Kendo is one of traditional Japanese martial arts, or budo, that arose from the samurai, or warrior in feudal Japan, fighting with bamboo "swords."Kendo players wear protective gear like armor over kimono-like training wear. Kendo differs from many other sports.

Did samurai learn Kendo?

The rigorous training of a samurai warrior began in childhood. Samurai school was a unique combination of physical training, Chinese studies, poetry and spiritual discipline. The young warriors studied Kendo ("the Way of the Sword"), the moral code of the samurai, and Zen Buddhism.

What martial art did the samurai practice?

The samurai were also proficient in hand-to-hand combat, using ancient techniques collectively known as jujitsu. The objective of the various forms of jujitsu was to use an opponent's strength against him by employing handholds and deft maneuvers to throw the opponent off balance.