Kendo, meaning "Way of the Sword", is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, or Kenjutsu. Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sport-like physical elements. There are estimates that about six million people world-wide practice Kendo, with approximately four million in Japan, one million in Korea, and more in Europe and the United States.

     In 1975 the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) developed then published 'The Concept and Purpose of Kendo' which is reproduced below.

Concept

     Kendo is a way to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana.

     Like some other martial arts, kendoka train and fight barefoot. Kendo is ideally practiced in a purpose-built dojo, though standard sports halls and other venues are often used. An appropriate venue has a clean and well-sprung wooden floor, suitable for fumikomi-ashi. Modern kendo techniques comprise both strikes and thrusts. Strikes are only made towards specified target areas ( datotsu-bui) on the wrists, head or body, all of which are protected by armor. The targets are men, sayu-men or yoko-men (upper left or right side of the men), the right kote at any time, the left kote when it is in a raised position, and the left or right side of the do. Thrusts ( tsuki) are only allowed to the throat. However, since an incorrectly performed thrust could cause serious injury to the opponent's neck, thrusting techniques in free practice and competition are often restricted to senior dan graded kendoka.