Here we post information on many different aspects of Kendo. This will range from information on basic equipment, to techniques in kendo, to more philosophical aspects of Kendo.

Equipment

Hakama Guide - by S. Quinlan 

Hakama pleat restoration - by S. Quinlan

Shinai Maintenance (download) - A small booklet written by S. Quinlan on shinai maintenance. Designed for beginners, this booklet gives instructions on the disassembly, re-assembly, sanding and oiling of a shinai in preparation for its first use. It also provides information on general maintenance as well as simple repairs. If you want you can also purchase a bound copy.

Hitting Dummy construction manual - I have finished writing up a guide (as requested) on how we constructed our own "hitting dummy" here at the KKC. Our dummy is used in many of our classes, either as part of the warm-up or for striking practice.

Technique

Suburi Video - Here is a very short movie clip displaying three different ways you can 'time' your suburi, specifically with regards to the timing of your shinai in relation to your feet. The three different versions are a rough benchmark for techniques to be used at beginner, intermediate, and advanced level kendo. The "advanced" timing is the one we must strive for in our keiko, but it is also to be used during the Kendo no Kata and the Kihon Bokuto Waza.

Kihon Bokuto Waza Descriptions - by S. Quinlan. The Kihon Bokuto Waza (Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon Waza Keiko Ho) were designed by the All Japan Kendo Federation to help teach the fundamentals of Kendo and to help foster the notion that the Shinai is a representation of an actual Katana. This document gives a basic step-by-step description of the Bokuto Waza, as well as some key points regarding their performance.

Ware Igai Minna Shi - the KKC's 'Dojo Manual', by S. Quinlan. Weighing in at 422 pages, this book gives information on basic formalities and equipment, to more advanced topics like waza, philosophy, and the Nihon Kendo no Kata.  Printed copies are available for purchase through the club for $30.00.  Print or Digital copies may be ordered online at LuLu.com.

Philosophy

What is the Purpose of Kendo? - This is an interesting question as modern Kendo is both a "sport" as well as a "Budo". While the sport aspect is rather simple to understand (exercise, comaraderie, tournament competition, etc..) the "Do" in Kendo is much more complex, as well as a very personal and individualized topic. The All Japan Kendo Federation officially set down the "concept and purpose" of Kendo in 1975. This definition emobodies the modern concept of a "Do".

When do I??! Why do I?!? How Do I?!?! - questions often left burning in many a Kendoka's thoughts when it comes to being able to deal with an opponent. This is a small excerpt from the Kingston Kendo Club's Dojo Manual regarding the "San Satsu Ho", "Mitsu no Sen" and "The Four Sicknesses". These topics give some insight into the (principles oriented) answers of when, why, and how you can attack (or be attacked by!) an opponent.

Mistakes in Practice - a small excerpt from “Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind” by Shunryu Suzuki. The connection between 'Zen thought' and Kendo is very apparent, as are the similarities in their practice methods. While the subject is that of practicing 'Zazen', the advice it gives is equally applicable to a Kendoka. 

Mindset for Keiko? Here is a small article written a few years ago regarding the mindset needed while performing keiko. I think that it is particularly useful to those who are relatively new to (Bogu) Kendo.

Glossary

Kendo Glossary - written by S. Quinlan.