Ninja Picnic, March 2006

Our Dojo is more than just about learning martial arts. We are also an extended family and social group. My student and friend, David Sensei, invited us to his home for a "Ninja Picnic". In addition to nice food and cold drinks, we love to train. David Sensei had just bought two new sets of Kendo (Way of the Sword) armor, and wanted to break them in. Aaron Sensei is shown left getting ready for a bout.

Ayer Sensei, shown left, brought his "toys" which included his Nagimaki, sometimes also known as a version of the Naginata. Other versions of the Nagimaki include one equipped with a straight, double-edged blade. The version shown here can be thought of as a sword with a really long hilt.

Ayer Sensei had not lost his skills with the Kyoketsu Shoge, as we did a lot of weapons sparring.

Traditional Kendo requires for the attacker to call out his or her target before attempting a strike. These targets include the head, "Men", the wrists "Kote", and the torso "Do". My student Cody joked that we where going to be heretics in the way we spar, namely we don't call out our intended targets, and all parts of the body are allowed to be struck. Cody has studied Kendo for a while and mentioned that several Sempai (senior students) like to remove the protective piece that protects the throat to encourage opponents to attempt to thrust (tsuki) at the throat. I personally think this is quite reckless. You can see this piece of armor marked by a yellow dotted "X" just below the Men (helm).

David Sensei is holding the traditional weapon of Kendo, the Shinai (split bamboo sword). The Shinai makes a loud "clack' sound when struck against the opponent.

Traditional Kendo armor also includes a Hakama (pleated, divided skirt) a towel for the head and a Dogi Jacket.

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