Kendo 剣道
Kendo is a Japanese style of fencing that is popular in Japan, Korea (where it is pronounced kum-do), and the United States of America. It is both mentally and physically challenging, combining strong martial values with a strong sportive aspect.

Kenshi (kendo practitioners) wear bogu (protective gear consisting of a mask, chest piece, gloves, and a waist protector) and fight with a shinai, which was meant to represent the katana 刀 for purposes of fencing, the idea being to have a means to practice what would ordinarily be killing blows with a live partner.

Kendo is similar to saber fencing. Cutting blows are made to legal targets, which are the waist, the crown of the head, the throat (as a thrust only), the right wrist when the hands are below the shoulder, and both wrists when the hands are above. Blows must be landed cleanly and correctly to score, and the kenshi must exhibit a strong kiai, or spirit yell. In tournaments, commands are given in Japanese, though Korean kumdo tournaments issue commands in Korean.

Kendo is regulated by the Zen Nippon Kendo Remei (All Japan Kendo Federation). The FIK (Federation International Kendo) was established in 1970 to link the ZNKR to the international community. The US affiliate is the AUSKF (All United States Kendo Federation) and the Korean affiliate is the KKA (Korean Kumdo Association).

STA kendo classes are taught at Studio of Ballet Arts in Sandy Spring, Maryland. Please contact us at info@hapkidokumdo.com.