DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Evolution of Kendo (split from what do you have on zekken?)

**Cemeuncex** · 11-18-2005, 08:00 AM

You do have a good point, Achilles. But! I think the way I would word it is that shiai is important, and something to strive for, but not the ultimate goal of kendo. As far as what Eiga-sensei would say, see for yourself:

Question 1: Was becoming the All-Japan and World Champion a goal for you? Or was it a result of your training in Kendo?

Eiga Sensei: Yes, it was simply a result of my training. I never thought of it as a goal. To me, my Kendo training is for my development as a person. Not necessarily is my training geared towards becoming a champion of any sort. Being a champion is merely a part of the bigger picture

From an interview found at: http://www.midwestkendo.com/eiga.htm

Last year's champion, Iwasa-sensei, said something ver similar.

"Winning and losing should not be your focus in Kendo. Kendo is about self improvement. Improving yourself as a human being. That is what is most important in Kendo."

http://www.midwestkendo.com/iwasa.htm

Perhaps another way to describe the attitudes of these champions is: I do kendo because I love it. If I happen to become the champ along the way, great. If not, for whatever reason, no biggie.

11-18-2005, 08:00 AM	#5
Cemeuncex Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 407 Senior Member	You do have a good point, Achilles. But! I think the way I would word it is that shiai is important, and something to strive for, but not the ultimate goal of kendo. As far as what Eiga-sensei would say, see for yourself: Question 1: Was becoming the All-Japan and World Champion a goal for you? Or was it a result of your training in Kendo? Eiga Sensei: Yes, it was simply a result of my training. I never thought of it as a goal. To me, my Kendo training is for my development as a person. Not necessarily is my training geared towards becoming a champion of any sort. Being a champion is merely a part of the bigger picture From an interview found at: http://www.midwestkendo.com/eiga.htm Last year's champion, Iwasa-sensei, said something ver similar. "Winning and losing should not be your focus in Kendo. Kendo is about self improvement. Improving yourself as a human being. That is what is most important in Kendo." http://www.midwestkendo.com/iwasa.htm Perhaps another way to describe the attitudes of these champions is: I do kendo because I love it. If I happen to become the champ along the way, great. If not, for whatever reason, no biggie.
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