Samurai swordsmanship

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The Kendo class is the first of its kind in the country.

A new physical education class in Polk County is the first of its kind in the nation.

Instead of traditional exercise or sports, students are getting in shape and boosting confidence by learning the martial art of samurai swordsmanship.

They're swinging bamboo swords at their teachers' heads and it's all part of the curriculum.

"For Kendo to be offered at a public school in America, it will be the first time. But in Japan it is offered at every public school," Kendo instructor Bob Souder said.

The Summerlin Military Academy in Bartow is half a world away from Japan. But students there are learning the ancient fencing techniques from trained experts. And they're wearing the sacred uniforms, or "Hakama" instead of gym clothes.

"You feel it's an honor to wear the uniform," freshman Alexandra Vanegas said.

Vanegas knew nothing about Kendo when she enrolled this fall. Now,

Freshman Alexandra Vanegas can't wait for the next class.

she eagerly comes to class each day.

"I love Kendo," Vanegas said. "It is awesome and it is fun and it's a learning experience."

You may be wondering how practical Kendo is for high school students. Principal Mike Butler said it offers life skills other classes can't compete with.

"Part of our program is developing not only the academic success of our students, but also the physical success of students and self-confidence and self-esteem," Butler said. "Martial arts does that for people."

Souder said he's already noticed a difference in the students after only two months of practice.

"It's helped them to become more disciplined, more focused," Souder

Principal Mike Butler said the martial arts develop life skills beyond the classroom.

said. "It helps them to become more confidant."

And as they watch the experts battle on their hardwood gym floor, the students can't wait for their turn. They earn their own armor in a few months.

The inaugural Kendo program is small, with one class meeting three days a week. But next year there are plans for more students to have a chance to learn the way of the sword.

The highest ranking sensei in the southeast, Sinobu Maeda, is moving to Bartow to teach Kendo and Japanese classes full time at the Summerlin Academy.

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