Kendo

=**__Kendo__**= "Way of the Sword"

Kendo is a Japanese martial art in which two opponents challenge each other with wooden sticks. Translated, kendo means "way of the sword." It was developed from traditional Japanese sword fighting in the late 18th century. People practice kendo because it is said to strengthen and discipline one's character.

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History
The art of kendo developed from another Japanese marital art named kenjutsu. Kenjutsu was practiced by warriors who wanted to practice and hone their skill with the ken (Japanese sword). In the early 1700's, Naganuma Sirōzaemon Kunisato introduced the wooden swords and body protection to Kenjutsu. Soon more adjustments were made, including the addition of headgear, As Kenjutsu gradually transformed into Kendo. During the Kansei era (1789-1801), Kendo began increasing in popularity as a competitive sport. Samurai would practice Kendo in order to prove themselves as well as prepare for battle. Kendo soon became a very popular marital art not just in Japan, but worldwide. By the early 1900's, modern Kendo was developed and closely resembles what it is today.

Equipment
Because Kendo is such a high impact martial art, it requires a lot of protection. The armor (bogu), along with the shinai (the wooden sword) were developed by Naganuma Sirōzaemon Kunisato. The bogu and shinai are modeled after the traditional Japanese warrior equipment.

Grades/Levels
In Kendo, participants try to work their way up through 10 dans or levels. A person's dan represents how skilled and proficient they are in Kendo. Today, ninth and tenth dan are no longer awarded, and eighth dan is extremely difficult to achieve (the pass rate for the test is less than 1%). Tests to achieve a higher dan include a physical showcase of skill in front of a committee, and sometimes there is a written examination that must be passed. Though there is no difference in dress between participants in different dans, during Shiai (tournaments) fighters typically only fight people in the same dan.

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 * ~ Tournament ||~ Year ||~ Location ||
 * 1st || 1970 || Tokyo, Japan ||
 * 2nd || 1973 || Los Angeles, United States of America ||
 * 3rd || 1976 || Milton Keynes, England, Great Britain ||
 * 4th || 1979 || Sapporo, Japan ||
 * 5th || 1982 || São Paulo, Brazil ||
 * 6th || 1985 || Paris, France ||
 * 7th || 1988 || Seoul, Korea ||
 * 8th || 1991 || Toronto, Canada ||
 * 9th || 1994 || Paris, France ||
 * 10th || 1997 || Kyoto, Japan ||
 * 11th || 2000 || Santa Clara, United States of America ||
 * 12th || 2003 || Glasgow, Scotland, Great Britain ||
 * 13th || 2006 || Taipei, Taiwan ||
 * 14th || 2009 || São Paulo, Brazil ||
 * 15th || 2012 || Novara, Italy ||

View Poll Results: how many guys practice kendo whilst without underpants?
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 * I do! It's great! 32.62%
 * Sometimes... when I run out of undies. --- 6.03%
 * Yech... that's uncivil! - 61.35%