WHAT IS KENDO?

Kendo or "way of the sword", is the martial art of Japanese fencing.

Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sporting-like physical elements. Kendo embodies the essence of Japanese fighting arts.

Kendo developed from traditional techniques of Japanese swordsmanship known as kenjutsu. As explained by the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF)....

The Concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the katana.

The Purpose of practicing Kendo is:

Practitioners of kendo are called kendoka (one who practices kendo) or kenshi (swordsman). The latter may also be applied to practitioners of other traditional Japanese sword arts. Around 8 million people world-wide practice kendo with approximately 7 million of them in Japan.

Kendo is practiced using "swords" made of split bamboo called shinai and extensive protective armor (bogu) is worn to protect specified target areas on the head and body. Kendoka also use bokken/bokuto (wooden swords) to practice set forms known as kata. The uniform, worn under the bogu comprises a jacket, or kendogi/keikogi and a hakama, which is a garment with wide legs.

MODERN KENDO
In modern kendo, there are strikes (or cuts) and thrusts. Strikes are allowed against only seven specified target areas, or datotsu-bui on the head or body, all of which are protected by bogu. The targets are men (top of the head), sayu-men or yoko-men (upper left and right side of the head), the right kote, or wrist at any time, the left kote when it is in a raised position (such as jodan) and the left or right do or torso. Thrusts are only allowed to the throat (tsuki). However, since an incorrectly performed thrust could injure the neck, thrusting techniques in free practice and competition are often restricted to senior dan graded kendoka.