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BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO KENDO

As depicted in the diagram below, in Kendo there are 4 striking zones (datotsu-bui) - men, kote, do and tsuki. In a Kendo match (shiai) to score a valid strike (ippon), the following conditions must be met: (1) showing a fullness of spirit and appropriate posture, (2) striking a datotsu-bui of the opponent with the striking region and correct angle of one's own bamboo sword (shinai), (3) alertness of body and state of mind after the strike (zanshin). Examples of strikes to the datotsu-bui are provided in the flash movies below.

Flash Movies

You may need a flash movie player to view the movies below. One can be downloaded for free here (680kb)
Men (450kb)
Kote (350kb)
Do (460kb)
Tsuki (360kb)
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