Here is an interesting video from 1897 that could be the first ever film of kendo. It looks like a sort of controlled melee where different people are striking different opponents using long swords and short swords. It even appears that one of the kendoist is using his sword in a European fencing manner. I love the kid in the background beating the drum and the guy blowing the conch or is it a wine pouch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN9SDF05nX0