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 Kendo (Kin-dough), which literaly translates from Japanese as "the Way of the Sword" (Ken=Sword Do=Way), is the Japanese art/sport of fencing. As opposed to the use of a live blade or a blunted foil as used in the European fencing styles (sabre, foil, epee) Kendo employes a practice sword called a shinai which is a bundle of blunt, lightweight and flexible strips of bamboo. Combined with the use of protective armor (bogu) during practice the shinai ensures that Kendo sparring has a low incidence of injury probably comparable in rate and nature to the bruises and sores of [rough] basketball.  Kendo is steeped in Japanese tradition as 7 out of the 8 million people who practice Kendo worldwide are in Japan. Visitors to a Kendo training hall will immediately note that the traditional Japanese garments of the hakama (skirt-like trousers) and gi (heavy jacket/shirt) are worn and much of the terminology used in Kendo is of a Japanese nature (after all it is easier to just say 'jodan' than to refer to it as 'the over head en garde, left foot forward position'). Also etiquette is [extremely] important Kendo and is frequently demonstrated in Kendo practice through a variety of 'rei' or bows that are performed upon entry/exit of training hall and before/after matches. Through the disciplined observance of Kendo etiquette the most imoportant thing that Kendo practioners take away with them after practice is the sense of mutual respect for others (after all without courtesy Kendo would basically just be a couple of people wailing on each other with sticks). Practice often consist of a large range of exercises starting with simple swings, breathing, posture and grip exercises that can simply be practiced with the shinai alone to the more elaborate 'kirikaeshi' which involves two armored practioners going over a prescribed series of manuevers in rapid succession. The sport of Kendo is performed on hardwood floors (like a basketball court), on which competitors formally wear hakama and armor (but no shoes) and attempt to score the first 2 of 3 points by striking one of the 8 point area of the body which are the men (left, right and center of the [head piece]), kote (R, L wrist), tsuki (throat, also protected by armor) and doh (right and left chest). Scoring a point is not as easy as it may sound and is often a difficult decision for the three judges who must see to it points are given only for strikes with proper form. This proper form which is often referred to as "ki-ken-tai-ichi" (spirit-sword-and body-as one) is a major focus in Kendo practice.  As of the beginning of 2008 there are approximately 217 Kendo dojos in the United States. You can click on the map below for more information about specific sites where Kendo is practiced. View Larger Map The media takes dramatic liberties, as is often the case, in portraying Kendo. This film takes a look at several examples of "Kendo in the Media" to examine the differences between film/television image of Kendo and actual Kendo as you can expect to experience it in a serious dojo. |
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