What is Kendo?

Kendo denotes the "nature (Riho) of the Ken" which was self-taught and acquired by the Japanese Samurai (warrior) through their experiences in many battles using their sword. Therefore, the learning of Kendo means learning the nature of the Ken. To state further, it is important to study the spirit of the Samurai which is within the nature of the Ken. And a means of learning this spirit is learning how to use the sword through harsh training. This is the reason why the objective of Kendo is usually referred to "the way of developing the person."

—All Japan Kendo Federation

It's a difficult thing to truly know your own limits and points of weakness. —Hagakure