EXTRACT
Every week Miki and Henry visit the dojo to practise kendo. But tonight they are also coming together to fight. Both Miki and Henry admit they are a bit nervous before a fight.
“You never know how good your opponent will be,” says Miki.
“Sometimes they are so quick that they have hit you and scored a point before you have time to even think about it,” says Henry.
When Miki and Henry enter the dojo they must first take off their shoes and place them neatly in a row. This is a sign of respect and to keep the dojo clean for practise. They then change into their kendo uniform. Everything is put on in a special order. Firstly the gi (jacket) is put on then the hakama (skirt). Everything is tied using special knots. There are several different ways to tie the hakama alone!