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INTRODUCTION

This study has several aims, the most important being to offer some small insight (so vast is the subject) into the history, background and formulation of nihon kendo kata, thus forming a testimonial to the greatness of the masters who conceived the wonderful standardisation originally known as Dai nihon Teikoku Kendo Kata. Such is their importance to Kendo that I had hoped to be able to link up the individual forms of dai nihon teikoku kata to their original influences. Unfortunately, this has proved to be virtually impossible, although the genealogical reference diagram does indicate the masters of the various committees involved, and it is possible from this to determine the influences and origins of Kendo and the Kata. Indeed, the foremost influence is to be found within the kodachi forms where there is a strong resemblance to Itto ryu Kodachi Kata.

The modern Nihon Kendo Kata should be practised and studied with great reverence and respect, partly because of the important tradition and partly as an acknowledgement of the many schools and styles associated with those great men.

‘By practising now in the present, we pay homage to the past and safeguard its continuation for the future’.

Perhaps this is the only justification necessary for Kendo, whose essence and entity is the true ethic of swordsmanship.

In reference to the Nihon Kendo Kata as practised today, the Kata was performed by myself and Mr. Yoshinori Inoue, both of us Yondan (4th Degree). This was done with the intention of establishing some reference points in order to facilitate the study of the Kata. Neither of us confess to being experts in Kata but tried only to perform to the best of our ability and limited understanding.

It may be necessary throughout the book to refer to the Glossary of Terms .

Teikoku Kendo Kata-Kinnosuke Ogawa on the right, Shigesaburo Miyazaki on the left.

Picture taken in front of the grave of Ono Tadaaki, founder of the OnoHa Itto Ryu, successor to Ito Ittosai. Junzo Sasamori - right; Naritomo Tsurumi on the left. They are performing Ono Ha Itto Ryu kata.