What is Kendo? The past and present of "the way of the sword"

What is Kendo?

Kendo, the way of the sword, is a Japanese martial art in which two practitioners face one another with shinai (bamboo swords) and armor (bogu). Kendo focuses on both striking correctly and with purpose, as well as showing good etiquette (reiho/reigi) and respect towards their opponent.

The goal of Kendo extends beyond becoming an efficient fencer. Kendo incorporates samurai traditions and values into practice, with the goal of making the practitioner a better person. As you will learn, defeating your opponent in Kendo is secondary to overcoming yourself to becoming an improved person both for yourself and to those around you.

A History of Kendo

Kendo has a rich and storied history, evolving and growing through the centuries. There are many books and resources that study the history and development of Kendo, which we have included in the ‘learn more’ section below that we highly recommend. We hope this brief history of Kendo provides a glimpse into the wonderful history of this martial art, and provides you with a foundation to how it has developed.

a drawing of tenshin shoden shinto-ryu, one of the first sword fighting schools in Japan, an early landmark in Kendo history
      • Heian Era, 794-1185: A sword called a Shinogi is developed with a curved blade, with techniques using this sword developed and taught to soldiers. The term Shinogi-wo-kezuru, or ‘grinding the Shinogi together’, to refer to contests between two practitioners.

      • Muromachi Era, 1392-1573: This warring period in this history of Japan resulted in many Kenjutsu dojos to emerge across the country. Kenjutsu, referring to methods of using the sword, was crucial during this era of conflict. This era also saw an evolution in the sword itself, using iron sand to develop both high-quality swords and firearms. As the conflict continued and development was refined further, the need for improved combat techniques was in-demand — techniques that could be found in Kenjutsu schools.

      • Edo Era, 1603-1876: An era of peace spread throughout Japan, and thus the need for mortal techniques became less important. To ensure the continuation of Kenjutsu, the swordsmanship techniques were evolved away from killing the opponent to instead developing oneself into a better person and following the discipline and values of Samurai. Systems were developed so that swordsmanship could be more unified across dojos, including ’68 techniques of Kenjutsu’ by Chiba Shusaku of Genbukan. Many publications on the belief and values of swordsmanship were written during this period, which you can read about in our learn more section below.

        This era was also notable for developments in equipment as well. Specifically, the shinai was refined to become more durable, being held together with elastic rather than wrapped in a leather bag. Armor worn around the body, called a do, was also developed during this period.
a photograph of two kendoka practicing kendo on a japanese warship sometime in the 1910s
        • Meiji Period, 1868-1912: Life changed dramatically during this period with the Samurai class dissolved and wearing swords outlawed. The result was a decline in Kenjutsu schools and teachings. All was not lost, as in 1877 a group of resisting Samurai rose against the government that had outlawed their way of life. This resistance is known as the Satsuma Rebellion, and though it was unsuccessful it did show that Kenjutsu was recovering, particularly among the Tokyo Metropolitan Police.

        • Meiji Period, 1895: An unsuccessful rebellion and resurgence in Kenjutsu, the Dai-Nippon Butoku Kai was founded. This organization was founded to promote Bujutsu, including Kenjutsu.

        • 1912: The Dai-Nippon Teikoku Kendo Kata is founded. This signifies the unification of Kendo schools under a system of kata that can be practiced, help correct improper habits, as well as pass on the teachings of the sword through generations. It is also at this time that Kenjutsu became Kendo, along with Bujutsu becoming Budo. This change signifies the incorporation of building oneself and one’s peers through the way of the sword, rather than simply stressing technique.

        • 1952: Kendo practice was suspended for a time during World War II, but practice resumed with the establishment of the All Japan Kendo Federation.

        • 1970: The first Kendo World Championships is held at the recently-opened Nippon Budokan arena in Japan. The International Kendo Federation is also established in this year, further expanding Kendo practice around the world and introducing many outside of Japan to the way of the sword.

Kendo Today

kendo today is practiced around the world

Today, Kendo is practiced all over the world by practitioners young and old. The martial art has grown in both competitive nature as well as personal and spiritual development. 

Competitions, called taikai, from regional tournaments to the World Kendo Championships (held every three years) are a way for kenshi at varying levels to apply their discipline in shiai as well as meet other Kendo practitioners from other dojos. Tournaments have a number of different divisions that allow Kendo practitioners to compete at their level. These divisions include individual competitors by rank, women divisions, senior divisions, and finally team divisions. Tournaments at local and regional levels allow dojos to compete and practice with one another, fostering a sense of both competition and community. The Midwest Kendo Federation hosts tournaments across the region including Detroit, Kansas City, Chicagoland, and other areas. 

While each Kendo dojo has specific practices, they are unified in their technique and kata. The Nihon Kendo Kata, consisting of 10 kata, and the new Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keiko-ho, consisting of 9 kihon, are universal in their practice and significance in a dojo’s and kenshi’s development. These kata use a bokken or wooden sword with a much closer shape and size to a traditional katana than a Kendo shinai. While the Nihon Kendo Kata started in 1912 with some additions over time, the Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keiko-ho was introduced in 2003 to help beginners better understand the katana and the shinai, as well as learn the proper striking areas of Kendo. 

Though Kendo continues to grow and evolve, the history and origins are deeply imbedded in every practice. From the spirit and personal development, to the importance of respect and tradition, Kendo is an opportunity for many to learn a traditional martial art and develop themselves personally and as members of society.

Goseikan Kendo Classes and Enrollment

Goseikan will incorporate the traditions and techniques of modern Kendo. Etiquette (reiho/reigi) shall be valued highly and practiced as well. Building a strong foundation requires a great deal of basics, and one cannot advance unless their foundation is solid. Based on consistent care, the beginners can expect a path to a strong Kendo way.

Learn More about Kendo

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