Kendo is Japanese for “way of the sword”. It is the art of Japanese swordsmanship, and was the principal martial art of the Samurai. In the 8th century, a martial art called Kenjutsu, “art of swordsmanship”, existed. By the end of the 1100’s, the Japanese government had fallen apart. Groups of warriors united together to protect each other, and in so doing formed their own aristocracy. These groups of warriors developed their own code of behaviour called bushido, meaning “way of the warrior”. Bushido upheld such values as honour, loyalty, polite courtesy, heroic courage, and acceptance of death. The samurai were exceptional warriors and master swordsmen, but also devoted their time to the arts, such as writing and poetry.
During the Muromachi period, which lasted from 1336-1568, the “Age of Warring Provinces” began, resulting in a need for more men experienced in martial arts. New schools were created, holding up to two-hundred students, who were taught by a veteran swordsman who had earned an honorable reputation for his skill in battle. At first, they trained with swords made of hardwood and wore no protection. Protective equipment was not developed until the late 1700’s, allowing the Samurai to attack with full force without having to worry about injuring their practice partner.
After the Meiji restoration in 1868, when Japan was modernizing, the Samurai class was abolished, and they were no longer allowed to wear swords in public, and Kendo gradually declined. However, during the rebellions against the government in 1887, Japan realized the need to train their police officers in the art of close combat. An interest in Kendo was further developed in 1911, and Kendo became part of the physical education course in Japanese schools, and the following year, a list of rules for Kendo was created, called the Nihon Kendo Kata. In 1939, as Japan entered World War II, Kendo became an independent course in schools, and was made mandatory for all boys.
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