Kendo is a Japanese martial art that is strongly influenced by special principles, values and philosophy. Although kendo attracts many individuals, there is not much research describing the characteristics of people who practice this martial art. So far, research has shown that individuals, when they meet the needs for autonomy and competence, become intrinsically motivated (Dumić, 2016). Given the lack of research, expert kendo literature was used to generate hypotheses (Bennett, 2015). The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between kendoka personality traits and preferred personality traits of an ideal kendoka and to determine whether there are differences in personality traits and motivation with respect to grading and length of engagement in this activity. The research involved 302 participants divided into four groups according to grading: student gradings, junior master gradings, middle master gradings and senior master gradings. Participants completed four questionnaires: a demographic data collection questionnaire, the HEXACO-60 self-report form, the HEXACO-60 observer report form, and the SMS-6 (Sport Motivation Scale). Statistical analysis showed that participants who hold higher gradings in kendo achieve higher results on the integration scale. Higher gradings show a lower level of emotionality. No differences were found between groups of different gradings in other dimensions of personality. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between one's own personality traits and preferred personality traits of an ideal kendoka. Also, some differences in personality dimensions were found between kendoka and average individuals. Kendokas score significantly higher on the dimensions of honesty-humility, conscientiousness and openness, and lower on the dimensions of emotionality and extraversion.