British Kendo Renmei

Signalling Orders given by Taiko or Hyōshigi

These notes on non-verbal ‘Orders’ that are sometimes given by means of the taiko (drumbeat) or the wooden hyōshigi (signalling billets of hardwood) are based mainly on my own experiences in a very limited number of ko-budō dōjō in Japan, and, more reliably, in personal teaching initially by both Harry Russell-Robinson (The Royal Armouries) through the late-1950s to the 1970s, and Dr. Benjamin Hazard, late-Professor of Japanese and Korean History, in California, both acknowledged authorities on Japanese culture and military history, as well as a number of senior high-ranking kodansha in Japan.

Butokukan welcomes new members

For more information contact Butokukan Dojo.

Kendo Training

kendō goes back to the Samurai or warrior class of Old Japan. We use bamboo shinai or practice swords, wearing protective armour. Training is under the watchful eyes of the Sensei, as discipline is necessary to master the sword techniques and ultimately oneself.

Shōdan Shinsa – Spring 2018

The following advancement into the dan degrees was made at the shōdan shinsa, held under the Rules of the British Kendō Renmei, at Tunbridge Wells on Sunday 15th July 2018.

To Shodan:

Ben Ashley (Butokukan)

Kendo Advancements – Autumn 2017

The Renmei practice at Tunbridge Wells, on Sunday 22nd October, saw the formal announcement of the following advancements within the dan degrees:

To Yondan:	George Dillon	Butokukan Dojo
To Godan:	Ian Pattenden	Tonbridge Dojo
	Stuart Dickinson	Vauxhall Dojo
	Ric Bithell	Butokukan Dojo
To Rokudan:	Lucy Pratt	Butokukan Dojo

All advancements are made under the Examination Rules and authority of the British Kendo Renmei .