Home » Sport » Sports dimensions » Kendo

Dimensions for Kendo

Kendo literally means ‘the way of the sword’. Kendo is one of Japan’s oldest martial arts and the one most closely associated with the Samurai. The concept of Kendo is to discipline the human spirit through the principles of the katana (Japanese sword).

Related topics:

The information in this guide is general in nature and cannot be relied upon as professional advice concerning the design of, or marking out for, sporting facilities and playing areas. No assurance is given as to the accuracy of any information contained in this guide and readers should not rely on its accuracy. Readers should obtain their own independent and professional advice in relation to their proposed sporting activity.

While Kendo has now become a popular sport form, the warrior principles are still very much in evidence. It is suitable for both men and women, who compete and train together. There are three arts ─ Kendo, Seitei Iaido and Seitei Jodo.

Dimensions of tournament area

A match is held on a smooth wooden floor in a square area from 9m−11m a side. The centre of the court is marked with an 'X' made of two pieces of white tape, 30cm long. One metre either side of the 'X' is a 30cm line, marking where each bout starts and fiStandard competition areanishes.

Minimum space around the combat area is 1.5m. The minimum area required for 9m x 9m combat area is 13m x 12m. The minimum area for an 11m x 11m combat area is 15m x 14m. The boundary lines are made with white tape, 5cm−10cm wide.

The measurements of each rectangle competition is 7m x 3m with a 1m safety area between the two rectangles and a safety area of 1m around the outside.

The judges table is 3m from the edge of the competition area. The start line inside the 'box' is 3m from the baseline at bottom (4m from the top). The start lines are 45cm long. The left box is marked in red marking tape and the right box in white tape.

Standard competition area

 
Other related pages Where would you like to go next?