Kendo 101: A beginner’s guide to Japanese sword fighting

The Japanese modern martial art emphasizes physical ability, mental strength, courtesy, and self-discipline

Originally published on Global Voices

A kendo match. Photo taken by Flickr user Vincent Diamante under CC: BY-SA 2.0

Kendo (剣道), often referred to as “the way of the sword,” is a modern Japanese martial art that has captured the hearts of countless people around the world. This guide offers a concise introduction to kendo, its history, equipment, rules, and the spirit behind the practice.