Kendo - Definition


Kendo - Definition

Kendō (剣道, 劍道) is the martial art of Japanese swordsmanship, developed in the 16th century to unify a large number of different techniques. Since 1975 the concept of Kendo has been stated as "to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana". However, Kendo combines martial arts values with sport elements, with some practioners stressing the former and others the latter.

Taught using "swords" made of split bamboo (shinai) and extensive protective armour (Bogu), practitioners are called kendoka. Kendoka also use bokken (wooden swords) to practice set forms known as kata. In formal occasions, real swords or a metal sword with a blunt edge, called habiki, can be used. There are 10 basic katas to be learned during the proceeding from the highest apprentice level Ikkyu to the third master level Sandan. In modern kendo, there are two types of attacks - strikes and thrusts. Strikes are allowed against only certain areas on the body - the top of the head, the right and left sides of the body, and the forearms. Thrusts are only allowed to the throat. However, since a wrongly done thrust could injure the neck, thrust is often left out at the starting level and introduced later, provided that the user understands its risk and technique.

In matches, points are only awarded when the attacks are done firmly and properly to the allowed targets with good control and a yell (in Japanese) corresponding to the part of the opponent that is being targeted. For example, if the opponent's head is the target, an accompanying cry of "Men" should be bellowed. For an attack to the wrist, "Kote" should be shouted. For an attack to the trunk "Do", and for a thrust at the opponent's throat "Tsuki" should be shouted. The first to score two points wins the match.

The International Kendo Federation (IKF) has members in 44 countries. The international championships are held every three years since 1970, when the IKF was founded.

See also