Kendo is the Japanese swordsmanship martial art; it was developed in the 16th century. The methodology behind modern Kendo is "to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana." It is trained as both an art and a sport.
Taught using "swords" made of split bamboo called Shinai, bokken (wooden swords) and real swords or a metal sword with a blunt edge, called habiki. They use extensive protective armour known as Bogu. In kendo, there are two types of attacks - strikes and thrusts. Strikes are allowed against only certain areas on the body - the top of the head, the right and left sides of the body, and the forearms. At more senior levels thrusts are introduced and trained only to the throat.
