Kenjutsu is a general term for Japanese sword arts and is related to Jujutsu as it is also considered to come from the Samurai. Two of the most prominant styles would be Kendo and Iaido.

Introduction to Kendo

Kendo means Ken-Sword and Do-Way, so it roughly translates to "the way of the sword". Kendo, in essence, is Japanese fencing and is a very popular sport in Japan that draws large crowds. Practitioners and competitors wear armour protecting the head, throat, wrists and abdomen (as these are the only legal targets) and use a split bamboo practice sword, called a shinai, which is wielded two-handed. Like in Western style fencing, scoring on a legal target gains you points.

Introduction to Iaido

Iaido is the art of drawing and attacking with a sword. While Kendo can be considered a sport, Iaido is more martial in nature. On the philosophical side, the wielding of the sword is not to control your opponent, but a means of controlling oneself. Iaido is performed through kata (defending against multiple imaginary opponents). Iaido is also sometimes called Iaijutsu and includes many styles and systems. Although Iaido schools include Kendo training, it is primarily used as a training tool and not for competition.