Kendo
Translation: "The Way of The Sword"
Country of Origin: Japan
Created: 15th Century

Kendo refers to the art of traditional Japanese fencing that was originally developed and practised by Samurai (Japanese Knights) who belonged to a warrior class called Bushi. It is probably the most respected of the martial arts in Japan and has many notable historical swordsmen bearing nicknames like "One Sword Man", "The Sword Saint" or "Demon Tetsu". The goal of Kendo is not only to develop the physical capability for swordplay, but far more importantly to develop ones moral and spiritual aspects. In Japan, it is one of the most popular martial arts. The sword (Ken) was introduced to Japan from the Continent around the 2nd century BC, and by the 8th century the first prototype Katanas (Japanese swords) were being forged domestically. With the creation of the sword came practice in its use, but it wasn't until the 15th century that things started to become properly organised when a chap called Izasa Choisai Ienao started the first recognisable school for Kenjutsu (Sword fighting). He founded his school after a period of fasting, meditation and training that lasted one thousand days! It is estimated that over 200 different Kenjutsu schools and styles existed in Japan by the end of the 16th century. The 18th century saw the introduction of the Shinai (the bamboo sword) which allowed practitioners to fight each other without having bits chopped off. This resulted in Kenjutsu diversifying into the arts of Kendo (fighting each other with wooden swords) and Iaido (practising on your own with a real sword). The fist official Kendo style appearing in the 18th century was called "Abe Ryu". Although technically Kendo and Iaido are two distinct arts most practitioners are encouraged to study both. As the saying goes they are "two wheels on the same cart"