: A practice sword made of four bamboo slats held together by leather. It is used for full-contact striking.
A Beginner’s Guide to Kendo: The Way of the Sword Kendo (剣道), which translates to "the Way of the Sword," is a modern Japanese martial art descended from the swordsmanship of the samurai. It combines rigorous physical activity with mental discipline, focusing on character development through the application of the principles of the katana. 1. Philosophy and Etiquette (Reigi)
: A solid wooden sword used for Kata (structured forms) rather than contact practice. A Beginner's Guide to Kendo
: Never step over a shinai or other equipment lying on the floor, as it is viewed as an extension of the soul.
: The training hall is considered a sacred space. Practitioners perform a standing bow when entering and leaving. : A practice sword made of four bamboo
Beginners typically start with basic clothing and a practice sword before progressing to full protective armor ( Bogu ).
: Consists of a Keikogi (heavy cotton jacket) and Hakama (traditional pleated trousers). These are traditionally navy blue. : Never step over a shinai or other
: Protective gear added after several months of training, including the Men (helmet), Kote (gauntlets), Do (chest protector), and Tare (waist protector). 3. Fundamental Mechanics Kendo Guide for Adult Beginners (Part 1)