Japanese martial art, Kendo (way of sword) was first introduced to Vietnam in the 1990s. (Photo: VOV)Hanoi (VNA) - Introduced in Vietnam more than10 years ago, the Japanese martial art, Kendo (way of sword), is increasinglyattracting young people to practice it.
Kendo is not only for physical training but also for the improvement of mentalstrength. It was first introduced in Vietnam in the 1990s. But only in2004 did the art form become popular in Hanoi.
The loud shouts, the slapping sound of bamboo swords(shinai) clashing against each other and the noise of feet stomping on thefloor make the whole training place full of energy, and distinguishes itselffrom other martial arts.
Nguyen Van Hien, Presidentof the Kendo Hanoi Seikenkan Club, said Likein other sects of Japanese martial arts, practitioners practice and compete inbare feet. They wear protective armour, a facemask,shoulder protectors, hand and forearm protectors, groin and leg protectors andmost importantly a bamboo sword.
Following this martial art, practitioners (kendoka) not onlylearn how to use a sword but also the way of it, or put differently, the mannerof sword users. Preserving good manners, respect and politeness among people isone of the aims of practicing the art.
At the beginning, Kendo was taught to children of Japaneseexpatriates working in Hanoi. Afterwards, the martial art was practiced moreand more by Vietnamese. Now, Kendo is not only developing in Hanoi but also inmany other cities and provinces nationwide. - VNA
VNA
