Kendo

Kendo (which means “way of the sword” in Japanese) is a martial art with bamboo swords (“shinai”). Matches are five minutes long, but can go into overtime if competitors are tied in score. Matches end early if one competitor accurately makes two strikes to the opponent’s kendo targets (sides of head above ears, right forearm above the wrist, two sides of the chest, or the throat). Competitors often shout when they make a strike, as vocal expression is counted in scoring. Competitors also take care of the shinai to avoid splinters. The shinai, which is mostly made of four bamboo slats, must be shorter than 120 cm and weigh more than 510 grams for males and 440 grams for females. Participants also wear extensive head and body protectors.

Kendo originated in Japan, with swordsmanship documented beginning in the 7th Century. Modern kendo has been developed into a physical sport and is one of the most popular martial arts in Japan. Kendo came to Canada with Japanese immigrants to Vancouver in the early 1900s, and by 1966, the Canadian Kendo Federation (located in Stouffville, Ontario) was founded.

Kendo group lessons occur every day all year in the GTA. Competitions are held frequently as well.

Kendo is practised by many people of Japanese, Chinese and Korean backgrounds. Although many pioneering kendo senseis are Japanese-Canadian, participation in later Japanese-Canadian generations has decreased. However, participation among other ethnocultural groups is increasing.