1. What is the purpose of kendo?

Kendo is not a competitive pursuit involving hitting each other with shinai to determine a winner and loser.
Kendo is a form of training to develop a correct manners and a healthy mind and body.
Because of this, kendo is pursued with an aim to:

1. Polish ones mind
2. Strengthen ones body through training
3. Learn technique

Kendo is not a violent pursuit practiced with competition in mind. It is a means of teaching budo in order to develop healthy citizens, and it is important to never forget this.


2. Kendo and etiquette

Etiquette is important in order to live peacefully in society, and as expressed in the old saying "Start with rei and end with rei", it is of particular importance in kendo. No matter how good your kendo gets technically, if your character is lacking you will never be truely practicing kendo.
Kendo has the characteristic of being one of the most rigorous of physical activities, so even a slight mistake in etiquette can make it rough or violent.
In order to avoid this, in order to practice correct kendo we are given much advice regarding etiquette and manner.
Not only in the dojo; at home or at school you should always keep an honest heart and try and develop a great character and spirit.