Pop Japan

Literally known as the "way of the sword," Kendo had been, modernly, a combination of a ancient Japanese martial art and pysical sports. It is a sword martial art that uses a shinai or the Japanese bamboo sword, and the bougu or the traditional protective armor. It was said that Naganuma Shirouzaemon Kunisato developed this practice during the Shotoku Era of Japan, which was from 1711 to 1715.

Kendo is said to be a little bit noisier, compared to other sword martial arts because here, the kendokas or the practitioners are required to to kiai or shouts during their practice and matches. It is said to be a passionate expression of their fighting spirits.

Photo by Harald Hofer. Licensed under Creative Commons. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/at/deed.en)

Tags: sports, way of sword, kendo, shinai, japanese bamboo sword, bougu, japanese traditional protective armor, naganuma shirouzemon kunisato, shotoku era, kendoka, kiai