KENDO
The origin of Kendo, which began with the emergence of the sword, has a
long history. The modern Japanese sword appeared around the year 940. And
with the development of fighting techniques during the Warring State era
(1467-1568) a high level of sword skill began to emerge. Kendo, which today
is a traditional art of Japan, is regarded as being an especially effective
means of training the young and old to be healthy, both physically and mentally.
In recent years people throughout the world have come to understand the
spilit of Kendo, and Kendo is now acclaimed internationally. In practice and
in competitions, each participant wears special protective clothing: a hakama
a mask, a breastplate,gauntlets. In place of a sword they use "shinai", which
is made of 4 strip of bamboo bound together.
Kendo.org
