What is Kendo?

Answer 1

Kendo is practiced wearing a uniform called Kendogi (剣道着 or 剣道衣), usually consisting of a kimono and a hakama. as kendo is a contact martial art, they also wear protective armour known as Bōgu (防具). A set of Bōgu consists of: men (面, めん?) a helmet and shoulder protector, dō (胴, どう) a torso protector, kote (小手, こて) a hand and forearm protectors, and tare (垂れ, たれ) a leg and groin protector.

The majority of kendoka use one long bamboo sword known as a shinai (竹刀) however a two sword style is also used by a small percentage of kendoka as well. These two styles are known as Itachi Ryu, and Nito Ryu.

Kendo is considered a Japanese style of Fencing. kendo is different from European fencing to the design of the swords and their abilities.

Practitioners of kendo are called kendōka (剣道家), or kenshi (剣士), which translate into "follower of the path of the sword" and "swordsman" respectively.

Competition in Kendo takes place in a square or rectangle arena of 9 to 11 meters on each side, the width of the line tape inclusive. The center of the court is be marked with an "X" made of two pieces of white tape, 30 centimeters in length each.there are two types of matches, team matches and individual matches.

Individual match's are decided by what is called the SAN-BON-SHOBU three point scoring rule the SAN-BON-SHOBU states that the contestant who scores two points within the given time shall be the winner. If only one competitor scores a point within the alloted time period they are declared the winner. In the case of a tie, an extension is declared and the match continues to the first point. There are also situations were the match match may be decided by a referee's judgment (HANTEI) or by lot (CHUSEN), or be declared a draw (HIKIWAKE).

Only clear intentional strikes which are uncontested, and show intent, spirit and awareness of the situation are awarded points. Furthermore only strikes to the MEN (head), KOTE (hand), DO (torso),and a TSUKI (thrust) to the throat are considered valid points

HANSOKU (Fouls) can also be given for various offenses. A half point is awarded to the opponent of the person who commited the foul. also more rarely a BASSOKU (Penalty) is given. In this case the opponent is automatically given two points adn the person who received the penalty forfeits the match and all scored points so far.

An interesting and valuable part of kendo is the judging. unlike in most western sports, the rules for kendo state "No one shall have the right to protest against the referee's decisions." meaning that all decisions are final. however the SHINPANCHO (Chief Judge) is given all the needed powers to see that a match is

performed in a fair and proper manner.

While there are no belts given to indicate rank there is a traditional ranking system. starting from 6 kyu going all the way to 8 dan under normal circumstances.

Links to various resources can be found here

official rules

AUSKF

The British Kendo Association

Wikipedia article

Kendo world

Kendo world forum

budoweb.org