Kendo

Kendo is the martial art of Japanese swordsmanship, developed in the
16th century to unify a large number of different techniques. Since 1975 the
concept of Kendo has been stated as "to discipline the human character
through the application of the principles of the Katana". Kendo is therefore
self-discipline while Kenjutsu is the actual techniques of fighting.

Taught using "swords" made of split bamboo (shinai) and extensive protective
armour (Bogu), practitioners are called kendoka. In Kenjutsu bokken (wooden
swords) or katana (steel swords) are also used. In modern kendo, there are
only two types of attacks - strikes and thrusts. Strikes are allowed against
only certain areas on the body - the top of the head, the right and left
sides of the body, and the forearms. Thrusts are only allowed to the throat.

In matches points are only awarded when the attacks are done firmly and
properly to the allowed targets with good control and a yell, in Japanese as
to the appropriate part of the opponent which is being targeted. For example
if the opponents head is the target, an accompanying cry of "Men" should be
bellowed. For an attack to the wrist, "Kote" should be shouted. For an
attack to the trunk "Do", and for a thrust at the opponent's throat "Tsuki"
should be shouted. The first to two points wins the match.

The International Kendo Federation (IKF) has members in 41 countries. The
international championships are held every three years since 1970, when the
IKF was founded.

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