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. The shinai itself is not a point area, but to knock aside or to brush off an opponent's shinai is an important part of technique. Consider the shinai a real sword and treat it with respect. Do not step over the shinai or lean on it.
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 waste 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.