Learn Important Kendo Words, Commands & Terminology

Here are some of the key words, terms and commands used in Kendo. This martial arts style uses Japanese words and commands.

For other martial arts words & commands, please visit the main Martial Arts Terminology section.

Terms & Commands used in Kendo

• Armor - Bogu
• Belt - Obi
• Body Movement - Tai Sabaki
• Bow - Rei
• Chest Protector - Do
• Forms or Patterns - Kata
• Gloves - Kote
• Helmet - Men
• Hip Protector - Tare
• Practice Jacket - Kendogi
• Practice Pants - Hakama
• Practice Bamboo Sword - Shinai
• Practice Hard Wood Sword - Bokken
• Target Cutting - Tameshigiri

Counting System used in Kendo

• One - Ichi
• Two - Ni
• Three - San
• Four - Shi
• Five - Go
• Six - Roku
• Seven - Shichi
• Eight - Hachi
• Nine - Kyu
• Ten - Jyu
• Eleven - Jyu Ichi
• Twelve - Jyu Ni
• Thirteen - Jyu San
• Fourteen - Jyu Shi
• Fifteen - Jyu Go
• Sixteen - Jyu Roku
• Seventeen - Jyu Shichi
• Eighteen - Jyu Hachi
• Nineteen - Jyu Kyu
• Twenty - Ni Jyu