Eastern Michigan University Kendo

Kendo as we know it first began to be developed in the 18th century as a means for the swordsmen of the day to practice vigorously and with full contact, but safely. Prior to the development of bogu (armor) and shinai (bamboo sword), sword practitioners engaged in potentially deadly contests with bokken (wooden sword). In the many years that followed, kendo became an entity unto itself, especially in the 20th century when it was embraced by mainstream Japanese society as a means of physical education. Iaido is the kata-based art of learning to handle a real, metal sword, and is a necessary and enriching partner with kendo.

For more, see this excellent resource, the Japanese sword FAQ: