Kendo is a different type of Japanese Martial art that emphasizes the use of a sword to fight. Kendo came into existence in early 19^th century Japan, and displays some of the famous Samurai two-handed sword fighting techniques. Kendo stands for "way of the sword". The students who practice this Martial art use a wooden/bamboo sword called shinai and wear protective clothing that cover their weak areas like the head, stomach and wrists. This protective gear is called the bogu and it consists of a face mask, breastplate, fencing gloves, and an apron that protects the abdomen and hips.