文化 (ぶんか): 剣道(けんどう)

こんばんわ皆さん。

At the first 日本語テエブル, it was difficult to hold a conversation with 牧野せんせえ because the number of expressions I know is very limited. So I wanted to share how one says "My hobby is..." with all of you. It's a great addition to the different phrases we've been learning in class related to introducing yourself to others.

So here it goes...

i.e.

[My] [hobby] [is] [kendo].

=

[わたしの][しゅみ][は][けんどおです]。

しゅみ = hobby

Not too difficult, right?

Now, as a brief note about me, kendo is actually one of my actual hobbies. I have been practicing kendo since 4th grade and I am currently a 2nd dan (段/だん) master. The reasons I find it really enjoyable is because of its focus on honing the mind and body as well as an emphasis on respect and courtesy.

While a kendo match may seem very physical and intense, when you are actually in the position of facing an opponent it feels more like a relaxed breathing exercise than a fight. An example of how kendo is infused with both de-stressing and respect is the rule of starting and ending every practice with もくそ(meditation).

Some 日本語 terms that are used regularly at the どじょ include:

列 - れつ: line, or to form a line

気を付け - きをつけ: (Stand to) attention!

正座, 正坐 - せいざ: sitting correctly (Japanese-style); sitting with the knees underneath the body.

着座 - ちゃくざ: Sit in seiza position.

止め - やめ :stop (command)

始め - はじめ : start (command)

and most importantly

礼 - れい : Bow

読んでくれてありがとう。じゃあ、またね!

*attached below is an english video with some Japanese たご included about the basics of Kendo!

NHK English Guide to Kendo