Kendo is a martial art that combines physical skill, mental focus, and long-standing Japanese traditions. For hundreds of years, it has fascinated both participants and onlookers with its fast-paced sparring, use of bamboo swords (shinai), and its deep philosophy.
To start with, Kendo is more than just a sport. It’s a way to train your mind, body, and spirit. With its strong focus on discipline, etiquette, and respect, Kendo attracts people worldwide who are looking to push themselves both mentally and physically. So,, let’s dive in and explore this captivating practice!
Table of Contents
What is Kendo?
Kendo, or “The Way of the Sword,” is a modern Japanese martial art that comes from the techniques of the samurai. Practitioners, called kendoka, engage in high-speed sparring with bamboo swords (shinai) while wearing protective gear (bogu). The goal is to strike specific areas on your opponent’s body like the head (men), wrists (kote), torso (do), and throat (tsuki).
What makes Kendo unique is its focus not just on physical skill but on building the character and spirit of the person practicing it. Key principles include zanshin (awareness), ki-ken-tai-ichi (the unity of mind, sword, and body), and showing respect to your opponent.
Kendo’s History
Roots in Samurai Swordsmanship
Kendo comes from the fighting techniques of the samurai, the warrior class of old Japan. As warfare became less common in the Edo period (1603-1868), the need for battle skills dropped. However, the samurai’s focus on swordsmanship was preserved through kenjutsu, which eventually became Kendo.
In the 18th century, the introduction of bamboo swords and protective gear made it possible to practice full-contact sparring safely. This was a big step in Kendo’s evolution, and it spread across Japan as a way to develop discipline, focus, and personal growth.
Modern Development
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Kendo became more formalized, especially with the creation of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai in 1895, an organization that promoted Japanese martial arts. Kendo was also introduced into schools and military training to teach discipline and values.
Today, Kendo is practiced around the world, with millions of people following the same rituals and techniques that have been passed down through generations. It’s a key part of Japan’s culture and martial arts heritage, and also a recognized competitive sport.
Kendo Gear
One of the most striking aspects of Kendo is the traditional gear that practitioners wear during both training and competitions. This equipment serves two important purposes: it provides protection, allowing for intense sparring without serious injury, and it keeps the spirit of traditional Japanese swordsmanship alive. Every piece of gear has a specific role and a rich history behind it, adding to the deeper meaning of the practice.
- Shinai (Bamboo Sword): The shinai is made from four bamboo slats bound together. It’s designed to mimic the weight and feel of a real katana, but it’s much safer for training and sparring. The flexibility of the bamboo absorbs impact, allowing for full-speed strikes without causing harm to the opponent.
- Bogu (Protective Armor): The bogu is the protective armor worn by kendoka (Kendo practitioners). It’s made up of four main parts:
- Men (Helmet): The men is a helmet that protects the head, face, and throat. It has a metal grille to cover the face and thick padding around the sides and top for extra protection.
- Kote (Gloves): These are padded gloves that guard the wrists and forearms. They allow for mobility while ensuring that the hands and wrists are protected from strikes.
- Do (Breastplate): The do is a hard breastplate that shields the torso from hits. It covers the upper body, offering protection while still allowing movement.
- Tare (Hip Guard): The tare is a padded apron that wraps around the waist and extends over the upper legs, providing protection to the lower body without restricting mobility.
Each of these pieces works together to ensure that practitioners can train at full intensity while minimizing the risk of injury.
- Hakama and Keikogi: Along with the protective gear, kendoka wear traditional garments called the hakama and keikogi. The hakama are wide, pleated trousers that were traditionally worn by samurai, while the keikogi is a jacket similar to that worn in other Japanese martial arts.
Wearing the full Kendo gear for the first time can be an unforgettable experience due to the weight and feel of the armor (not to mention the significance of the garments!), but it is a big part of what makes Kendo unique among martial arts, blending the old with the new in a way that’s both practical and symbolic.
The Spirit of Kendo
Kendo is much more than just trying to defeat your opponent; it’s a way to grow both mentally and spiritually while showing respect to others. At the heart of Kendo are important principles like reiho (etiquette) and bushido (the way of the warrior), which guide how practitioners conduct themselves, both on and off the dojo floor.
Respect is a fundamental part of Kendo—before and after every match, kendoka bow to each other, regardless of the outcome. This act symbolizes humility, honor, and recognition of your opponent as a partner in your growth.
In Kendo, the aim isn’t just to win. It’s about becoming a better version of yourself with each practice and each match. This focus on self-improvement is captured in the phrase kōken-chiai, which translates to “the desire to achieve mutual respect and betterment through the sword.” The idea is that by facing an opponent, you’re not only testing your own abilities but also helping each other grow, both in skill and character.
The mental and spiritual aspects of Kendo are just as important as the physical. Practitioners work on developing a calm mind, strong focus, and inner discipline, qualities that carry over into everyday life.
Kendo Kata
Kendo kata are preset forms practiced with wooden swords (bokken) to simulate combat scenarios. There are ten kata, and they teach fundamental techniques and principles. Unlike sparring, kata is performed slowly and with precision, helping practitioners focus on timing and understanding the essence of each movement.
Watching or Participating in Kendo
Watching Kendo
At first, Kendo matches might seem simple, but they can be tricky to follow if you’re new. To win, competitors must hit specific target areas with proper technique, timing, and spirit. Judges decide whether the strikes are clean and award points.
Kendo competitions happen locally, nationally, and internationally, with the World Kendo Championships being the top event.
Trying Kendo in Japan
If you’re interested in experiencing Kendo firsthand, there’s no better place than Japan, the birthplace of this ancient martial art. While Kendo is practiced worldwide, training in Japan allows you to truly immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions that make it so special.
At Flip Japan Guide, we organise authentic Japanese experiences—including Kendo—for our customers. Reach out and book a free consultation now!
Discover the Meaning Behind Kendo
Kendo is more than just an exciting martial art—it’s a journey that helps you grow as a person, building discipline and respect along the way. Watching a match or stepping onto the dojo floor for the first time quickly reveals how this ancient practice continues to inspire and challenge people all over the world. Every strike, movement, and bow carries a deeper meaning, making Kendo a special way to connect with tradition and yourself.
So why not give Kendo a try? By getting involved, you’re not only learning a new skill but also stepping into a rich tradition that’s been around for centuries. Every moment in the dojo helps you explore something deeper, with lessons that go far beyond the sword and can shape how you live your everyday life.
