News of the JINR Cultural Centre "Mir"

Kendo for everyone and for each one

For two creative seasons, kendo classes have been held at the JINR Cultural Centre "Mir". This is a modern Japanese martial art of fencing with bamboo swords. It is practiced in traditional Japanese style and protective armor.

Over the past year, the Dubna Kendo Club has added several new members to its ranks. While several of the Club's regular armored members have suspended their training, the staff still works thanks to the activity of several enthusiasts.

The Club's activities are supported within the framework of the "Sport" project from the JINR AYSS. However, the interest in the Club from adults participating in various spheres of city life currently grows. The Club has a high turnover of members due to the specifics of the classes themselves, but the staff always warmly welcomes people that wish to learn about this type of art. It is very easy to do it - no preparation is required, only desire and interest. In addition, training for beginners is completely free. It is interesting that kendo equalizes everyone - both teenagers and adults come to classes that learn the principles of Japanese fencing on equal terms.

As Head of the Club Pavel Nekhoroshkov said, several people during this time have moved to a new level, purchasing equipment and shinai swords for full-contact fights. Today, they can train at maximum speeds, discovering new possibilities in themselves.

In April, the Club members gave a demonstration performance at the festival of additional development and education for adults "Clover-fest" that was organized by the Blokhintsev Universal Library. There, the Club presented the main forms of kata with a long sword that show the basic techniques and deep philosophy of Japanese fencing. They also demonstrated the main strikes in full contact using protective equipment (bogu) and a small training free fight, during which no one was hurt and the audience was delighted.

This year, the Club members took part in an open training session of Moscow clubs, held under the auspices of the All-Russian Kendo Federation, as well as a seminar and exam up to 3rd dan, where the features and areas of further training for improving their qualities were clarified. This is what kendo is all about - self-improvement.

We invite everyone that wishes to learn such a unique art. It allows you to set goals and to achieve them, working on yourself, while tempering your soul and body. Classes are held at the Cultural Centre "Mir" on a regular basis, everyone can come to the fencing club, talk to its participants and the teacher and perhaps, embark on the path of self-improvement.

Eleonora YAMALEEVA