Now, since the establishment of the International Kendo Federation in 1970, Kendo has become popular even outside of Japan. Countries such as Canada, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Korea, the United States, and many others have begun practice Kendo. There are many more federations exist internationally, as people in other countries take increasing interest in Kendo. Modern Kendo is the result of many changes, from a purely fighting art, to an all encompassing martial art. The bamboo sword is made of four carefully prepared staves or pieces of bamboo that are fitted and held together at both ends by a leather handle, tip, and special string designed to designate the back of the sword.
Men is the helmet which protects the face, throat, top and sides of the head.
Do is similar to a breastplate and covers the chest and stomach. Tare is the waiste protector. Finally, Kote are like gauntlets and protect the hands and wrists. In Kendo, there are four general areas to attack, subdivided into left and right sides of the body - each worth one point. These are strokes to the head, the wrist, torso, and a thrust to the throat.