Based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, kendo (剣道, “the way of the sword”) is actually very similar to fencing. Two oppo- nents face each other wearing armor and using bamboo swords called shinai (竹刀). Kendo is a descendent of kenjutsu, which were formal sword exercises for samurai. Samurai warriors practiced the art of fencing for long periods of time, using the practice as study for morals and Zen Buddhism. Kendo took its present-day form at the end of the 18th century when the armor and safe bamboo practice swords were introduced.
Today, kendo is a very popular sport both in Japan and interna- tionally. There are about 1.66 million kendo practitioners (kendo- ka) in Japan alone, and over 6 million practitioners worldwide. It is practice in schools, clubs, and even the police guard.
Compared to other forms of martial arts, kendo is quite noisy. Kendo- ka use a shout called a kiai (気合い) to express their spirit when they strike, as well as making a fumikomi-ashi (踏み込み足), or stamping with their front foot. Kendoka train and fight barefoot on wooden floors, amplifying the sound. Like fencing, kendo is a combination of strikes and thrusts. Strikes can only be made on the wrists, head, or body. Thrusts are only allowed to the throat, and are often re- stricted to upper level students. A point is counted if an accurate strike makes contact with the target, and the attacker displays high spirits, correct posture, and awareness.
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