Kendo Stick

A samurai's sword is his most sacred and prized possession. Not only did the samurai rely on his sword to defend him, but spiritually the sword held greater significance as the samurai actually believed his soul inhabited the sword. Therefore it comes as no surprise that the same discipline and respect in which the samurai wielded his sword, went into the actual making of the sword itself.

Swords weren't simply 'cast' in a mould and then sharpened. A Japanese samurai sword was made by an intricate process of heating the steel, hammering it flat, then folding it, then hammering it flat again, and folding. This process of repeated hammering and folding would be done up to as much as 30 times, or until the maker was satisfied it had been done properly.

There are quite a few reasons for this labour-intense procedure. Firstly, any air pockets which might develop during the heating of the steel would be eliminated. Having an air pocket in a seemingly solid blade would be a weak point, and any weak point would be seen as neglect and any dedicated artisan would produce the highest quality blades as if his own life depended upon the very blade he was forging. Secondly, in the repeated folding and hammering, what might be described as 'layers' were produced. Take a book and roll it up it parallel with the spine, these internal layers would look something like this, almost like the rings of a cross section of a tree trunk. This added much strength to the blade.

Also the natural strengthening carbon elements within the steel, as well as the steels impurities would be spread throughout the whole of the sword, therefore strengthening it in its entirety. When the blade came to be cooled it wasn't simply quenched in water, another process had to be done first. When steel is been cooled, if it cools from a high temperature right down to cold in a short amount of time, the metal becomes very hard and brittle. Conversely, if steel is cooled slowly from a lower temperature right down to cold, the steel takes on more supple, even softer properties. Because a samurai sword was used primarily as a slicing weapon the blades were subjected to a lot of shock upon impact on the enemy, therefore the blade couldn't be made of the more brittle steel throughout else it would shatter like glass. But the sword had to retain its sharp edge, so it couldn't be made of softly forged steel throughout else it would simply blunt. So a balance was struck using a very clever procedure.

What the Japanese samurai sword makers discovered was by painting on a clay formula onto the blade before quenching, thin amounts onto the cutting edge and thicker amounts onto the back, the steel could be made to take on two completely separate properties, thereby giving the blade the hard cutting edge it required, and the more supple back. Because of the different speeds in which the two halves of the steel cooled this also formed the beginning of the curve from which the sword makers would work to create the famous curved blade.

Article by Nick Johnson, visit his website for more on samurai swords http://www.japanese-samurai-swords.net

Kendo $29.93 Explore the history and culture behind the martial art of Kendo.

Complete Kendo $19.73 Sinawali -- meaning "woven" -- is an intricate and devastating Filipino fighting system with ancient roots perfectly suited to modern times and its popularity is booming around the world. This fascinating stick and blade empty-hand defense employs a sinuous polyrhythmic inter-weaving of leg and arm defenses and attacks presenting a virtually impenetrable shield against potential attackers. Martial arts instructor Reynaldo S. Galang reveals the special hand techniques, the exact, quick footwork, and the working theory behind the art of Sinawali, through instructional text and clear photographs. Whether readers are interested in Sinawali for exercise, hobby, or as a means of self-defense, Complete Sinawali is their definitive guide.

This is Kendo $18.95 This is Kendo is a fully illustrated introduction to the traditional art of Japanese fencing--its essential nature and its basic techniques. It is the first book in English to describe and analyze this famous sport. Features include:. over 100 photographs and drawings. origin and history of kendo. basic kendo principles and techniques. physical and psychological aspects of kendo. relationship between kendo and Zen. traditions governing kendo etiquette and technique. clear-cut descriptions of the most important strikes, offensive and defensive positions, and training exercises.

Kendo Party $24.99 Kendo Party - Photographic Print

Kendo Club $24.99 Kendo Club - Photographic Print

Kendo Demonstration $24.99 Kendo Demonstration - Photographic Print

The Way of Kendo & Kenjitsu: Soul of the Samurai $24.73 This book bridges the gap between mondern Kendo as a sport and the old Kendo of the Samurai.

Kendo Rage $98.77 Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Kendo Rage, known in Japan as Makeruna Makend, is an action video game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System by Datam Polystar. Seta U.S.A. created the English version.In the Englishlanguage version of the game, an American girl named Josephine Jo goes to Japan to attend a summer kendo school. Her personal trainer, Osaki Bob Yoritomo, asks her to fight monsters on the way to school. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 144 Publication Date: 2011/02/25 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.02 x 0.34 inches

ITC Kendo™ Regular $29 Download the ITC Kendo™ Regular font for Mac or Windows in OpenType, TrueType or PostScript format.

Kendo: The Definitive Guide $31.43 Kendo-the Way of the Sword-is one of the oldest of Japan's martial arts and the one most closely associated with the samurai. Immortalized in the action movies of Akira Kurosawa and in the bestselling novel Musashi, Kendo--originally a form of swordsmanship-has in recent years developed into a popular and highly competitive sport enjoyed by thousands of men and women around the world. Kendo: The Definitive Guide is the first book in English to provide a practical and truly comprehensive approach to the subject. Everything that the novice needs to know, from basic information about purchasing, wearing, and maintaining essential equipment to competing in international tournaments, is explained in simple, straightforward language. Step-by-step explanations of fundamental techniques to be mastered to attain black belt level are illustrated in easy-to-follow line drawings. With appendices giving the rules at international competitions and important information about Kendo clubs outside Japan, Kendo is the definitive guide for all non-Japanese Kendoists. A special section about the history and development of this martial art and guidelines for running practice sessions also make it a unique resource for all teachers of Kendo. The definitive guide includes - basic Kendo principles and techniques - official International Kendo Federation regulations - list of Kendo clubs and national associations around the world

Kendo: Elements, Rules, & Philosophy $13.06 All students of kendo will welcome this manual by an advanced practitioner with a deep understanding of the martial art. The work begins with a history of kendo in Japan, followed by a study of basic equipment and its proper care and use and a detailed description of forms and rules-essential aspects of any martial art. Each technique is accompanied by clear, easy-to-follow illustrations. The elements of kendo philosophy, which can mystify even experienced practitioners, are explained in simple terms to aid understanding.

Kendo Photography Journal by CafePress $11 Kendo Journal with close up kendo men kendo equipment photo. Photography Journal Scribble important stuff - lyrics, recipes, addresses, and more. Our Wire-O bound, 160 page journal has your choice of papers and measures 5 x 8, a handy on-the-go size to fit in your backpack. Get creative and let the muse flow. Back cove

Kendo By Ellis, Carole $43.47 Introduces the martial art of kendo and describes the clothing, equipment, skills, and terminology of the sport. Author: Ellis, Carole Series Title: Martial Arts in Action Publication Date: 2010/11/01 Number of Pages: 48 Binding Type: Library Grade Level: 46 Language: English Depth: 0.50 Width: 8.25 Height: 10.25

Looking at a Far Mountain Looking at a Far Mountain: A Study of Kendo Kata a Study of Kendo Kata $19.75 Derived from the ancient Japanese warrior art of the sword and imbued with the principles of Zen Buddhism, kendo has now gained worldwide popularity for its appealing combination of sport and meditation. In Looking at a Far Mountain kendo expert Paul Budden explains the essentials of the art by offering: -- An extensive history of the kendo tradition -- Technical specifics such as form, positioning, and breathing -- Detailed explanations of the kata -- A listing of kendo schools -- A lineage chart of the great kendo masters This comprehensive volume -- endorsed by the premier Japanese kendo body -- is sure to improve and perfect the practice of kendo for students of all levels. -- The only readily available study in English of kendo's Teikoku Kata -- Includes 475 instructive black-and-white photos and illustrations

Stick It $5.99 Stick It

Kendo Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $48 The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90 Kendo Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

Kendo Sports Sweatshirt by CafePress $39.5 Sports gifts. Sporting art make great gifts for athletes. Athletic gifts. Kendo; Way of the sword Sports Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Warm up in our stylin' Hanes Heavyweight 90/10 cotton/polyester sweatshirt. Thick but not bulky, for maximum comfort and durability whether you're working out or hanging out. 10.1 oz. patented PrintPro174; fabric in a 90/10 cotton/polyester

Kendo Wall Sconce by Troy Lighting $166 Bring the "way of the sword" into modern interiors with the Troy Lighting Kendo Wall Sconce. Named after the Japanese art of sword-fighting, the Kendo has a sharp-looking barred base finished in deep Kendo Bronze. It provides deep counterbalance to the soft, bowl-shaped Opal White glass shade. Troy Lighting, headquartered in California, designs and manufactures indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, utilizing hand-forged iron and hand-applied finishes to create quality products with high-style appeal. The Troy Lighting Kendo Wall Sconce is available with the following: Details:Opal White glass shadeHand-worked wrought iron baseKendo Bronze finishRectangular wall plateUL ListedLighting: One 40 Watt 120 Volt G9 Xenon lamp (included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 1-2 weeks. Dimensions: Wall Plate: Height 7 In., Width 4.5 In. Fixture: Height 13.5 In., Depth 5.5 In., Width 5.5 In.

Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei Iaido $58.94 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei Iaido is the iaid style of the All Japan Kendo Federation. This style of iaido is also often known as Seitei Iaido and Zenkenren Iaido. There are many schools of iaido and many forms of iaido kata. To popularise iaido and to make it easier for kendo practitioners to learn iaido, an expert committee was established by the AJKF to review the situation. The committee subsequently selected the basic techniques from major iaido schools to form the curriculum of Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei Iaido. The AJKF was founded in 1952, immediately following the restoration of Japanese independence and the subsequent lift of the ban on martial arts in Japan. In 1969, the AJKF introduced its seitei curriculum of seven iaido kata. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 74 Publication Date: 2010/07/21 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.18 inches

Demonstration of a Style of Kendo Called Budokan Haga Dojo $49.99 Michael S. Yamashita Demonstration of a Style of Kendo Called Budokan Haga Dojo - Photographic Print

Kendo Large Mug by CafePress $18 Super-size your favorite beverage or just size-up to avoid spills with our hefty, 15 oz. ceramic Large Mug. Large easy-grip handle. When you need more, mug it up. Measures 4.5 tall, 3.25 diameterDishwasher and microwave safe

Kendo Sports Golf Shirt by CafePress $20 21091;36947; Kendo Sports gifts. Sporting art make great gifts for athletes. Athletic gifts. Kendo; Way of the sword Sports Golf Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Tee off in casual style. Our pique knit golf t-shirt is a comfortable, lightweight way to play 18-holes and beat the heat. Features, stylish white pearl buttons, yet it feels like wearing your favorite t-shirt. Dress it up or down. Throw a blazer over lat

Kendo Sports Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 21091;36947; Kendo Sports gifts. Sporting art make great gifts for athletes. Athletic gifts. Kendo; Way of the sword Sports Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

Kendo Bronze One-Light Wall Sconce with Linen Hardback Shade $195 Kendo Bronze One-Light Wall Sconce with Linen Hardback Shade

Kendo Bronze One-Light Bath Fixture with Opal White Glass $195 Kendo Bronze One-Light Bath Fixture with Opal White Glass

Kendo Bronze Three-Light 22-Inch Fluorescent Pendant with Etched White Glass $705 Kendo Bronze Three-Light 22-Inch Fluorescent Pendant with Etched White Glass

Kendo Bronze Three-Light 26-Inch Fluorescent Pendant with Etched White Glass $836 Kendo Bronze Three-Light 26-Inch Fluorescent Pendant with Etched White Glass

Kendo Bronze Two-Light Bath Fixture with Opal White Glass $309 Kendo Bronze Two-Light Bath Fixture with Opal White Glass

Kendo Bronze Three-Light 22-Inch Pendant with Etched White Glass $511 Kendo Bronze Three-Light 22-Inch Pendant with Etched White Glass

Kendo Bronze Three-Light 26-Inch Pendant with Etched White Glass $642 Kendo Bronze Three-Light 26-Inch Pendant with Etched White Glass

Kendo Bronze Three-Light Bath Fixture with Opal White Glass $511 Kendo Bronze Three-Light Bath Fixture with Opal White Glass

Kendo Bronze Two-Light Semi Flush Mount with Etched White Glass $384 Kendo Bronze Two-Light Semi Flush Mount with Etched White Glass

Kendo Semi-Flushmount by Troy Lighting $328 The strength and grace displayed in the Japanese art of sword-fighting, kendo, are replicated in wrought iron and glass in the Troy Lighting Kendo Semi-Flushmount. The frame's iron bands resemble curving samurai swords, finished in a deep, rustic Kendo Bronze to balance the soft tone and texture of the Etched White glass bowl shade. Troy Lighting, headquartered in California, designs and manufactures indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, utilizing hand-forged iron and hand-applied finishes to create quality products with high-style appeal. The Troy Lighting Kendo Semi-Flushmount is available with the following: Details:Bowl-shaped Etched White glass shadeHand-worked wrought iron frameKendo Bronze finishRound ceiling canopyEnergy efficient fluorescent option availableUL ListedOptions:Lamping: Fluorescent, or Incandescent.Lighting:Fluorescent option utilizes two 18 Watt 120 Volt Type GU24 Fluorescent lamps (not included).Incandescent option utilizes two 100 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamps (not included).Shipping: This item usually ships within 1-2 weeks. Dimensions: Fixture: Diameter 18 In., Height 11.5 In. Ceiling Canopy: Diameter 5 In., Height .75 In.

Kendo Bath Bar by Troy Lighting $264 The Troy Lighting Kendo Bath Bar brings the "way of the sword" into modern bathrooms. Named after the Japanese martial art of sword-fighting, the Kendo base features sharp-looking wrought iron bars, finished in a Kendo Bronze to provide deep contrast to the soft tone and texture of the Opal White glass shades. Available with two or three lights. Troy Lighting, headquartered in California, designs and manufactures indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, utilizing hand-forged iron and hand-applied finishes to create quality products with high-style appeal. The Troy Lighting Kendo Bath Bar is available with the following: Details:Opal White glass shadesHand-worked wrought iron baseKendo Bronze finishRectangular wall plateUL ListedOptions:Number of Lights: 2 Lights, or 3 Lights.Lighting:2 Lights option utilizes two 40 Watt 120 Volt G9 Xenon lamps (included).3 Lights option utilizes three 40 Watt 120 Volt G9 Xenon lamps (included).Shipping: This item usually ships within 1-2 weeks. Dimensions: Wall Plate: Height 4.5 In., Width 7 In. 3-Light Option: Depth 5 In., Width 24 In., Height 5.5 In. 2-Light Option: Width 15 In., Depth 5 In., Height 5.5 In.

Kendo Protector Sports Sweatshirt by CafePress $39.5 Japanese art of fencing Kendo Sports Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Warm up in our stylin' Hanes Heavyweight 90/10 cotton/polyester sweatshirt. Thick but not bulky, for maximum comfort and durability whether you're working out or hanging out. 10.1 oz. patented PrintPro174; fabric in a 90/10 cotton/polyester

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