Kendo

Kendo is the martial art of Japanese fencing. Kendo developed from traditional techniques of Japanese swordsmanship.
Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sporting-like physical elements.
Kendo is practised by kendoka, wearing traditionally styled clothing and protective armour (bogu), using a shinai or two as weapons. Kendo may be seen as a Japanese style of fencing. The movements in kendo are different from European fencing because the design of the sword is different, as is the way it is used. Kendo training is quite noisy in comparison to other martial arts or sports. This is because kendoka use a shout, or kiai, to express their spirit and when a strike or cut is performed, the front foot contacts the floor in a motion similar to stamping.
Around eight million people world-wide practice kendo with approximately seven million in Japan.
Kendo is one of the Japanese budo and embodies the essence of Japanese fighting arts.