>>3547990Kendo is derived from kenjutsu but it is far more defensive than actual swordfighting is. In reality a single connected sword swing in a duel was near-instantly incapacitating if not lethal so kenjutsu developed around speed, ensuring your hit your opponent before they hit you. With the heft and weight of the blade, and the fact that kenjutsu emphasized speed over brawn, a defensive posture already put you at a disadvantage as you can't possibly defend all the major points. Historical documented duels appear to have been quick, slash-and-done affairs, with usually only a single hit required to kill the loser. In this context, always being on the attack is the proper way to approach the fight, your pressure opens the opponent's defense, and a proper execution of the attack wins.
By contrast, many of the fancy hits in kendo would get you yelled at in kenjutsu because you're doing things that wouldn't cut your opponent.
