What is Kendo?

What is Kendo?

Kendō (剣道) translates to "way of the sword," and derives from traditional japanese sword fighting, or "kenjutsu." In Kendo a bamboo sword, called a shinai, is used along with armor called bōgu or kendōgu, to spar with each other. The armor consists of the men, the helmet, the kote, for the hand and wrist, the dō for the torso, and the tare for the hips and upper legs. The uniform that is worn under the armor consists of the kendōgi and hakama. As a modern budo, Kendo has both a focus on competition and sparring as well as a traditional side, focusing on forms, called kata.

Keiko (free sparing) and Shiai (matches)

Kendo is set apart from many martial arts due to its focus on free sparring and competition. This part of Kendo is arguably the most focused on aspect of the martial art. This is where bogu and shinai are used. a point, called Ippon is given when a competitor strikes his or her opponent with proper form. In matches, whoever gets a certain amount of points such as first to 3, or whoever gets the most pints within the time limit, wins a match.

Kata (forms)

As mentioned before, Kendo derives from several kenjutsu schools, some more than others. While free sparring is not usually present in many of these schools, all of them practice kata.

In kendo, kata are perfomed without armor, exept the tare, and use bokken instead of the shinai.

In kendo, there are primarily two types of kata, the basic, or kihon, kata, and the nippon kata. In short, kihon kata are basic forms of techniques used in modern kendo sparring. Nippon kata, on the other hand are the more advanced techniques. proficiency in kata is something that is considered during promotion exams along with keiko.

  • Why are you yelling?

    In Kendo, there is the idea of maintaining proper technique, and this is what the judges are looking for when determining a point during tournaments. In Kendo, there are usually two types of yells. These two yells are ideally, on the same breath, as ultimately the point of the yelling is for proper breath control, by making sure you are exhaling while you attack.

    The initial yell, called a kiai, prepares the body for and demonstrates the intention to attack.

    The other yell will follow during the strike, where the Kendoka will call out the zone they are striking. The idea is that it indicates that the strike was intentional.

  • Why are you barefoot?

    Traditionally, many Japanese martial arts, and martial arts in general are practiced barefoot. Kendo is no exception. This allows for the use of proper footwork and grip with the floor.

  • Does Kendo hurt/is it dangerous?

    No, in general, Kendo does not hurt. Armor worn for kendo does an excellent job at protecting the user from strikes with the shinai.  How dangerous is kendo? Although Kendo does involve contact with an opponent, it is relatively safe when compared to other martial arts or contact sports, and similar activities like fencing.

  • What do I have to do to join?

    Just show up to practice! We welcome new members, or anyone who may be interested, to join us. We will provide shinai at practice to beginners.
    Beginners will start out just with shinai and will learn the basic strikes and drills, as well as a bit later the basic kata. After that, they will start wearing bogu and start learning to spar.

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