What is kendo?

Kendo is a martial art based on Japanese swordsmanship. The Japanese word "kendō" is formed from two parts: "ken" meaning sword and "dō" in this context representing the way. Literally, kendo is the "way of the sword."

The goal of the "way" of kendo is to develop the practitioner's mind, body, and their harmonious interaction. A kendo practitioner aims to achieve a seamless integration of energy, technique, and the body, quite literally, in harmony between the mind, sword, and body. In practice, this means that a successfully executed technique is accompanied by the practitioner's legs and body being in a well-balanced position, ready to launch another attack if necessary.

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

Kendo's fundamental principles include specific target areas, and by striking these areas correctly with the right timing and energy, practitioners can earn an "ippon," which is a point in kendo. The designated target areas are:

No other target areas are allowed.

The concept of "Ki-ken-tai-ichi" – spirit, sword, and body as one – is fundamental to kendo, and it should be incorporated into every strike. This means that the kiai, which is a shout or expression of energy, the sword strike, and the movement of the body or the stamping of the foot on the floor should all occur simultaneously. It also requires focusing one's mental energy precisely at the moment of the strike and maintaining readiness throughout the entire performance. The performance doesn't end with the strike itself; it continues until the particular attacking situation is over.

In a kendo match, there are three judges whose responsibility is to evaluate the strikes of the competitors. Only a technically sound and with enough spirit, fully executed performance leads to a point (ippon). Warnings in kendo can be issued for unsportsmanlike behavior, stepping out of the competition area, or dropping the sword, among other things. If a competitor receives two warnings, their opponent is awarded a point.

EQUIPMENT

Around the year 1740, inspired by traditional Japanese battle armor, various protective gear was developed for kendo, including helmets, upper body protection, and gloves. Understandably, these initial protective gear pieces were rather rudimentary and didn't provide significant protection for the practitioners. However, in modern times, the protective equipment used in kendo has become quite effective, allowing for safe practice while maintaining the authentic feel of a contact sport.

Kendo's protective gear, known as "bogu," consists of guards for the target areas (men, kote, do) and a waist protector (tare). Additionally, the attire includes traditional Japanese-style split pants (hakama) and a jacket (keigoki). In kendo, these garments are typically dark blue, although white and black are also used.

Bogu sets are currently manufactured in Japan, Korea, or China, and they can be ordered online (links provided at the end of the page). Prices vary depending on the exchange rate, with Korean bogu costing a few hundred euros, and handcrafted Japanese custom-made bogu sets can cost several thousand euros.

Kendo is primarily practiced with a bamboo sword known as a "shinai." It consists of four bamboo slats lashed together with leather fittings. The shinai also includes a "tsuba," which is a handguard that is slipped onto the sword's handle, and a "tsubadome," which secures the tsuba in place. Basic shinai prices range from approximately 35 to 50 euros. There are also carbon fiber shinai available, which offer advantages like low maintenance and durability, but they are considerably more expensive, costing around 200 to 300 euros.

In kendo, practitioners train barefoot, and footwear is not used.