ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Geography of kendo

Kendo is a type of martial arts that comes originally from Japan. Geography is like a map that shows where things are in relation to each other.

In Kendo, there are three areas that are important to know about: the dojo, where you practice Kendo; the shimpan room, where judges sit during competitions to make sure everyone is following the rules; and the shiaijo, which is the competition area where matches are held.

The dojo is like a special gym where people go to practice Kendo. It usually has a wooden floor and big windows to let in light. The dojo is a place where people can train and improve their Kendo skills by doing exercises and sparring with partners.

The shimpan room is usually located next to the shiaijo, which is the competition area. The shimpan room is where judges sit during Kendo matches. They watch the matches closely and make sure that the competitors are following the rules of Kendo. If someone breaks the rules, the judges can give them a penalty or disqualify them from the competition.

The shiaijo is like the playing field where Kendo matches take place. It is usually a flat area with a mat or mat-like surface. The competitors stand on opposite sides of the shiaijo and wear protective gear to keep themselves safe during the match. They use special bamboo swords called shinai to try and hit each other on certain parts of the body, and the person who gets the most hits wins the match.

So, in summary, the geography of Kendo is all about understanding the three important areas of a Kendo practice or competition: the dojo where you practice, the shimpan room where judges watch matches, and the shiaijo where the matches take place.