Interesting juxtapositions

Laptop set up for competition

I attended a kendo seminar and grading recently, and had the opportunity to observe some excellent kendo.One of the things that caught my attention at the seminar, however, was the juxtaposition between the traditional and quite old art of kendo, with modern technology and circumstances.

This provided some interesting visual contrasts between the traditional and the contemporary.

Cooling down after grading

I often reflect upon the potential inconsistencies involved in studying traditional martial arts in the modern age.Studying traditional martial arts in a modern context raises many questions e.g. is it reasonable to apply a high level of obligatory etiquette upon students when the social structure and cultural context of the martial art has shifted and the concomitant obligations upon the instructor are no longer there (or so strong)? Or how much time is it reasonable to expect martial arts practitioners to dedicate to their art when the social infrastructure which supported that training is no longer there (as it is largely no longer needed). Many of today’s martial artists are expected to balance demanding work, family commitments and other lifestyle requirements with martial arts training. Many of today’s martial artists have to face conflicting demands on their time that were not present in the more traditional societies that gave birth to those martial arts.

The demands of modern life

 

Checking weapons (shinai) prior to grading

Grading completed: moving from the past to the present