Training
Kendo training is quite noisy in comparison to some other martial arts or sports. This is because kendōka use a shout, or kiai, to express their fighting spirit when striking. Additionally, kendōka execute fumikomi-ash, an action similar to a stamp of the front foot, when making a strike. Like some other martial arts, kendōka train and fight barefoot. Kendo is ideally practiced in a purpose-built dōjō, though standard sports halls and other venues are often used. An appropriate venue has a clean and well-sprung wooden floor, suitable for fumikomi-ashi. Kendo techniques comprise both strikes and thrusts. Strikes are only made towards specified target areas on the wrists, head, or body, all of which are protected by armour. The targets are men, sayu-men" or yoko-men (upper left or right side of the men), the right kote at any time, the left kote when it is in a raised position, and the left or right side of the dō. Thrusts are only allowed to the throat. However, since an incorrectly performed thrust could cause serious injury to the opponent's neck, thrusting techniques in free practice and competition are often restricted to senior dan graded kendōka.
Once a kendōka begins practice in armour, a practice session may include any or all of the following types of practice.
Kiri-kaeshi
Striking the left and right men target points in succession, practising centering, distance, and correct technique, while building spirit and stamina.
Waza-geiko
Waza or technique practice in which the student learns and refines that techniques of Kendo with a receiving partner.
Kakari-geiko
Short, intense, attack practice which teaches continuous alertness and readiness to attack, as well as building spirit and stamina.
Ji-geiko
Undirected practice where the kendōka tries all that has been learned during practice against an opponent.
Kendo training is quite noisy in comparison to some other martial arts or sports. This is because kendōka use a shout, or kiai, to express their fighting spirit when striking. Additionally, kendōka execute fumikomi-ash, an action similar to a stamp of the front foot, when making a strike. Like some other martial arts, kendōka train and fight barefoot. Kendo is ideally practiced in a purpose-built dōjō, though standard sports halls and other venues are often used. An appropriate venue has a clean and well-sprung wooden floor, suitable for fumikomi-ashi. Kendo techniques comprise both strikes and thrusts. Strikes are only made towards specified target areas on the wrists, head, or body, all of which are protected by armour. The targets are men, sayu-men" or yoko-men (upper left or right side of the men), the right kote at any time, the left kote when it is in a raised position, and the left or right side of the dō. Thrusts are only allowed to the throat. However, since an incorrectly performed thrust could cause serious injury to the opponent's neck, thrusting techniques in free practice and competition are often restricted to senior dan graded kendōka.
Once a kendōka begins practice in armour, a practice session may include any or all of the following types of practice.
Kiri-kaeshi
Striking the left and right men target points in succession, practising centering, distance, and correct technique, while building spirit and stamina.
Waza-geiko
Waza or technique practice in which the student learns and refines that techniques of Kendo with a receiving partner.
Kakari-geiko
Short, intense, attack practice which teaches continuous alertness and readiness to attack, as well as building spirit and stamina.
Ji-geiko
Undirected practice where the kendōka tries all that has been learned during practice against an opponent.
Equipment and clothing
The shinai represents a Japanese sword (katana) and is made up of four bamboo slats, which are held together by leather fittings. Kendo employs strikes involving both one edge and the tip of the shinai or bokutō. Protective armour is worn to protect specified target areas on the head, arms and body. The head is protected by a stylised helmet, called men, with a metal grille to protect the face, a series of hard leather and fabric flaps to protect the throat, and padded fabric flaps to protect the side of the neck and shoulders. The forearms, wrists, and hands are protected by long, thickly padded fabric gloves called kote . The torso is protected by a breastplate , while the waist and groin area is protected by the tare, consisting of three thick vertical fabric flaps or faulds.
