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In Japanese "way of the sword". KENDO is a traditional Japanese style of fencing with wooden swords,
derived from ancient samurai(warnor class)fighting methods.Schools of fighting
and killing with the steel sword,were firmly established in Japan by the 15th
century AD.
The unification of Japan in about 1600 removed most opportunities for
actual sword combat,however,and so the warrior class expanded its emphasis in swordsmanship training from effective combat techniques to the cultivation of discipline,
patience,and skill as a means of buildeing character.In the 18th century ,
practice armour and the shinai,a sword made of bamboo,
were introduced to allow realistic fencing without risk of injury.
The style of fencing made possible by these developments came to be known as kendo.
the study of kendo has been compulsory in Japanse schools from time to time.
An All-Japan Kendo Federation was formed in 1928,
and later an International Kendo Federation was formed with more than 15 national associations.
KENDO matches take place in an area 9 to 11M (about 30 to 36 feet) square.
Contestants wear the traditional uwagi(jaket),hakama(long divided skirt),do(chest protector),tare(waist protector),men(mask),and kote(padded gloves).The shinai varies from 43 to 46 inches (110 to 118 cm)in length and is made of four lengths of seasoned bamboo bound by waxed cord.All blows use the "cutting" edge of the shinai,though this is not sharp.The shinai is usually held with both hands.Points are awarded for blows delivered upon the left side,right side,or top of the head:the right or left wrist;the right or the left side of the trunk;and for a thrust to the throat.These are the only scoring areas.The name of the point struck must be called out simultaneously by the attacker with his blow and is verified by judges.A contest is won by the first combatant who scores two points.
KENDO is widely practiced among students (requested in high school),police,and military groups in Japan and to a lesser extent in the United States,Canada,Great Britain,and Brazil.See also martial arts.
KENDO LINKS
