Yes, like Tenchu said, kendo, these days, is a sport.
It is a combat sport, less practical in the use of actual swords, but still valuable in certain aspects, as a martial art.
Kendo is weapon-based, so it can't really be compared to Karate.
Hand-to-hand combat is very different from weapon-to-weapon combat.
You'll mainly be using shinai, and will likely start wearing padded armor at some point along your training (maybe
immediately, depending on the teaching method).
If you've got the right spirit for it... You'll enjoy the experience and knowledge.
Good luck!
