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Kendo

To teach, spread, and practice Kendo, the Japanese Way of the Sword.

Kendo is the Japanese martial art of fencing with a two handed cutting sword called the katana. Kendo practice is divided into kata and shinai keiko. In kata two kendoists practice a single technique in a pure setting. Each kendoist uses a solid wooden representation of a sword (bokken), and cuts are stopped prior to contact. Kata allow a very deep study of the way of the sword.

In shinai keiko, the bokken is exchanged for a flexible bamboo 'foil'. Donning protective equipment allows cuts to be made realistically to full contact. Shinai keiko includes drills on basic attacking techniques, advanced combinations, and free-sparring.

The MSU Kendo Club sponsors a kendo seminar each year, and participates in regional and national level tournaments.