What is Kendo?

The “Way of the Sword”

Kendo is a sport based on the Japanese martial art of sword fighting. It is estimated that there are more than six million kendoka practising Kendo around the world. The majority are in Japan where the sport is very popular, but there are dojos in almost every country, such as our dojo in Kuwait.
Kendo players, or ‘kendoka’ wear a traditional uniform consistingof a jacket called a kendogi, and a pair of loose trousers called a hakama. To protect themself, the kendoka wears a helmet, called a ‘men’, a chestplate called a ‘do’ and padded gauntlets called ‘kote’.
The sword, or ‘shinai’, used for fighting is made from flexible pieces of bamboo, so that full strikes can be made upon the opponent without serious injury.

Kendo Equipment

 

Kendo Uniform

The kendo uniform consists of a thick cotton top called a keigoki or kendogi, and a pair of loose trousers called a hakama.

 

Kendo Armour

Over the top of the uniform is worn the armour. This consists of three items:

• A head and face protector called a men
• A chest protector called a do
• A pair of padded gauntlets called kote

These three items protect the target areas of the kendoka: head, chest and hands.

 

Kendo Sword (Shinai)

Kendoka fight using a bamboo sword called a shinai.


With thanks to www.kuwaitkendo.com/kendo/

For more information about the Kendo classes at the Radisson Blu Hotel contact 25673000 ext 3888 (The Viking Club).