Kendo

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Date of Origin: 18th Century Country of Origin: Japan Technique: Sword

Kendo
What is Kendo?

Kendo translated is "the way of the sword." One's first impression of a Kendo bout could be that it is aggressive, loud and somewhat violent which could not be further from the truth. Kendo is a very formal art. It is a highly stylized sport derived from the two-handed sword fighting techniques of the samurai (Kenjutsu). As in Judo, skill and technique are much more important than one's size or strength. For this reason, men and women can compete against one another without any unfair advantage.

Training

Training mostly consists of two-person drills, basics, and some kata that have been retained from Kenjutsu between individuals. Techniques are limited to a few blows and thrusts. The target areas are restricted to the head, side of the body, throat and wrists. Students learn grips and stances, and are taught the importance of eye contact and kiai.

Fighting

Kendo fighters use the shinai, a four foot bamboo sword. Sometimes the bokken, a wooden sword, is used in practice. Often Kendo is taught in conjunction with Iaido, which is the art of drawing the sword. Fighters wear protective gear (bogu) covering the target areas: the head, wrists, and abdomen. The bogu consists of a men (face mask), a do (breastplate), kote (fencing gloves), and the tare, a kind of apron to protect the stomach and hips. Under the protective gear, kendoka (students of Kendo) wear a hakama, or wide split skirt that reaches the ankles.

The shinai is made of four carefully formed bamboo slats that are bound together to form a hollow cylinder. A cord runs along the length of the shinai. To make a valid cut a player must strike his opponent with the side opposite the cord. Additionally, the point must be struck with the top third of the shinai.