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Derived from the ancient sword-fighting art of Kenjutsu ("art of the sword"), Kendo is arguably one of the oldest martial arts. It is believed that Kenjutsu originated from China, and appeared in Japan around 789 AD, when it was studied by noblemen's sons as Komutachi, or sword exercise. Then, after the ninth century, Japan was bombarded with wars and the Samurai developed many sword fighting techniques. Kenjutsu was very important to the Samurai-it basically determined their survival on the battlefield.
The periods of peace during the Tokugawa period (1600-1750) added to the introduction of modern weaponry in the 1800s, which reduced the need for sword skills and caused Kenjutsu to undergo a transformation from combat and military martial art to modern-day, spiritual and sport-oriented Kendo. This new concept of swordsmanship is reflected in the current use of the bamboo sword, or shinai, and wearing of the protective gear, which allow safer practice among students.
In 1871, a law was passed that made Kendo required in all Japanese schools; at present it is regularly practiced as a physical education activity and/or extracurricular club activity. Kendo has become enormously popular, practiced by several million people in Japan alone, some as young as three years old. Although Kendo practice was banned during World War II, it returned in 1952 when the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) was established. Under its first president, Masataro Fukada, the AJKF developed the grading system used in modern Kendo. The International Kendo Federation was created from the AJKF in 1970 to unify and promote the sport internationally. It is also the main governing body for Kendo schools, with members in more than 41 countries, including the Philippines, Brazil, Australia, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Yugoslavia, Switzerland, Italy, and the United States. Since 1970, the international Kendo championships have been held every three years.
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