Kendo

Kendo means "The Way of the Sword". It is one of Japan's oldest martial arts, and is most closely associated with the Samurai, immortalized in the movies of Akira Kurosawa.

Kendoka (people who practice Kendo) wear traditional clothing (keikogi and Hakama) and wear armour (bogou). The sword is called a Shinai and is made of 4 strips of bamboo, fastened together with an assembly of leather and string.

Unlike in European foil fencing, Kendo is a two handed exercise practiced in a very upright posture facing square on to your opponent. This together with sliding footwork with weight slightly forward and the upper body relaxed, is the basis of kendo form.

KENDO AT DOSHINKENYUKAI

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Japan Promotions Open Individual Shiai League

Introduction to Kendo

Glossary of Terms

Royal Armouries Demonstration