Towards Kendo prior 1868
Lyngby Kendo Club in Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark, was established the 19th July 2003 and was engaged in the modern kendo. By researching the literature we realized that method prior 1868 (Edo-period) within Kendo 剣道 was based on ko-budo 古武道 where the concept was different from the one of modern kendo (shin-budo). As an example the techniques within classical budo prior 1868 were not used for competition but rather to maintain traditions from the past. The most difficult to understand is that the main purpose of Kendo is not the acquisition of technique. The training must be directed toward the improvement of one's moral nature rather than toward the acquisition of technique. In this matter we decided the 25th July 2007 to change the purpose of our kendo and continue the research of the past in order to maintain methods and symbolism of Kendo prior 1868. We universally had to reject method and modifications of technique that would allow practice as competitive sport. These are the cardinal points which separate us from the modern kendo today. Furthermore we definitive changed the name of our Dojo to Gakuchoukan 楽蝶館. In order to provide knowledge of Kendo based on ko-budo it was necessary to establish contact to authorities in Japan and England whom had specific interest in Kendo based on methods prior 1868. Furthermore Gakuchoukan Kendo Dojo was admitted in Danish Traditional Kendo Federation (in Danish: Dansk Traditionel Kendo Forbund) the 2nd March 2008.
GAKUCHOUKAN |