Kendo Club "Mushin"

Kendo is a Japanese martial art and fencing sport created during the Kamakura period (1185-1233) by the samurai and inspired by Zen Buddhism. With the development of military clans, swordsmanship, horseback riding, and archery became essential military skills.

Swordmasters established schools of kenjutsu, the predecessor of kendo, with names reflecting the essence of the enlightenment of their founders. The introduction of bamboo training swords (shinai) and armor (bogu) during the Shotoku era by Naganuma Shirozaemon Kunisato laid the foundation for modern kendo. This advancement allowed for strikes and thrusts with full force without the risk of injury.

Kendo began to take on its modern form in the late 18th century through the development of training methods. Concepts such as mushin (empty mind) and fudo-shin (immovable mind) reflect the influence of Zen Buddhism and are essential for achieving a high level in kendo. Fudo-shin means that the kendoka cannot be misled by the delusions of anger, fear, and surprise that may arise during combat. These principles contribute to self-improvement and the pursuit of spiritual elevation, similar to the path followed by the ancient samurai.