KENDO

The Japanese art of fencing is called kendo (the way of the sword).  While today kendo is practiced as a form of quasi-combat, it also serves to develop an indomitable spirit and a deep philosophical outlook on everyday life.  In kendo, two armored opponents face one another with their shinai (practice swords) clutched in both hands.  Points are awarded for the precise blows delivered to the head (men), wrist (kote), or torso (do), and for thrusts to the throat (tsuki).  The spirit of the bouts are as ritualistic as those duels fought in feudal Japan.  Kendo also has its own types of basic, formal, and sparring practice methods.  The Jinbukan is affiliated with the U.S. Kendo Federation and with Umemoto Hiroshi Sensei and Iwakabe Hideki Sensei who head the Rocky Mountain Kendo Federation.