A match in Kendo takes place in a rectangular area of 9-11 metres on each side. The two competing kendoka begin the match facing each other in the centre of the area. Three shinpan (judges) stand in a triangle around them. A point is awarded when at least two of the three shinpan raise their flag for the same kendoka. Two points are required to win.

To score a point, a cut must be made to one of the valid target areas – top of the head (men), right and in some situations the left wrist (kote), either side of the torso (do) and a thrust to the throat (tsuki). The cut alone is not enough, however! The kendoka must demonstrate ki-ken-tai-ichi, which means 'spirit, sword and body as one'. This means that simultaneously with the cut their must be a kiai (shout) to demonstrate spirit, and use of the correct footwork to demonstrate that the whole body is in the cut. After the cut, zanshin is expected – a demonstration of a sustained connection with the fight and a preparedness to continue. While the requirements can sound strange to newcomers, they begin to make a great deal of sense once one starts to learn some Kendo themselves!