Ichi Byō Shi

Kendo Kai

Kendo Club Oman

What is Kendo?

“The concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana (sword).” (All Japan Kendo Federation – 1975)

Kendo is made of the two Japanese words of “ken “meaning sword and “do” meaning “way”. It translates as “the way of the sword” and is a martial art based on the concept of Kenjutsu and the legacy left to the world by the Samurai cast.

Thus, it is a very traditional martial art and still relies on the same equipment created in the Shotoku Era (1711-1715).

It is quite different to fencing which is considered its European equivalent. Fencing is a pure sport that can be undertaken until the fencer may not be able to compete anymore. Whilst, kendo follows the philosophy of Budo, which implies a need to improve oneself through its practice. As such many kendoka can carry on practicing it into their seventies or eighties.