Kendo ( Way of the Sword ) is a Japanese sport practised the world over. Youths, up to the age of eighteen, from five European countries gathered for a one-day tournament at a sports hall in Amstelveen, Holland, to fight for the annual Furuya Cup. Photographer Paul van Riel captured the competitive but friendly ambiance in over 180 moving photos of contestants, referees, helpers, organizers, parents and other supporters.