History of Kendo
Kendo is one of the Japanese martial arts. Kendo proper was developed during
and after the Meiji era (1867-1911). Before the Meiji era was the Edo era
(1603-1867), when the art was called Kenjutsu, Gekken, or Hyoho. The content
and purpose of Kenjutsu was quite different from that of Kendo today.
Originally, Samurai (warriors) needed Kenjutsu to perform their duties. They
trained their bodies and spirits, and developed their skills in order to cut down
their opponents or enemies. Some of the Kenjutsu schools that started in the
16th century were: Shito-ryu, Chujo-ryu, In-ryu, Nen-ryu, Itto-ryu, and
Yagyu-ryu. By the end of Edo-era, there were about 400 Kenjutsu schools in
Japan. They mainly used Bokken or Bokuto (wooden sword) for Kumi-dachi
(sword matches). The much safer way of practice with Shinai (bamoboo sword)
and Bogu (light armor) started in the late 18th century.
After World War II, Kendo was considered one of the sports rather than a part
of Budo (martial arts) and became open to everyone. The Japan Kendo
Federation was found to develop and propagate Kendo to the mass of people
and , as a result, today Kendo can be enjoyed all over the world.
Kendo is one of the Japanese martial arts. Kendo proper was developed during
and after the Meiji era (1867-1911). Before the Meiji era was the Edo era
(1603-1867), when the art was called Kenjutsu, Gekken, or Hyoho. The content
and purpose of Kenjutsu was quite different from that of Kendo today.
Originally, Samurai (warriors) needed Kenjutsu to perform their duties. They
trained their bodies and spirits, and developed their skills in order to cut down
their opponents or enemies. Some of the Kenjutsu schools that started in the
16th century were: Shito-ryu, Chujo-ryu, In-ryu, Nen-ryu, Itto-ryu, and
Yagyu-ryu. By the end of Edo-era, there were about 400 Kenjutsu schools in
Japan. They mainly used Bokken or Bokuto (wooden sword) for Kumi-dachi
(sword matches). The much safer way of practice with Shinai (bamoboo sword)
and Bogu (light armor) started in the late 18th century.
After World War II, Kendo was considered one of the sports rather than a part
of Budo (martial arts) and became open to everyone. The Japan Kendo
Federation was found to develop and propagate Kendo to the mass of people
and , as a result, today Kendo can be enjoyed all over the world.
