If you’re on this site, then you probably already have an interest in kendo. But just in case you’re not 100% sure on what kendo is or what it involves, this page should give you an idea of whether kendo is for you (it is).
What is kendo?
Kendo is a sword-based martial art from Japan. We train with shinai, which are very light and flex on impact. We also only have a few target locations, so it’s easy to create protective gear. That means a kendoka is able to train with 100% effort and intensity at all times without risk of injuring their colleagues, including sparring and paired drills.
To see some good examples of kendo in action, check out these videos:
A 2008 demonstration by Osaka police
50th Anniversary 8th Dan championships 2002
Final match of the 2018 World Kendo Championships, women’s teams
Why do people do kendo?
There are lots of different reasons to train in kendo. Some people train to get fit or to keep in shape. For some, kendo is a way to exercise self-discipline and develop their character. Some people enjoy the community aspect of attending a regular session with fellow kendoka, while others enjoy being part of a “living history” of techniques passed down for centuries. For many people, the simple truth is that they started for whatever reason and now they continue because it’s really fun!
What does training consist of?
The first few months are spent working on your technique and getting you ready (and safe) for sparring! That means a lot of paired work with other people, doing exercises that will improve your technique and your tactical skill. Then once you’re ready, we’ll get you into armour and that’s when the real fun starts! You’ll still be doing the same drills as before, but now you’ll get to test your skills by sparring with your colleagues to finish every session.
This video is a great example of what exercises might appear in a typical kendo training session.
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Ko En Kendo Kai 