Kendo in Japanese literally means “the way of the sword” and true to its name, Kendo is the Japanese form of sword fighting or fencing. The martial art form of Kendo is defined as controlling the human mind, body and spirit through the adherence of the laws of the katana – a Japanese sword. During the year 1975, the All Japan Kendo Federation decided on a set of principles that would help define Kendo as an art form – this description gives light to underlying ideology, philosophy and beliefs associated with the martial art form of Kendo.

“The Purpose of practicing Kendo is: to mold the mind and body, to cultivate a vigorous spirit, and through correct and rigid training, to strive for the improvement in the art of Kendo, to hold in esteem human courtesy and honor, to associate with others with sincerity, and to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself. This will make one able: to love his or her country and society, to contribute to the development of culture, and to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.”
Students who observe Kendo are what are known as “kenshi” (swordsman) or “kendoka.” Unlike other forms of martial arts, Kendo is practiced wearing body armor to protect certain areas of the body from hard blows and strikes. When Kendo is observed, kenshi do not use actual katanas or swords – they use long bamboo staffs called Shinai. Kendo is generally comprised of strikes using the shinai to specific areas of the opponent’s body – generally the head or neck. The neck, however, is a target used only by experienced kenshi due to the extent of injury a swift strike to the neck can cause if executed inaccurately.

Because of the nature of Kendo as a martial art, competitions are widespread among practicers of Kendo. Usually, these competitions will take place in a do-jang created specifically for this purpose, but any venue with a good, solid wooden floor and lots of space for the kenshi to practice their art. Although Kendo is mainly practiced in Japan (about seven million of the total eight million Kendo enthusiasts live in Japan), the art form is taking its place in other countries as well.