Kendo Collection

Kendo martial arts fighter holding sword in front of him

Sport / Martial Arts / Kendo
Two warriors practise Kendo, the way of the sword. Kendo is derived from ancient samurai (warrior class) fighting methods

Japanese ways of chivalry: a display of ancient fighting methods by the Budokwai in London at the Aeolian Hall. Wielding "saucepan lids", sickle and chain

Kendo, fencing, Japan, circa 1880s. Date: circa 1880s

Kendo, fencing, Japan, c. 1880 s
Kendo, fencing, Japan, c.1880s Vintage late 19th century photograph

Warlord watches Samurai practising their Swordplay (colour woodblock print)
STC437653 Warlord watches Samurai practising their Swordplay (colour woodblock print) by Japanese School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Kendo, or Japanese Fencing, c. 1860-80 (b / w photo)
701539 Kendo, or Japanese Fencing, c.1860-80 (b/w photo) by European Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Japanese martial art.); out of copyright

Traditional Japanese fencing at a police station in Tokyo (b / w photo)
6014077 Traditional Japanese fencing at a police station in Tokyo (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Round the World Yachting in the "Ceylon", XXI, Japan (engraving)
1060951 Round the World Yachting in the " Ceylon", XXI, Japan (engraving) by Fripp, Charles Edwin (1854-1906); Private Collection; (add.info)

Celebrating the Mikados Birthday on Board the Japanese Cruiser "Yoshino"at Plymouth
1063171 Celebrating the Mikados Birthday on Board the Japanese Cruiser " Yoshino" at Plymouth, a Display of Native Fencing (engraving) by English School

Japanese Fencers, c. 1860s (b / w photo)
495551 Japanese Fencers, c.1860s (b/w photo) by Beato, Felice (Felix) (1825-c.1908); Private Collection; (add.info.: Described by Beato as fencers these men are in fact practitioners of the Japanese)

Fencers Taking Positions, c1903, (1903). Artist: Ogawa & Burton
Fencers Taking Positions, c1903, (1903). Japansese Fencers. From The Sports of the World, by F. G. Aflalo, F.R.G.S. F.Z.S. [Cassell and Company, Limited, London, Paris, New York & Melbourne, 1938]

The End of a Bout, c1903, (1903). Artist: Ogawa & Burton
The End of a Bout, c1903, (1903). Japanese Fencers. From The Sports of the World, by F. G. Aflalo, F.R.G.S. F.Z.S. [Cassell and Company, Limited, London, Paris, New York & Melbourne, 1903]

A Japanese Fencing School In The 19Th Century. From El Mundo En La Mano Published 1875

Kendo martial arts costume

Oxford versus Cambridge at the Officers Training Corps tournament at Cambridge. Lieutenant Colonel C H Wilkins ( left ) making a clever parry in his bayonet fight with 2nd Lieutenant A T McCullagh

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"Kendo: The Art of Japanese Swordsmanship" In the world of martial arts, Kendo stands tall as a captivating display of ancient fighting methods. With a kendo martial arts fighter holding his sword in front of him, one can witness the essence of this traditional sport. Originating from Japan, Kendo encompasses not only physical prowess but also embodies the values and principles deeply rooted in Japanese ways of chivalry, and is an art that goes beyond mere combat; it is a way to cultivate discipline, respect, and self-improvement. Imagine stepping into the Aeolian Hall in London where the Budokwai showcases their expertise wielding "saucepan lids, " sickle and chain, and Japanese halberds. Bouts with Nabebuta, Kusarigama, and Naginata leave spectators mesmerized by the skillful maneuvers executed with precision. Travel back to circa 1880s Japan where kendo fencing flourished. Warlords keenly observe samurais practicing their swordplay in vivid color woodblock prints. Delve deeper into history with black-and-white photographs capturing moments at police stations or witnessing traditional Japanese fencing unfold. Even across oceans on board ships like "Ceylon, " kendo enthusiasts continue to celebrate this art form during round-the-world yachting expeditions. On another occasion aboard the Japanese cruiser "Yoshino" at Plymouth, native fencing takes center stage as they honor Mikado's birthday. The allure persists through time as we glimpse fencers taking positions captured by artists Ogawa & Burton in 1903. Their artwork immortalizes these warriors' dedication to perfecting their craft while showcasing grace amidst intense battles. Kendo remains an embodiment of tradition fused with modernity—a testament to its enduring appeal worldwide. As practitioners don their armor and engage in spirited duels today, they pay homage to centuries-old techniques passed down through generations—keeping alive the spirit of Japanese swordsmanship.