Kendo/ Kumdo- is it Korean or Japanese?

Fo shizzle. I did not realize that there were Far East forum.

Before arguing about whether kendo is Japanese or Korea, it is important to understand the question. It's purely asking if kendo is Japanese. And yes, it is! (From my point of view, anyway.)

Why?

I am going against, Japanese people... but let's face it. Practically most, if not all, historians in the world agree with the fact that Japan was in the stage of Dark Age. Thanks to the harsh current in the East Sea (98% of the world know East Sea as Sea of Japan, but I disagree. The name of the sea was known as East Sea until the Korea was forced to annex to Japanese Empire in the beginning of World War II. After all, Korea was never significant until the beginning of Korean War.

Anyways, China and India brought their culture to Korea. Korea adopted to Chinese culture and began to reshape into Korean culture. The greatest influence, arguably, was the religion of Buddhism. Korea, like many other Asian nations, was full of poor and miserable commoners. Serfdom was common, and the gaps between commoners and nobles were huge compared to European civilization. (They had Christianity) Korean government, divided by many tribes back then, used Buddhism not only to provide hope to commoners, but also in attempt to unify Korea.

Korea also adopted the Chinese martial arts and mixed with Korean martial arts to create their unique martial arts. Against popular misconception, Korea's first marital art was not Taekwon-do. Taekon-do was never established until Joseon came to power.

Introduction of more advanced metalworking skills was critical.

Korean middle class and priests sailed to Japan, where they were welcomed as the messenger of God. Japan was, suffice to say, was not a civilized nation yet. Japanese viewed Koreans crafting swords like God creating Adam and Eve, which explains why Japanese culture view swords as sacred weapon only to be carried only by military members.

Kendo was designed as military reform in divided Japan, where wars were waged frequently. Like Hwarangs of Korea, Ten thousand immortals of Persia and Elite hoplites of Sparta, they were trained based on archery, swordsmanship, and horse-riding. Interesting to note is that in Korea, horse-riding was not a common training requirement... even in Kumdo. (Who's the fool now, Ryukyu Magic?)

I am too lazy to continue, but I think you get the point now. Buddhism (Zen Buddhism to be exact... right? I may be wrong on this one.) heavily influenced the art of Kendo that taught Japanese warriors about honor, dignity and belief of afterlife. Which is among the reason why many Japanese did not fear death. It was religion, not patriotism.

But the point of the history is... no one is right or wrong! As long as one can justify the idea with reasonable facts and logics... you are correct. All the history we learn in books and website is bunch of lies due to the fact that winners make shape the history.   

Have fun debating. 

And debates between Landsknecht_Doppelsoldner and wuTao are so hilarious. You two believe that the author of the book that is being used as reference is perfect historian. The reason why we gather so many reference is that just because one is recognized author does not mean he's always right. You fight like Pharisees, for crying aloud.

Well, they originated from different war environment... and their belief was originally different (Zen Buddhism and state) but I agree with that. These days, they change the martial arts so that it suits the teachers the most. Like I said, as long as one can justify one's answer using reasons and logics will work.

By the way, the misunderstanding is probably me. I suck at English. I am still learning since I studies English for about 3 years. Sorry about that.