what is the difference between kenjutsu and shinkendo?

Question

I know that both teach to fight with swords and all weapons , but whats the main difference?

Answer 1

Kenjutsu is the art (or science) of the use of the Katana and usually works through partnered Kata's and often train's the student to utilize the sword against a variety of other classical weapons in the Koryu or "old" and "traditional". and shouldn't be confused with Iaido* or Iaijutsu**. the focus of the training begins with the Bokken or "wooden sword" or the Shinai (bamboo sword, but this was not integrated through the sport of Kendo since the Shinai can be dated as far back as the 15th century) if the students cannot safely control their techniques at full speed or for general safety.

some schools even go as far as using the unsharpened steel iaito at advanced levels, and most often use the Nitojutsu or "two sword" methods that pair the Odachi and Kodachi/shoto swords in their techniques.

*Iaido is a mdernization of the sporting aspect of swordfighting as well as the artistic and meditative aspects of the sword.

**Iaijutsu is more of a practice performed against an opponent who is visualized; most often to be armed with a sword.

Shinkendo is translated as "the Way of the Serious Sword" and also focuses on the use of the Katana, but unlike Kendo which uses practice armor, the students wear a normal Gi and are trained to focus on the more realistic aspects of sword fighting so therefore it is a non-competitive sport and uses the 5 aspects of the following:

Goho Gorin Gogyo (the five fold way)

- Suburi (Swinging excercises)

- Battaho (Drawing techniques)

- Tanrengate (Solo forms)

- Tachiuchi (Sparring)

- Tameshigiri (Test cutting with real swords)

most likely it's the techniques they teach, and the use of different swords or sword techniques in the progression of the disciplines that separates or defines the two disciplines.

Answer 2

Kenjutsu is the general term for practicing kendo with or without actual sword it comes with philosophies depending on the Sensei.

Answer 3

Shin Kendo