Asheville Kendo Club Practice Times: 6:30pm-9:30pm, Friday Evenings Kendo, or the Japanese way of the sword, has developed far beyond its origins as a system of combat during Japan's feudal system. In modern Kendo, competitors wear protective armor, or bogu, and wield a pliant bamboo weapon, or shinai, rather than a blade. Modern Kendo requires that a valid score be counted when the opponent is properly struck in either the men (head), kote (wrist), do (torso), or tsuki (throat). Kendo practice emphasizes correct technique, etiquette, and spirit. Kendo is not a self-defensive system. In previous eras, Kendo might have been described as satsu-nin-ken, or "the sword that kills." Whether in dojo practice or in tournaments, modern day Kendo can best be described as katsu-jin-ken, or "the sword which teaches/gives life." What follows is the official explanation of Kendo under the International Federation of Kendo (IFK)- One should learn Kendo properly and diligently; Mold the mind and body; Cultivate a vigorous spirit through correct and rigorous training; Strive for improvement in the art of Kendo; Hold others in esteem and behave with courtesy, honor, and sincerity; And forever pursue the cultivation of oneself. Thus will one be able to love one's country and society, Contribute to one's culture, And promote peace and prosperity among all people. -All Japan Kendo Federation, 1975 The Asheville Kendo Club is taught by members of the Charlotte Kendo Club (www.charlottekendoclub.com), a founding dojo of the Southeastern United States Kendo Federation (www.seuskf.org), a regional body of the All United States Kendo Federation (www.auskf.info). We are a non-profit organization, dedicated to spreading the teaching of Kendo throughout Western North Carolina. Membership fees cover operational costs of the facility. Any interested parties are encouraged to observe a practice before seeking instruction. Our instructors can be reached via email at ashevillekendo@gmail.com.