![The kendo promotion test is a long process but very worth it. [Source: Author, Seunghyeon Shim]](http://www.jstudentboard.com/reporter/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/5-3-kendo-300x260.jpg)
[Source: Author, Seunghyeon Shim]
Kendo is one of the many Japanese sports where athletes use bamboo sticks and protective gear during their test or competition. It originated from the techniques that the samurai used in ancient Japan. The bamboo stick represents the long sword and the protective gear is worn from head to waist to prevent injuries. With long lasting practice and hard effort, the athletes prepared for six months just for this one day.
During the test, the judges looked for correct position of competitors as they move and aim for the correct place to hit. In addition, the competitors’ shout of concentration is another factor that can help them to persuade the judges in promoting them. As they move up to the upper level, they can become an assistant for teaching kendo when they reach 2-Dan (one of the levels in kendo). Then they can become the level of master, who can begin to teach others on their own, at 4-Dan. To become a teacher, however, is a long process.
One of the test takers, named Jennifer S., said that she started kendo in her freshman year. She wanted to “increase [her] strength and become healthier.” She stated that “[she] took several months to reach the point where [she was able] to compete with others and take the promotion test;” however, she “enjoyed every moment [she] played.”
Competing with other kendo players helped Jennifer improve her skills, and because there are a myriad of ways to compete with one another, kendo was an attractive choice of many sports. Furthermore, kendo helps the students to focus on their current activity, thus improving their studying habits. Jennifer S. again stated that kendo “increased [her] concentration when studying.” Now, “kendo has become part of [her] life.”
In addition to these benefits, kendo also helps athletes to remain in the balanced structure of their position when they are doing other activities. Kendo’s correct position is to move with a straight back and with an open shoulder. The players also have to look straight ahead at their opponents, hardening the correct posture even in their everyday lives. Finally, kendo can increase the athletes’ courage by their shouts of concentration. The athletes, who began kendo because of these benefits, can experience their attraction to kendo more and more.
