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Kendo

Explorer · ages 7 and underAdapted from Wikipedia
A kendo athlete competing in the 2022 All Japan Kendo Championship at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo.

What is Kendo?

Kendo is a beautiful Japanese martial art. It started long ago as a way for warriors to practice with swords. Today, people in Japan and many other countries enjoy kendo as a sport and a way to learn discipline and respect.

People who practice kendo use special bamboo swords called shinai. They also wear protective armor known as bōgu to stay safe while training.

Why Do People Love Kendo?

Kendo comes from an older martial art called kenjutsu. Kenjutsu was a form of swordsmanship used by ancient Japanese warriors. Kendo keeps many traditions from the past. It teaches discipline, respect, and self-control.

The word “kendo” means “sword way” or “way of the sword” in Japanese. It is more than just fighting. Kendo helps people build character and focus. Many people enjoy kendo because it keeps them healthy and teaches important life lessons.

How is Kendo Practiced?

Kendo is practiced in special training halls called dōjō. People train and fight barefoot on wooden floors. They often shout, called a kiai, to show their spirit when they strike. Kendo helps people learn to be polite and honorable, true to others, and to keep growing. This helps them love their country and community, support culture, and help bring peace for everyone.

Pictures

A historical photograph from 1873 showing a kendo (Japanese fencing) technique, highlighting traditional Japanese martial arts.
Takasugi Shinsaku, a historical Japanese figure, practicing kendo in traditional armor.
Students practicing traditional Japanese kendo (fencing) during a lesson at an agricultural school.
A young Lee Teng-hui wearing a kendo uniform during his school days in Taiwan under Japanese rule.
A wooden kendo shinai, used for practicing Japanese martial arts.
Traditional Japanese wooden training swords used for martial arts practice.
Traditional Japanese kendo protective gear used in practice and competition.
Protective gear used in the Japanese martial art of Kendo.
Protective gear used in the sport of Kendo
Athletes competing in a kendo match during the European Championships in 2005.

Keep exploring

Bamboo

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Kendo, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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