Taos Kenyukai
タオス剣友会
Taos Kenyukai, which translates to "Taos Sword Friends Association", is focused on the principle of fostering camaraderie through the practice of kendo. Our goal is to deepen our understanding and mastery of kendo techniques through rigorous training, both in the dojo and in our daily lives. Our mission is to create a challenging, safe, and enriching space for individuals to learn and grow through the study of the sword.
Our Dojo's Crest
Our dojo's crest features two intersecting Zia symbols, forming eight directions, like the eight cuts of traditional Japanese swordsmanship. The Zia symbol is a sacred symbol of the Zia Pueblo and the symbol at the center of the New Mexican Flag. It represents the sun and the four directions of life. In this context, the intersection of two Zia symbols creates a connection between the eight points, symbolizing the comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of Kendo's deepest teachings. Surrounding the intersecting Zia symbols is a sunflower.
The sunflower is often associated with positivity, longevity, and loyalty. In Japanese culture specifically, the sunflower is known as "Himawari". It is considered a symbol of good luck, happiness, and vitality. The sunflower's vibrant and radiant appearance is likened to the sun, representing warmth, energy, and the pursuit of growth and enlightenment.
It symbolizes the values of optimism, resilience, and dedication to personal and spiritual growth, aligning with the principles of martial arts and the pursuit of excellence practiced in kendo.
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Our Banner
"知行合一" is pronounced as "Chikon Gōitsu" in Japanese. It means the integration of knowledge and action.
Instructors
Aaron Garlick 4 Dan
Aaron Garlick has 22 years of experience in Kendo. He started teaching kendo shortly after graduating high school. He has run and assisted in running kendo clubs since that time. He began his study of the art at twelve years old, learning under Jim Dixon Sensei (Taos Kendo Dojo) and Brian Anderson. He refined his practice while living in Los Angeles where he trained at the world-famous Chuo Dojo under Masashi Shikai Sensei. Additionally, he lived and practiced in Japan during the 16th World Kendo Championships. He has acted as captain for Taos's first kendo team. They were successful in multiple tournaments throughout the southwest.
Travis Webb 1 kyu
Travis Webb has 17 years of kendo experience. He also began kendo with Brian Anderson and Jim Dixon Sensei. He is an excellent competitor who has practiced kendo all over the world, at the world-famous Chuo kendo dojo, in LA, in Sweden, Amsterdam, and the US. Travis is a knife and sword maker continuing the blacksmithing tradition of Kenshi here in Taos. He is an expert tanguero and has taught tango for over 13 years. His dance and movement practice makes him a strong asset to Taos's teaching staff.
Members
Yudansha:
Aaron Garlick 4 Dan
Mudansha:
Travis Webb 1 Kyu
Paul Richard 2 Kyu
Scott Tennant 3 Kyu
Gina Gargone 3 Kyu
Mukyusha:
About Kendo
Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art that is derived from traditional swordsmanship techniques. It promotes discipline, focus, and respect, it emphasizes personal development as well as physical and technical refinement. It involves the use of bamboo swords (shinai) and protective armor (bogu) to simulate sword combat.
Kendo has its roots in the samurai warrior culture of feudal Japan, where swordsmanship was considered the ultimate test of skill and discipline. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Japan began to modernize and the samurai class was abolished, kendo shifted and evolved into a martial/spiritual sport that's main aim is to cultivate one's character. It is an exciting and rewarding form of discipline as well as a great way to stay in shape and improve your physical fitness.
Concept and Purpose:
The concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana (sword).
The purpose of practicing Kendo is:
To mold the mind and body,
To cultivate a vigorous spirit,
And through correct and rigid training,
To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo,
To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor,
To associate with others with sincerity,
And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.
This will make one be able:
To love his/her country and society,
To contribute to the development of culture
And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.
(The Concept of Kendo was established by All Japan Kendo Federation in 1975.)
“The Mindset of Kendo Instruction” and its explanation
The Significance of the Shinai
For the correct transmission and development of Kendo, efforts should be made to teach the correct way of handling the shinai in accordance with the principles of the sword.
Kendo is a way where the individual cultivates one’s mind (the self) by aiming for shin-ki-ryoku-itchi (unification of mind, spirit and technique) utilizing the shinai. The “shinai-sword” should be not only directed at one’s opponent but also at the self. Thus, the primary aim of instruction is to encourage the unification of mind, body and shinai through training in this discipline.
Reiho - Etiquette
When instructing, emphasis should be placed on etiquette to encourage respect for partners, and nurture people with a dignified and humane character.
Even in competitive matches, importance is placed on upholding etiquette in Kendo. The primary emphasis should thus be placed on instruction in the spirit and forms of reiho (etiquette) so that the practitioner can develop a modest attitude to life, and realize the ideal of koken-chiai (the desire to achieve mutual understanding and betterment of humanity through Kendo.)
Lifelong Kendo
While providing instruction, students should be encouraged to apply the full measure of care to issues of safety and health, and to devote themselves to the development of their character throughout their lives.
Kendo is a “way of life” that successive generations can learn together. The prime objective of instructing Kendo is to encourage the practitioner to discover and define their way in life through training in the techniques of Kendo. Thus, the practitioner will be able to develop a rich outlook on life and be able to put the culture of Kendo into use, thereby benefitting from its value in their daily lives through increased social vigour.
March 14, 2007
All Japan Kendo Federation
* Translation of ‘Kendo Shido no Kokoro Gamae (The Mindset of Kendo Instruction)’ and its explanation in Japanese