Toshiyuki Hattori Kendo hanshi National School Kendo Federation Vice-Chairman and Senior Honorary Advisor, Kodansha Ltd.

There is an adage in kendo lore which goes, "Mastery of the Way of the Sword (kendo) leads to Truth and Truth forges the man."

This has been the philosophic and ethical basis of kendo practice at the Noma Dojo since its founding in the early years of the twentieth century. The philosophy was first embraced by Seiji Noma, founder of Kodansha Ltd and the Noma Dojo. Today his memory is honoured in the daily clash of shinai on shinai (or men!) that resonates from the beautiful old dojo in Otowa.

Seiji Noma was a very successful publisher who launched his first magazine in 1909. By 1911 he had founded Kodansha Ltd. Since that time the names of Noma and Kodansha have been synonymous with kendo in Tokyo and, indeed, throughout Japan.

From its earliest days, the Noma Dojo was open to all. This was rare in Japan at that time because kendo was riven by factions and inter-dojo rivalry. But Seiji Noma, seeking only the furtherance of kendo itself, opened his dojo to anyone who wished to practice.
�@With the arrival of Moriji Mochida as resident master-teacher, the fame and status of the dojo increased steadily. The Noma family's commitment to kendo was immense and, in 1934, Hisashi Noma, Seiji's son, won the prestigious Emperor's Cup. A few years later, in 1940, Master Sinsuke Masuda and Kodansha employee Masafusa Mochizuki attained victories in their respective classes at the All Japan Championship. Mr Mochizuki, Torao Mori, myself and others won countless team and individual competitions in the Kanto [Tokyo] area. We were well known for our bravado! Truly, this period was a "Golden Age" of the Noma Dojo and I am very proud to be associated with it.

After the Pacific War (1941-45), Japan was occupied by Allied forces from 1945-52. Kendo and all other martial arts were prohibited throughout these years on the orders of Allied General Headquarters (GHQ). Not surprisingly, kendo went into serious decline.

GHQ rescinded its ban on kendo and the other martial arts in the late 1940s, and Kodansha employees resumed occasional practice at the dojo. In the autumn of 1962, however, regular, morning kendo sessions were restarted under Mr Mochida by then Kodansha president, Shoichi Noma. As before, practice at the Dojo was open to all. The move proved a resounding success and members new and old flooded to the Dojo. And so the tradition has continued to this day. Takeo Morishima (hanshi) is the current master. The intense morning sessions run from seven to eight a.m., seven days a week as the keen members of the Noma Dokokai come from all over Tokyo to practice.

�@Recently, interest in kendo among young people has risen. This trend should be encouraged for kendo offers much in terms of physical and mental benefits to both young and old. The old adage about kendo "forging the man" rings true even today.

I sincerely hope that the succession of great teachers at the Noma Dojo will continue, and that kendo will continue its development in Japan and grow in popularity around the world. Enjoy your kendo!