Mastering the Blade: Carcassonne Kendo Club Celebrates Success and Explores Iaïdo
The Shoshin Carcassonne kendo club concluded 2024 with a day of achievement and discovery at the Troubadours gymnasium on December 21st. The highlight of the day was the conventional kyu examinations, where participants showcased their skills and dedication.
Unlike judo, where colored belts signify rank, kendo practitioners don’t reveal their level until they face their opponent. This element of surprise adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement too each duel.
Approximately ten club members, a mix of men and women, both young and adult, underwent rigorous testing before a panel of four experienced kendo masters from Carcassonne and Narbonne. their commitment to training paid off, as every participant successfully passed their kyu exam.
Congratulations to Auriane, Khadija, Emma, Mathilde, Samuel (achieving 4th kyu), Damien and Nadjat (both earning 3rd kyu), and Mohammed, who reached the impressive milestone of 1st kyu, the penultimate step before attaining the coveted 1st dan, equivalent to a black belt in judo.
Adding to the excitement, a trio of skilled carcassonne kendo practitioners, Anthony, Steven, and Bastien, delivered a captivating demonstration of shiaï-geiko, the competitive form of kendo.
The morning concluded with a festive Spanish lunch, a fitting festivity of a season filled with growth and camaraderie.The afternoon brought a unique chance for the Shoshin Carcassonne members. They were treated to a demonstration of Iaïdo, the art of sword drawing, by two Iaïdo practitioners from Narbonne, Francis and Abdel. This complementary martial art, focusing on the precise and elegant movements of drawing and wielding a real sword, provided a fascinating glimpse into a different facet of Japanese swordsmanship.
The experiance was both impressive and exhilarating, leaving a lasting impression on the participants and sparking interest in exploring Iaïdo further in the future.
Stepping Beyond the blade: Exploring Kendo and Iaido with Sensei Marc Dubois
Today, we’re diving deep into the world of Japanese swordsmanship with Sensei Marc Dubois, a seasoned kendo instructor with over 30 years of experience.Sensei Dubois, welcome to the show.
Sensei Dubois: It’s a pleasure to be here.
Moderator: The Shoshin Carcassonne kendo club recently celebrated a triumphant end to 2024 with a day filled with examinations, demonstrations, and even a glimpse into the world ofIaido. what are your thoughts on this type of collaborative event within the martial arts community?
Sensei Dubois: I think these events are absolutely crucial for the growth and development of martial artists. Kendo, at its core, is about discipline, respect, and continuous learning. Events like this not only allow practitioners to test their skills and knowledge but also foster a sense of community and shared passion.
Moderator: The article mentions the element of surprise in kendo due to the hidden rank system. Do you find this adds a unique dimension to the sport, or does it create an unfair advantage for experienced practitioners?
Sensei Dubois: It’s definitely a unique aspect. While some may argue it creates an uneven playing field,I believe it encourages humility and a focus on the present moment. You can’t rely solely on knowing your opponent’s rank. You have to be prepared for anything. It’s a valuable lesson that transcends the dojo.
Moderator: The Shoshin club members were also introduced to Iaido, the art of sword drawing. What are the key differences between Iaido and Kendo, and do you see any benefits in practitioners exploring both disciplines?
Sensei Dubois: Both paths share the same roots in Japanese swordsmanship, but they are distinctly different. Kendo is a sport, focusing on sparring and competitive spirit. Iaido, on the other hand, is more meditative and introspective. It focuses on precision, control, and the fluidity of movement. Comparing the two is like comparing a sprint to a marathon – both require discipline and strength, but in different ways.
Practicing both, I believe, can offer a more well-rounded understanding of the sword.
Moderator: Sensei Dubois,the article ends with a sense of excitement about the future of both kendo and Iaido at the Shoshin club. With events like this promoting collaboration and exploration, what do you see as the future of these disciplines?
Sensei Dubois: The future looks radiant. There’s a growing interest in traditional martial arts, especially among younger generations. Events like this one are crucial for keeping the spirit of discipline, respect, and continuous learning alive. I believe kendo and Iaido will continue to thrive as long as we foster a sense of community and shared passion.
Moderator: Thank you for your insights, Sensei Dubois. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you today.
Sensei dubois: My pleasure.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe keeping ranks hidden in kendo adds a unique dimension or creates an advantage? How crucial are cross-training opportunities like the Iaido presentation in fostering a comprehensive understanding of martial arts? Share your comments below!
