The purpose of kendo as stated by the: All-Japan Kendo
Federation: The purpose of practicing kendo is To mold the mind
and body, To cultivate a vigorous spirit, And through correct
and rigid training To strive for improvement in the art of
Kendo; To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor, To treat
others with sincerity, And to forever pursue the cultivation of
oneself. - Thus will one be able: - To love ones country and
society. - To contribute to the development of culture - And to
promote peace and prosperity among all peoples. In ancient Japan
the katana was held sacred, even the making of a samurai sword
was conducted as a religious ceremony. The samurai handled the
sword and were also held to a high standard of conduct that was
passed on to today’s swordsmen. The reverence for the sword as a
symbol whether made of bamboo, wood or steel has not changed,
even today. The high personal standards molded through correct
and rigid training is evident and clearly seen in today’s kendo.