Kendo Kendo is the martial art of Japanese swordmanship, developed in the 16th century to unify a large number of different techniques. Taught using "swords" made of split bamboo (shinai) and extensive protective armour (Bogu), practitioners are called kendoka. There are two types of attacks: strikes and thrusts. Strikes are allowed against only certain areas on the body, the top of the head, the right and left sides of the body, and the forearms. Thrusts are only allowed to the throat. The International Kendo Federation was founded in 1970. World Championships: Men: Individual Teams Women: Individual Teams European Championships: Men: Individual Teams Women: Individual Teams