2008, Volume 4
A Study on the Development and Contributions that Kendo Coaching has made to the Internationalisation and Development of Kendo
Sotaro Honda1
1Faculty of Health and Physical Education, Fukuoka University of Education, Fukuoka-ken, Fukuoka-ken, Japan
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Abstract
Background and Study Aim: To examine the issues that should be considered for further international diffusion and development of kendo in terms of its coaching programmes and teaching methods by referring to coaching qualification policies in the UK and Hong Kong.
Material and Methods: Primary sources i.e. the guidebook of coaching courses by the BKA and the HKKA were used to understand what was aimed at and required in their policies. Participative observations and interviews were also used to understand how the policies were implemented.
Results: The BKA aimed to increase their club numbers by implementing their coaching policy and awarding coaching qualifications. The HKKA aimed to improve their members’ kendo level and get them more interested in kendo using the coaching examinations.
Conclusions: What the BKA and HKKA attempt with their policies is a useful reference for other countries and also as a new way of internationally developing kendo. Future research in kendo should aim to improve the availability of teaching materials on kendo.
Key words: coaching qualifications, internationalisation, kendo, teaching methods