’s; Kendo was reintroduced and became a required physical education course for all boys in schools. After World War II, because of its nationalistic and militaristic associations, Kendo was once again outlawed by the allied occupation. By 1952, supporters of Kendo successfully reintroduced a pure sport form of Kendo, called Shinai Kyogi which excluded the militaristic attitudes and some aspects 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 world1.
Why practice Kendo?
In modern time, swords are no longer a preferred weapon to defend oneself, but to preserved an ancient art passed down from generation to generation. The common modern Kendo philosophy is to mold the mind and body, cultivate a vigorous spirit, and practice courtesy and honor. Kendo has a saying, “Kendo begins with Rei (manners/etiquette), and ends with Rei.” Before crossing swords, one must learn the proper manners and etiquette as they are part of training in Kendo.