Japan is the birthplace of the best swordsmen across the world. Using sword as a primary weapon was common during the early period but in modern times, swordfighting is still present but now considered a cultural expression and a sport.
Kendo (Way of the Sword) is a Japanese martial art which involves a wooden sword or a shinai and an armour called bogu. It is more known to be the Japanese version of fencing. Also, it is the way to discipline the character through the principles of the katana. Kendo originated from from Kenjutsu and was the basis of the current styles.
In practicing kendo, much like any Japanese martial art, etiquette is a most. Bowing to your opponent before the match starts is necessary. For many kendoka, or those who are practicing kendo, it is a way to build character and a way of life. More than a sport, kendo is also considered to be an art for its practitioners.
The aim is to strike the opponent into certain strikezones namely men (head), do (trunk), and kote (forearm). The contestant must call out the name of the strike zone when making an attack. The time limit for each round is five minutes and the first to strike the opponent in two zones will win. Striking in any other part of the body will not garner you any points.
There are different ranks and titles based on the period of trainings the kendoka has undergone. For many, kendo is a lifetime sport and they devote their whole lives training the way of the sword and live their life according to the principles of kendo.
Login with Google