Kendo: The Way of the Sword

Kendo, the way of the sword, is more than just a martial art. It is a living tradition that continues to embody the philosophy, discipline, and indomitable spirit of the samurai. Rooted in centuries of Japanese history, kendo combines physical skill with mental resilience to create a path of lifelong self-improvement.

In this article, we explore the origins of kendo, its techniques and gear, its relevance in modern society, and the inspiring stories of practitioners who carry the flame of this ancient art into the future.

KENDO

A Legacy Forged in Combat

The story of kendo begins with the samurai, Japan’s warrior class, who lived by the sword and died by it. During the turbulent Sengoku period (15th–16th century), swordsmanship was a matter of survival. But when the Tokugawa shogunate ushered in an era of peace in the 17th century, real battles became rare. Swordsmen began to refine their skills not for the battlefield, but as a spiritual discipline.

One of the most iconic figures of this transition was Miyamoto Musashi, a master swordsman who fought over 60 duels and remained undefeated. His classic treatise, The Book of Five Rings, laid out a philosophy that combined martial excellence with introspective practice. For Musashi, "the sword is the mind" — a concept that lies at the very heart of kendo: the way of the sword.

What Is Kendo?

Kendo is a one-on-one martial art where practitioners face each other with bamboo swords, called shinai, and wear protective gear modelled after traditional samurai armour. The aim is to strike your opponent at specific target points — the head (men), the wrist (kote), the torso (dō), or the throat (tsuki). But physical contact is not enough to score a point. Three elements must align: proper form, correct timing, and the spirit behind the strike.

This trinity is known in Japanese as ki-ken-tai no ichi — spirit (ki), sword (ken), and body (tai) as one. Without these in harmony, no victory is recognised.

The Armour and Sword of the Samurai Spirit

A key part of kendo's allure lies in its visual and material culture. Practitioners wear:

• Men: A helmet with a steel grill to protect the face and head.

• Dō: A chest protector traditionally made from lacquered bamboo.

• Kote: Thick gloves to protect the wrists and forearms.

• Tare: A protective skirt worn over the hips.

• Shinai: The bamboo sword used in training and matches, consisting of four slats held together with leather fittings.

Though made of modern materials today, every piece is infused with history. Wearing the armour is not just for safety — it’s a way of stepping into the mindset of a warrior.

Not Just a Sport, but a Path

Unlike many modern sports, kendo does not end with youth. It’s common to find practitioners in their 60s, 70s, or even 80s still training and testing for rank. The highest level, 8th Dan, can only be attempted by those who’ve held 7th Dan for at least 10 years. Fewer than 1% pass.

This is because kendo isn’t only about technical ability. It’s a test of character. In exams for higher ranks, candidates are often asked philosophical questions like, "Your sword is your mind. Reflect on this through your practice." This unique blend of martial and mental rigour is what defines kendo: the way of the sword.

Training the Spirit: Beyond Victory

One of the most intense training methods in kendo is kakari-geiko — a drill in which a practitioner faces multiple opponents in rapid succession for extended periods, often with little or no rest. This is designed to exhaust the body and test the mind. Only by pushing through the pain and fatigue can the spirit be forged.

This philosophy is exemplified in the story of Toshimitsu Takamiya, a young kendo practitioner with only one arm. After losing his limb in an accident as a child, Takamiya trained relentlessly, developing a unique grip and strike technique that led him to victory in major tournaments. His story is a testament to the fact that in kendo, the true opponent is not the person in front of you — it’s the weakness within.

Kendo Around the World

Although deeply rooted in Japanese culture, kendo is now practised in more than 60 countries worldwide. The World Kendo Championships, first held in 1970, have grown into an international gathering of spirited athletes. Countries like France, South Korea, and the United States have seen explosive growth in kendo clubs and federations.

Workshops in places like Thailand and Brazil now welcome hundreds of children and adults. For many of them, kendo offers something beyond competition: a path to focus, respect, and emotional strength.

The Spiritual Essence of Kendo

One of the most fascinating aspects of kendo is how it serves as a mirror for the practitioner’s soul. The kata, or pre-arranged forms practised with wooden swords, are not just technical drills — they are philosophical studies in precision, timing, and presence. Each movement is meant to embody the mindset of life-or-death combat, even in peaceful times.

One famous master, Masaji Tōyama, put it this way:

“At 50, I mastered the basics. At 60, I trained my spirit. At 70, I trained to remain still.”

Stillness is one of kendo’s greatest lessons — to react not with rage, but with resolve. To never lose your spiritual balance, even in the heat of battle.

Why Practice Kendo Today?

In today’s fast-paced, digitally overloaded world, kendo offers something rare and precious: focus. In a kendo match, there is no time for distraction. Every breath, every footstep, every shout (kiai) must be full of intent.

Young practitioners learn discipline. Adults find clarity. Seniors maintain physical and mental health. And everyone, regardless of skill level, works on refining their spirit.

More than a sport, more than a tradition — Kendo: the way of the sword — is a lifelong pursuit of self-mastery.

Final Thoughts: Carrying the Sword Forward

At Tanuki Stories, we believe that understanding the heart of Japan means connecting with its traditions. Kendo is one such bridge between the past and the present, body and mind, the self and the sword.

If you're planning a trip to Japan, why not witness a kendo practice in a local dojo? Or better yet, take up a shinai yourself and feel the echo of the samurai spirit in your own hands.

Join one of our guided tours to explore Japan's living traditions up close — from the quiet shrines of Kyoto to the echoes of swords in Osaka’s dojos. The way of the sword is waiting. Will you answer the call?