Kendo is a sport derived from martial techniques used by Japanese swordsmen to practice their skills in ancient times.  In some ways it is similar to the Western art of fencing.

 

The players wear protective armour (kendogu) and confront each other with bamboo swords (shinai).  Points are scored by striking the head, waist or wrist in the correct manner.  This means attacking with accurately and purposefully with a loud shout.

 

The armour consists of a helmet and face guard, a chest and flank protector, and gauntlets. 

 

 

A typical training session might consist of three parts.  First, as in any sport there are the stretching and warm-up

exercises.  Then specific moves are practiced separately and in combinations.  Usually, players form two opposed lines and rotate in order to maximise variability.  Finally, free practice is allowed, during which time players are encouraged to practice their moves without being given the opening from their opponent.

 

From time to time, matches are held in the training schedule or in competition.  These generally last up to 5 minutes or until one player has scored 2 points (whichever is first).

 

Another element of kendo training, which sometimes has its own competition, is kata.  These are a sequence of ten, formal, set pieces executed by two players.  Wooden swords (bokken) are used although very advanced players may use real swords.

 

 

For more information about Kendo in general, please visit some of the websites listed on our Links page.