Kendo

[cheng]

quoting wiki;
"Kendo (剣道), meaning "Way of The Sword," is a modern Japanese martial art, which descended from traditional swordsmanship"

couldnt wait to use this pair of (I call) Japanese arms (just received from a playmofriend!)...without his bamboo sword (Shinai) and head/body protective armor (easily made from old PM knight armour and the Olympic's fencer's face mask

[Wesley Myers]

As a Kendoka (and Iaidoka) myself, it's great to see a Playmobil representation.

The white top works (indigo blue is more common - white means purity and is generally worn by women (women would generally train in naginata, not sword, today women training in kendo is more common).

We do not wear "belts" on the outside of the uniform. The obi (belt) is worn under the hakama (split skirt) and can not be seen. It is between the second and third layer of the obi that the saya (scabbard) is placed.

As for the red hakama, Kendoka would not wear that. Temple maidens are the only individuals I know of that wear red hakama.  They also happen to wear white keikogi (tops).

The short staff he holds would be perfect as a Jo.  Jodo is a valid samurai art as well. In fact, Jodo, Kendo and Iaido all are under the governing body of the Zen Nippon Kendo Renmai (ZNKR) which translates to "All Japan Kendo Association".

[cheng]

thanks you for the information WM!

Iaidoka ka?! WOW! I remember you mentioned this before but did you get to learn the turning swallow cut too? I'm sure you have a katana at home to practise regularly I hope its always locked up

My custom was inspired from this pic I've kept for a long time and was searching for this bright red dress and these loose white sleeves. I've long waited for longer baggy sleeves for Asian customs but looks like I'll have to wait longer

and can I also say that unlike the chinese of that era, the samurai does not have belts showing? I'll be posting another samurai custom...please comment on my bethanks for correcting my belts

[larryhohoho]

I remember the red hakama from Akira Kurosawa's movie "RAN" which features a whole squadron of fighting ladies all donning the red hakama.

[cheng]

I remember the red hakama from Akira Kurosawa's movie "RAN" which features a whole squadron of fighting ladies all donning the red hakama.

oh? I thought 'Ran' was in black & white...if there's a colour version in Youtube, please send me th link, thanks!
oh, btw, I searched red hakama and this blonde came up

[Wesley Myers]

My custom was inspired from this pic

Do not go by what American websites may show.  (see examples below:)







There is a reason it is a called an "uniform" in Kendo and Iaido. 

What is worn in Kendo is not the same as that for Iai.  Kendo keikogi are much thicker and heavier (traditionally dojos are not heated so if you practice in the winter, you want something warmer and something lighter again in the summer).  They are also thicker and heavier than for Iai because we hit ("cut") at full contact in Kendo. 

I do have more than a couple katana, yes.  No, they are not locked up.  They are on their display stands above the hutch (decorative furniture piece for holding and displaying dishes). 

My wife has trained in Kendo and my oldest daughter.  My oldest daughter found it too hard.  Classes are 2 hours long. 

[Wesley Myers]

oh? I thought 'Ran' was in black & white...if there's a colour version in Youtube, please send me th link, thanks!
oh, btw, I searched red hakama and this blonde came up

Ran was in colour.  It was released in 1985.

You should check out:

https://www.facebook.com/MalaysiaKendoAssociation

and

http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/showthread.php/3828-Kendo-in-Malaysia


To continue the hokey hakama theme:

[cheng]

Already dismantled my red hakama custom
no worries...and thanks for all these invaluable information WM!
...I hope to watch this famous movie 'RAN' soon!

[Erik]

Do not go by what American websites may show.

I know what you mean...As a Viking-age afficionado I have the same problem with horned helmets and double-axes...