Brunei To Receive Kendo Equipment

Bandar Seri Begawan - The All-Japan Kendo Federation is set to donate Kendo equipment (Kendo-gu) to 10 countries, including Brunei, this year to promote Kendo in foreign countries.

The equipment will be donated to countries where it may be difficult to obtain it or places where the Japanese martial art is still relatively new to the people, according to a press release.

Mr Yoshinobu Nisaka¸ Ambassador of Japan to Brunei, will present the Kendo-gu to Brunei on behalf of the All-Japan Kendo Federation at a ceremony on March 1 at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The donation includes 20 Shinai (bamboo swords), 20 sets of Bogu (full protective equipment), and 21 Kendogu and Hakama (uniforms).

Kendo, literally means "the way of the sword", is one of Japan's martial arts. Skills are required when handling the sword, though Kendo places more emphasis on spiritual pursuit for the purpose of conquering oneself.

This spiritual aspect of Kendo embodies the Japanese belief of "Bushido", the code of honour and morals developed by the Japanese samurai.

Kendo is an approach to life designed to contribute to self-development through training in the guiding principles underlying the art of the sword.

Through rigorous training, the person is able to strengthen his or her body and mind, develop a strong spirit, learn to treat people with appropriate manner, value the truth, become a sincere individual, strive for self-development, love his society and country, and contribute to the peace and prosperity of humanity.

Kendo always begins and concludes with a special bow to show respect and gratitude for his or her opponent.

This spiritual aspect of Kendo is what distinguishes it from conventional sports.

The popularity of Kendo has been increasing steadily in Brunei, and this keen interest has led to the official registration of the Kendo Federation of Brunei Darussalam and the launch of the BJFA Kendo Club in 2004.

Since the establishment of the International Kendo Federation in 1970, Kendo has become increasingly popular outside of Japan.

The federation currently has members in 44 countries and its popularity continues to grow. Since 1970, international championships have been held every three years.

At Tuesday's ceremony, Awg Haji Jemat bin Haji Ampal, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, will be present as the guest of honour.

Invited guests will be given an opportunity to observe Kendo demonstrations by locals who have attained the skills through rigorous training. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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