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Kendo | |
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Kendo (剣道 kendō), or "way of the sword" [from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kendo] ... is the Japanese martial art of fencing. Kendo developed from traditional techniques of Japanese swordsmanship known as kenjutsu. Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sporting-like physical elements. Practitioners of kendo are called kendōka (剣道家?), meaning "one who practices kendo", or kenshi (剣士?), meaning "swordsman". Kendo is practiced wearing traditionally styled clothing and protective armour (bōgu), using one or two bamboo swords (shinai) as weapons. Kendo may be seen as a Japanese style of fencing. However, the movements in kendo are different from European fencing because the design of the sword is different, as is the way it is used. Unlike western style fencing, kendo employs strikes with a defined 'edge' and tip of the shinai. Kendo training is quite noisy in comparison to other martial arts or sports. This is because kendōka use a shout, or kiai, to express their spirit, and when a strike or cut is performed, the front foot contacts the floor in a motion similar to stomping, called fumikomi-ashi. There are estimates that about eight million people world-wide practice kendo, with approximately seven million in Japan. The number of kendo players not yet graded to a dan level is not included: those kendōka would outnumber considerably the dan graded players. Kendo is one of the modern Japanese budō and embodies the essence of Japanese fighting arts. Kendo is a way to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana (sword). The purpose of kendo: To mold the mind and body. To cultivate a vigorous spirit, And through correct and rigid training, To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo. To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor. To associate with others with sincerity. And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself. This will make one be able: To love his/her country and society. To contribute to the development of culture And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples. |
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