Kendoka train and strive to reach a deeper understanding of both kendo and themselves. Tournaments, that are held every year all over the globe, give these kenshi a chance to challenge themselves, to show all of their skill, strength and spirit.
Tournaments or, taikai, provide the unique opportunity to test ones ability against not only themselves but other kendo practitioners from other schools in shiai or, matches. Tournaments also provide a great opportunity to practice with many experienced kenshi from all over, to get advice from high ranking sensei and to meet and make many new friends.
Since kendo is not a sport, but a budo, a martial art, to win is to live, to lose is to die. To live, one must find ki-ken-tai-ichi. Spirit, sword, body as one.
Next Section: Testing
