Pool Noodle Kendo: Wrist and Body Strikes

Introduction to kendo with pool noodles held in two hands: the bow, middle stance, sliding footwork, and two strikes to the wrist and the side of the body, each with a spirit shout. Students work on control, coordination, and the ritual respect of Japanese martial arts.

How to play

1. Pairs in two facing lines 10 ft apart, with cones keeping 6 ft between neighboring pairs. Standing bow and a quick word on where kendo comes from (2 min).
2. Stance and footwork (4 min): noodle held in both hands, tip pointing at the partner's throat height without touching; advance and retreat by sliding the feet without crossing them, 10 steps on your call.
3. Wrist strike, kote (4 min): A offers the right forearm; B raises the noodle to forehead height, steps in, and taps the wrist while shouting "Kote!" 8 reps, then switch.
4. Body strike, do (4 min): A raises both arms; B strikes diagonally to the side shouting "Do!" and passes by the partner. 8 reps, then switch.
5. Two-point matches (6 min): from stance, a clean strike to wrist or body with a shout scores. A student from the next pair judges by raising a hand. Rotate partners each match.
6. Final bow and reflection (2 min) on control: in kendo, a strike that isn't controlled doesn't count.

Rules

• Only wrist and body are targets; the head is off-limits in this school version.
• A strike without a shout and proper posture doesn't score.
• Nobody raises the noodle behind their head.
• Bow at the start and end of every match.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: practice strikes and stance seated, with a partner moving into range.
• Visual impairment: the partner touches noodles together to set distance before each strike.
• Lower fitness: one-point matches with a rest as judge in between.

Learning goals

• Perform two basic kendo strikes with a two-handed grip and control.
• Coordinate the strike, the step, and the shout into one action.
• Appreciate the bowing and respect rituals of martial arts.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pool noodles: 25
• cones: 14

Teacher tip

Shouting is hard for shy students: start with a whole-line group shout to break the ice. If someone strikes hard, send the pair back to stationary practice.

More main activities for High School