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Kendo which means 'the way of the sword' is a form of Japanese martial art that originated from kenjutsu. Kendo makes use of shinai-bamboo swords and boqu-an armour. It is a martial art form that requires rigorous physical activity and ultimate skills which require practice inevitably.

Swordsmen of Japan set up schools where Kenjutsu was taught. The kendo exercises are known as kata and came into being centuries back. In 1946, a ban was placed on kendo.  In 1950, kendo returned back. In 1952, All Japan Kendo Federation was founded right after independence of Japan and the ban on martial arts was also lifted. In 1970, International Kendo Federation came into being.

Kendoka are the practitioners of kendo, these are the ones who practice this martial art form. Kendo training is not done in silence. The practitioners of Kendo express their fighting spirit through kiai, a shout. Furthermore, as they make a strike, kendoka strike their feet. Kendo is practiced with bare feet. There are proper venues with wooden floors to play Kendo known as dojo.

Kendo techniques constitute of thrusts and strikes. Strikes are made on wrists or head and the body is covered with protective armour. Sometimes, a wrong strike can lead to sever injury on the neck. It is therefore essential to practice Kendo often and also follow the rules properly.

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• Arnis — the national martial art sport of the Philippines which emphasizes weapon-based fighting usually with a stick or cane.
• Canne de Combat — a French martial art in which opponents battle each other inside a ring with a cane in one hand.
• Singlestick — a martial art that uses a wooden stick, which began as a way of training sailors in the use of swords.
• Fencing — competitors face each other and attempt to touch each other with the tip of a thin sword.
• Stick-Fighting — a type of martial arts which uses a hand-held long slender wooden stick for fighting. Includes variations such as singlestick and canne de combat.

Related Pages

• Kendo demonstration at the 1964 Olympics
• Kendo is part of Budo, which refers to all styles of modern Japanese martial arts.
• Sport in Japan
• Martial Arts — list of martial arts sports
• Complete list of sports
• The Encyclopedia of Sports