Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art that emphasizes the use of a bamboo sword called a "shinai" and protective armor known as "bogu." While it has its roots in the historical swordsmanship techniques of the samurai, kendo is primarily practiced as a competitive sport and a means of character development rather than as actual sword fighting or combat training.

In kendo, practitioners engage in simulated sword fights, aiming to strike their opponents with proper technique, form, and spirit. The objective is to score points by striking specific target areas on the opponent's armor while observing proper etiquette and principles of martial arts.

Kendo places a significant emphasis on discipline, mental focus, and the development of one's character, as opposed to being solely focused on practical self-defense or real-life combat scenarios. It follows a set of rules and regulations to ensure safety during training and competition.

While kendo provides an opportunity to experience the spirit and discipline of swordsmanship, it does not involve the use of real swords. The shinai used in kendo is a bamboo sword that is significantly lighter and less lethal than a real steel sword. The emphasis in kendo is on the mastery of technique, mental focus, and adherence to the principles of bushido (the way of the warrior).

If you are specifically interested in sword fighting with real swords, historical European martial arts (HEMA) or certain traditional sword arts may be more relevant, as they involve the use of steel weapons and techniques derived from historical combat manuals.