Kendo

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kendo' is a popular sport from Japan. It is swordplay with two-handed bamboo swords and wearing armour. In English Kendo means the "way of the sword" and in Japan it comes from the art of samurai fighting. Kendo moves can trace their origin back to the moves used by the Samurai warriors in medieval Japan. The rules and gear of kendo were first created in the 18th century and its modern rules and styles date to 19th century.

The weapon used in kendo is a bamboo sword, called shinai. The kendo armour, which the players must wear, is called bogu and is made of a helmet (men), breastplate (do), waist protector (tare), and special gloves (kote). You may hit your opponent on seven legal places: both sides and top of helmet (men), on either hand (gloves, kote) or either side of the body breastplate (do). There is also one legal thrust (tsuki) on throat. You must also shout the name of the place where you are hitting at the same time. You get a point for a successful hit.

One who does kendo is called a kendoka. Kendo is also popular in western Europe and North America.