Sasaki Hirotsugu wise words

Traditional Kendo is not a sport, but rather a mental discipline conditioning one's self to face a life or death confrontation. Kendo is a martial art; in order to defeat an apponent (who is also a disciplined swordsman) one must concentrate and focus their mind to defend an attack with innate skills that have been developed through daily practice.

Musashi-kai kendo was started in 1600 by Miyamoto Musashi, however, is still taught and practiced today. Kendo is not merely the knowledge of swordsmanship but it is how we should develop ourselves to be more human in our hearts, spirits and mental attitude in our every-day living.

A lapse in concentration, fear, or a moment of doubt can bring a swift defeat. A true swordsman is one who does not think of survival but rather has prepared themselves for death. If the swordsman's thoughts were of self-preservation, then they will be distracted. Therefore, kendo or the art of swordsmanship, is not a physical activity, but rather it is a mental discipline.

Sasaki Hirotsugu