kendo history

Kendo is the art of Japanese swordsmanship and has a rich and long history. Japanese swords were originally straight and flat and not curved as they are today, they were crude and primitive and only used for striking and thrusting.

The Japanese swords that we see today first appeared around the year 940, are slightly curved and have a single edge. Before these 2 handed swords were developed, battles centered around warriors on horseback who wore heavy armor and held their swords in their right hands. Around the sixteenth century, the type of battles changed to foot soldiers wearing light armor and techniques using a sword held with both hands. By the end of the sixteenth centaury it has been estimated that there were more then Two Hundred sword schools.

It was not until the 1800's that any serious thought was given to protective armor to protect the trainees from permanent disability or even death during vigorous training bouts. 

In 1871 the Japanese Ministry made the study of Kendo compulsory in Japanese schools. then the impetus to adopt Western culture caused many sword schools to close. Famous fencing masters held exhibitions around the country and drew great interest from many people who had never been allowed to train in Kendo.