Tsurugi Bashi Kendo Kai
Kendo Swords
| Terminology | Swords | Ranking | Equipment |
Kendo is practiced with a shinai (bamboo sword), which is a shock-absorbing weapon made of four slats of bamboo held together by leather fasteners, suitable for full-contact free sparring against an adversary wearing armour.
Kendo is also practiced with a solid bokuto (wooden sword), shaped like a katana; this type of sword is used in the context of kata (forms), which are performed without armour. Repeated practice of the kata is important to master the techniques of kendo. Experienced high-ranking practitioners have such a great control of their techique that they can practice kata with real swords.
In 2005 our dojo organized a seminar about Japanese swords. The proceedings include many interesting essays:
