Undercover Ninja

Kendo meaning "Way of The Sword", is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional swordsmanship which originated with the samurai class of Japan.

In kendo, a player (kendoka) uses a split bamboo sword called a shinai and strikes at specific target areas of the opponent. The kendoka wear distinctive armor that you can see in the picture, protecting the head, throat, arms and stomach. Training is based on the traditional style of swordsmanship and during training all kendoka are always required to display correct manners and respect.

We were treated to a demonstration today by kendo instructors (pictured) and their students whose ages ranged between 6 and 13. The students made it look fairly easy and the skills involved were not always so apparent until our own students had a go and you could see a HUGE difference!


I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.
Bruce Lee