Kendo: The Way of the SwordCEFR B1
24 May 2025
Adapted from Jo Carter, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Simon Dreher, Unsplash
Kendo, known as 'the way of the sword,' is a modern martial art from Japan. It focuses on physical ability, mental strength, and discipline. Kendo practitioners, called kendoka, use bamboo swords during training and competitions. They also wear protective gear to ensure safety.
Kendo originated during the Edo period, serving as training for samurai. Today, the sport embodies Japanese culture and is practiced worldwide. The All Japan Kendo Federation emphasizes character development and cultural understanding.
Difficult words
- martial art — A sport or skill for fighting and training
- discipline — Training to control behaviour and improve skill
- practitioner — A person who regularly practices a particular activitypractitioners
- kendoka — A person who practices kendo as a sport
- protective gear — Equipment worn to protect the body from injury
- originate — To begin or come from a particular timeoriginated
- embody — To represent or show an idea clearlyembodies
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever practiced a martial art? How did it help your physical or mental strength?
- Why is discipline important in sports like kendo?
- How can learning about another country's culture through sport be useful?
Related articles
Ancestral healing in the Caribbean
Ancestral healing asks societies to face historical wounds so people can live healthier lives. In the Caribbean, educators combine shamanic practices, nervous-system work and cultural rituals with scientific findings about trauma and community care.
