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Budo

Kendo (the Way of the Sword) is the modern martial art that perhaps lies closest to this intent. It is an activity demanding great energy and skill and a fidelity to hard training. Yet it is also a pursuit of spiritual calm in the midst of a duel's heat, of the beauty embedded in flawless technique, and of the humility required in the pursuit of self-perfection. As such, it is emblematic not only of the unique experience of the Japanese, but also of the universal human propensity to create beauty out of the most unexpected materials.

3. Equipment

Kendoka use the following equipment in their study: a practice uniform, a split bamboo foil for engagement matches, a wooden sword for forms practice, and a four-piece set of armor for protection.

the uniform

Students of Kendo wear a distinctive uniform that echoes the garb of the feudal samurai who pioneered the art of the sword. Unlike the gi worn by karateka and judoka, the uniform worn by Kendo trainees consists of the pleated split skirt known as a hakama and a heavy cotton top referred to as a keikogi. The effect of the long, swirling hakama is to impart a certain grace and dignity to Kendoka as they train. In addition, this piece of apparel is meant to convey some inner meaning.