Hello, I am Yoshi from NILS Japanese language school. I would like to talk about Japanese traditional martial art, 剣道 Kendo today.
Kendo is Japanese-style fencing. It used be the samurai’s matial art. Influenced by Buddhism and Confucianism, it stresses not only the acquisition of technique, but spiritual refinement. Today, kendo is widely practiced among students, the plice and military officers. Instead of real swords, kendo is performed with bamboo swords. Players wear a kimono jacket and a long, divided skirt. They also wear protectors, face guard and padded mittens. Swords are held in both hands and one must hit the opponent’s designated areas to get points. These area are the face, forearms, chest and throat. A formal match lasts for five minutes and the winner is the one who gets two points first out of three. You can win by only one point if your opponent gets nothing.

All Japan Kendo Federation

May 11th News, from NILS Japanese language school.