Terminology: kendoka / kenshi

[Ian Remi]

Hi,

Just wondering if one of you kind folk would be able to clarify these two terms for me. My current understanding is that kenshi is a general term used to refer to someone who studies the japanese sword arts whereas kendoka is a more specific term used for one who studies kendo. I've only made these inferences over time through reading material where these terms were used but never well defined.

Just wanting to make sure I'm understanding these terms correctly.

Cheers.

[fifthchamber]

Hello Ian,
Kendo is 'Sword way' (NO...Really?:smash: ) and the addition of 'Ka' (Using the same Kanji as 'Ke' in 'Soke') makes the word mean a 'doer'(A person of.../Profession) of Kendo (Or Judo, Jujutsu etc..).
The use of 'Shi' signifies a "Man, Samurai, or Scholar" but with the same kind of nuances as we use in the term 'Gentleman'..Someone with a bit more to them than most people, usually in terms of manners, respect, and learning.
Therefore Kendoka is 'One who does Kendo' while Kenshi is 'a Gentleman of the sword'...They are NOT equal terms due to the significance in the 'Shi' part of the word that places it on a different level than simply a 'doer' of something.
Hope this helps ya!
Abayo.

[Ian Remi]

Thank you Ben. That does help :smilejapa

[Lito Ramirez]

don't forget "kenkaku," which I believe is a general term for "swordsman."