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Katsu-jin-ken

Among Kendo ideals, there are two major philosophies that its practitioners may follow. The first, because Kendo originally derives itself from a killing art, is called Satsu-nin-ken(Sword of death). Satsu-nin-ken is the easier kendo to follow at first, because it does not truly challenge the kendoist to improve himself. Furthermore, it is the easier ideal to understand.

Satsu-nin-ken roots itself in the idea that one will do whatever it takes to win. While this seems like an admirable concept, it also one that leads to arrogance and it cheats one's self of true victory. The 'drive to win' becomes more important than anything else especially in the method which one uses to win. Satsu-jin-ken leads to an uglier kendo whereas it is our belief that Kendo is something that is supposed to be beautiful to watch. While it is also possible, but difficult since this ideal is arrogant, to improve in technical skill using Satsu-nin-ken, the practitioner only becomes good at figuratively and literally "killing" people. Satsu-nin-ken, then, keeps its practitioner in only the physical realm of kendo and possibly creates a person with a lack of moral fiber that endangers the whole of society. Its practitioner never can become anything more than a person who uses his strength to subdue others.

In the modern day, since society no longer sanctions the wearing of swords in public, Satsu-nin-ken is no longer as necessary as it once may have been (Many masters of past times also considered Satsu-nin-ken as useless and unhealthy). This allows the practitioner to focus more on the noble side of kendo: Katsu-jin-ken(Sword of life/enlightenment).

Since ancient times in Asia, it has been understood that studying budo (martial arts) also leads eventually to a well cultivated and refined character. By strengthening the physical through rigid training, one also trained the mind and heart. In this spirit, Katsu-jin-ken can begin to bring out the nobler side of the human spirit. Through this method as most religions finally intend, one becomes a better and more compassionate person by "WAY OF SWORD"(Ken-Do = "Sword way").

Katsu-jin-ken's first practice is in challenging oneself. If one challenges oneself to become stronger and more able, then one's opponent becomes challenged to become stronger(in character and skill) as well. Thus, it is a continual encouragement to one another within kendo society to teach each other and help each other in a fruitful friendship. This is called "yakusoku-geiko" : the continuing promise between kendoists to provide each other the chance to learn and improve. While even in shiai (competition) there can only be one winner, Katsu-jin-ken truly allows everyone to share in the victory. Even the loser does not walk away empty-handed.

This brings us to the next point in Katsu-jin-ken which is the "enlightenment" aspect. While winning is the goal of any competition or any match, it does not reap as many benefits as losing does. In my experience, I have seen many kendoists requesting matches against much more skilled opponents. They do not do this merely as a means of testing one's own skill or proving something to themselves. The Katsu-jin-kendoist does this in hopes of being shown their own weakness. Many times I have seen and heard of kendoists remarking about experiencing a feeling of true beauty and understanding when being struck as if their opponent(often a highranking sensei) struck their soul. In this way, kendo becomes a means to enlightenment for the practitioner.

Enlightenment in Katsu-jin-kendo, however, is not limited only to its practitioner. Its observers also are given this opportunity. Katsu-jin-ken intends kendo to be beautiful and artistic. In this sense, Kendo is an art and not a sport (although more people are sadly beginning to lose sight of this). Kendo is a harmonic and graceful dance between opposing yet complementary forces. Should it convey this to the observer, he gains a vision of beauty from which he may also be inspired in his life. Unlike Satsu-nin-ken which is selfish, Katsu-jin-ken strives to share beauty and strength with everyone.

The final aspect of Katsu-jin-ken that Komizu-sensei has continually stressed, is that kendo is about cutting. One does not cut his opponent (like in Satsu-jin-ken) so much as he cuts himself. One cuts off all unneccesary preconceptions, all fears, doubts, surprise, and hesitations (four poisons of kendo). One cuts off one's ego and his pride. All the things in one's life that is malignant or simply a bad influence or habit, Katsu-jin-ken challenges the kendoist to cut. For only after a kendoist cuts off all these things does one truly begin to learn and master the things he needs to live a good fruitful life.