Most know I love film. I have a particular affinity for Kurosawa Samurai classics. Tonight I got curious about Kendo, the Japanese martial art of fencing (swords). I found an interesting National Geographic documentary focusing on a life-long Kendo practitioner making his 5th attempt at 8 Dan (Hachi-Dan). What is amazing is that less than 1% of those who even attempt it each year succeed. They hold two tests a year in Japan with 700-1400 applicants each; all of whom are already revered practitioners, most having been competition champions and/or instructors. (Also they have been 7 Dan (Nanadan) for at least 8 years.) It is refreshing to see something where the standards have not been “eased” over time, either you succeed or not. No appeals. There are only 200-300 living Hachi-Dans in the world out of 8,000,000 active Kendo practitioners. Talk about elite! The testing process is interesting to watch. What seems physical at first, turns out to be an exhausting mental exercise. [Via YouTube]
