The concept of kendo is to discipline the human character
through the application of the principles of the sword.
Kendo (剣道), translated literally means "the way of the sword". It is a modern Japanese martial art based on traditional swordsmanship. It is challenging both physically and mentally, combining traditional martial arts values and modern sporting elements.
Kendo is practiced worldwide by people of all ages, genders, identities and religions. Experience and mental strength are more valuable than speed and physical strength. As a result, kendo can be enjoyed as a truly lifelong pursuit, which is rare in other sports.
Kendo, is a Japanese word meaning "the way of the sword" and is the traditional martial art of Japanese fencing. Kendo practitioners are known as kendoka or kenshi.
Although the history of kendo, in various forms, can be traced back as far as the 11th century, the foundations of modern kendo began to emerge in the late 18th century. Sword practice, along with other martial arts, was banned in Japan during the allied occupation following the second world war. In 1952 the All Japan Kendo Federation was formed and kendo revived.
Today, kendo is practised wearing traditional Japanese clothing, comprising a keikogi (training jacket) and hakama (pleated pants) with protective armour (bogu). The bogu consists of a men (helmet), dō (breastplate), tare (apron) and kote (gauntlets). The weapons used are a shinai (bamboo sword) and bokuto (wooden sword).
The designated targets in kendo are the men (head), kote (forearms), dō (body) and tsuki (throat).
A match in kendo is called a shiai. A point is scored by striking or thrusting to a designated target on the opponents armour. For a point to be considered valid the datotsubu (correct part of the shinai) must strike the target with ki ken tai no ichi (spirit, sword and body as one), zanshin (continuation of spirit) must be displayed and the attacking kendoka prepared to cut again at the completion of the strike.
For a more in-depth look at the history of kendo please visit the All Japan Kendo Federation website.