Loud shouting, clashes of bamboo against bamboo, the sound of feet stomping on a wooden floor. Two opponents focusing their gazes on eachother for a moment, that seems like an eternity. And then, suddenly it all ends in a sudden attack from both sides, that is neither lacking in sound nor speed.

The Practice of Kendo

The basic idea of kendo sounds simple: to beat one's opponent. One can do this by cutting striking the opponent on the top of the head (men), the wrists (kote), the sides of the body (dô) or thrusting at the throat (tsuki). However, a simple hit is not enough. Correct movement in kendo is very regulated. It has to include correct movement of the body and limbs, proper use of the voice (kiai) and something very abstract best described as “a strong spirit” which means that an attack doesn't stop at the hit and that there must be neither hesitation nor fear in an attack. It always starts and ends with the kendoist being ready for another attack (kamae). The timing of the hit, the kiai and the body movement have to be simultaneous. These are all the makings of an ippon, a point in a match or shiai.
In kendo, one always strives towards an ippon in the short run. Because kendo is practiced with an opponent, its other goal is a good match. It's not only important to be able to make an ippon oneself, but also know when somebody else has beat you and be able to learn from that.
In the long run people find even more content in their practice. Content that has to do with becoming stronger both physically and mentally. When asked what the essence of kendo is, most quote the All Japan Kendo Federation's concept of kendo, established in 1975:

The purpose of practicing Kendo is:
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.

>> All Japan Kendo Federation ZNKR's concept of kendo

These seem like grand words. They are however very true to millions of kendoists around the world, who have chosen to walk the path of the sword.

>>The History