KENDO is a Japanese style of fencing derived during the Meiji
period in Japan (1868-1912), from the two-handed sword fighting techniques of the SAMURAI.
Today kendo, which means "way of the sword", is practiced with shinai (bamboo swords), and
fighters wear protective equipment covering the target areas: the head, wrists, and abdomen.
The bogu (protective gear) consists of a men (face mask), a do (breastplate), kote
(fencing gloves), and the tare, a kind of apron to protect the stomach and hips.
Under the protective gear, kendoka (students of kendo) wear a hakama, or wide split skirt,
reaching the ankles.
 The WEAPON used in Kendo practice is called “shinai”, or bamboo sword.
The shinai is ranged 3~3.5 feet in length and is made of four carefully formed bamboo
slats bound together to form hollow cylinder. A cord runs along the length of the shinai.
To make a valid cut a player must strike his opponent with the side opposite the cord.
In addition the point must be struck with the top third of the shina. The shinai is
approximately four feet in length and is made of four carefully formed bamboo slats bound
together to form hollow cylinder. A cord runs along the length of the shinai. To make a
valid cut a player must strike his opponent with the side opposite the cord. In addition
the point must be struck with the top third of the shinai.
Classes are held Tuesday and Thursday nights from 8:00pm to 9:30pm.
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Kendo is not just one of Japan's oldest martial arts, but the one most closely associated with the SAMURAI.
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 Sensei Vincent Lan, Kendo 5th Dan/Level of Black Belt, is from a traditional Kendo family in Taiwan. He has been studying Kendo for more than 20 years. Sensei Lan’s father (Kendo 7th Dan), uncle (Kendo 8th Dan), and grandfather (Kendo 6th Dan, 1901~1980) are all Kendo advocator who is also called “Samurai”.
Sensei Lan earned his first Kendo Black Belt Championship in 1988. He had ever led team ranked Top-3 of All Taiwan NCAA Kendo Tournament in 1992, and the 2nd placed in All Mid-Taiwan NCAA Tournament in 1993. Since 1990, he has ever taught Kendo at different levels and ages both in Taiwan and in the United States (University of Central Oklahoma, Tulane University, and New Orleans Kendo Club.)
There are many ways to study Japanese sword. Kendo is the most traditional way to approach it. Sensei Lan is doing his best to continue his family’s proud and tradition of Kendo, and he is helping people to discover the beauty of Kendo, the spirit of Kendo, and the true meaning of Kendo.
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