Carcassonne Kendo Club Celebrates Triumphant Year with Kyu Exams and Iaido Demonstration
The Shoshin Carcassonne Kendo club concluded a successful year with a day of exciting events at the Troubadours gymnasium on December 21st, 2024. The highlight of the day was the traditional kyu examinations, where around ten dedicated members, ranging from youth to adults and encompassing both genders, showcased their skills before a panel of four esteemed kendo masters from Carcassonne and Narbonne.
The kyu system in kendo, analogous to the colored belt system in judo, signifies a practitioner’s progress and skill level. Unlike judo, however, kendo practitioners don’t display their kyu level openly. The element of surprise adds an exciting dimension to duels, as opponents only discover each other’s rank face-to-face, moments before engaging in combat.
All participants demonstrated exceptional dedication and training,successfully passing their respective kyu exams. congratulations to Auriane, Khadija, emma, Mathilde, and Samuel who achieved the 4th kyu; Damien and Nadjat who attained the 3rd kyu; and Mohammed who reached the 1st kyu, the penultimate step before earning the coveted 1st dan, equivalent to a black belt in judo.
Adding to the excitement, the trio of Anthony, Steven, and Bastien delivered a captivating demonstration of their kendo prowess.they then engaged in shiaï-geiko, refereed sparring matches conducted in the competitive format of kendo, further showcasing their mastery of the art.
The morning culminated in a convivial gathering at a traditional Spanish inn, where members celebrated the culmination of a year filled with passion and achievement.
The afternoon brought a unique surprise for the Shoshin Carcassonne kendo practitioners.They were treated to a mesmerizing Iaido demonstration by Francis and Abdel,two skilled practitioners from Narbonne. iaido, the art of drawing the sword, complements kendo beautifully.
The Iaido demonstration provided a valuable opportunity for the kendo practitioners to experience the use of a real sword, a thrilling and unforgettable experience that left a lasting impression. The club plans to incorporate Iaido into future events, further enriching the members’ understanding and gratitude of Japanese martial arts.
Kendo’s Hidden Ranks: An Interview with Sensei Marie Dubois
The martial arts world is a tapestry woven from diverse disciplines, each with it’s unique traditions and philosophies. Today, we delve into the engaging world of Kendo, a Japanese martial art that emphasizes swordsmanship, discipline, and mental fortitude. To guide us through this captivating realm, we have the privilege of speaking with Sensei Marie Dubois, a highly regarded Kendo instructor with over two decades of experience.
Moderator: Sensei Dubois, thank you for joining us today. The recent Kyu exams at the Shoshin Carcassonne Kendo Club clearly highlight the dedication and skill of its members. From an instructor’s perspective, what are some of the biggest challenges and rewards associated with preparing students for these examinations?
Sensei Dubois: It’s a pleasure to be here. preparing students for kyu exams is a multifaceted journey.
Certainly, it demands rigorous physical training; mastering the correct techniques for striking, footwork, and response, but it also extends far beyond the physical realm. Kendo is deeply rooted in mental discipline and etiquette. Students must learn to control their emotions, respect their opponents, and embody the virtues of honor and self-betterment within the dojo. Witnessing a student overcome these challenges and successfully demonstrate their progress during an exam is incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to their commitment and a moment of shared pride for both the student and instructor.
Moderator: I find the concept of the kyu system, where the rank is not outwardly displayed, quite intriguing. How does this secrecy add to the dynamic of a Kendo match compared to a martial art where belt rankings are visible?
Sensei Dubois: Indeed, the hidden ranks add an element of surprise and unpredictability that truly elevates the Kendo experience.
Imagine stepping onto the tatami, knowing your opponent’s skill level is veiled. Every encounter becomes a journey of discovery, a test of adaptability and intuition. It compels both practitioners to focus on the present moment, reading their opponent’s movements, and reacting instinctively rather than relying on preconceived notions based on belt colors. This fosters a constant state of mental engagement and learning, enriching the practice on a essential level.
Moderator: the Iaido exhibition at the event must have been captivating. How vital is it for Kendo practitioners to gain an understanding of Iaido, and what benefits does it bring to their overall practice?
Sensei Dubois: Iaido is an invaluable complement to Kendo. While Kendo focuses on spirited engagement and combat, iaido delves into the precise, meditative art of drawing the katana, emphasizing fluidity, precision, and mental clarity.
By practicing Iaido,Kendo practitioners gain a deeper understanding of the katana’s essence,its weight,balance,and spirit.
This translates into a heightened awareness of the blade during Kendo practice, leading to smoother, more controlled movements and a greater appreciation for the subtleties of swordsmanship. Moreover, Iaido cultivates a profound sense of focus and stillness, qualities that directly benefit both the physical and mental aspects of Kendo training.
Moderator:
Thank you, Sensei Dubois, for sharing your insights into the world of Kendo. Your expertise illuminates the depth and richness of this ancient martial art.
We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and experiences with Kendo, or even other martial arts that incorporate elements of surprise or hidden rankings. Do you believe such elements enhance the discipline and experience?
Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below!
