MANN CASTLE EQUESTRIAN
WAY OF THE SWORD
Swords never fail - just the courage of the master.
Kendo (剣道) is a modern Japanese martial art, which descended from swordsmanship (kenjutsu) and uses bamboo swords (shinai) and protective armour (bōgu).
In Japanese, Kendo literally means "way of the sword" and has been practiced for centuries. Today, it is widely practiced within Japan and many other nations across the world. Kendo is an activity that combines martial arts practices and values with strenuous sport-like physical activity.
Join us for the first annual "Way of the Sword" Festival on July 21, 2018 at Mann Castle.
Activities for this all day event event include a BBQ, swimming, fishing, archery, and live demonstrations of Kendo.
Time: 11am to late evening.
Rain or shine, the swords will fly, the mead will flow and the arrows will loose. Grab your knight or maiden and join the fun.
ARMOUR
Developed in the Edo period (1615-1868)
A complete Bogu consists of:
Men, a mask made of cotton which protects the head and has an iron/ steel/ titanium face guard. The Men has also a throat guard and shoulder flaps hat protects the shoulders. Do, a breastplate covering the stomach and parts of the chest. The Do is made of bamboo slats but can also be made of fibreglass or plastic.
Kote, gauntlets, that protect the hands and wrists. The Kote is padded over the knuckles and cotton wadding protects the wrist and forearms. The palms are traditionally made of smoked hide but also synthetic are used. Tare, an apron that protects waist and thighs; it has five overlapping plates to allow movement.
A Tenugui or Hachimaki (soft cloth) is wrapped around the head and worn under the men. Under the Bogu, a heavy cotton jacket (Kendogi), and a wide, skirt-like trousers (Hakama) is worn.