Kendo

Editor's Note: I wanted to pick up Kendo, too bad I didn't have the willpower to go for it. Haha..."p

Kendo, originally derivied from Kenjutsu (battlefield techniques), became an established art with formal schools of swordsmanship forming around the 14th Century. Different schools proliferated and were based on different techniques learned through experience.

Teaching in these schools gradually evolved from using real swords to using wooden swords. The introduction of the Shinai, a pliable bamboo sword, in the 18th Century was a major breakthrough in the development of Kendo. Shortly after the Kote (fencing gauntlet), Dou (abdomen protector), Tare (hip and groin protector) and Men (head protector) were invented and gained popular usage in the Dojo (fencing hall). With the advent of the new equipment, the swordsman was no longer hindered by the risk of injury during practice and could concentrate totally on his technique.