Kendo
Traditional Japanese style of fencing with a two-handed wooden sword, derived from the fighting methods of the ancient samurai
An Overview of Kendo
Kendo matches take place in an area 9 to 11 metres (about 30 to 36 feet) square. Contestants wear the traditional uwagi (jacket), hakama (long divided skirt), dō (chest protector), tare (waist protector), men (mask), and kote (padded gloves). The shinai varies from 43 to 46 inches (110 to 118 cm) in length and is made of four lengths of seasoned bamboo bound by waxed cord. All blows use the "cutting" edge of the shinai, though this is not sharp. The shinai is usually held with both hands.
