Kyoto Taikai '09 Isshu Jiai Kendo vs. Naginata

[TheKenzo92]

i was there!

[kam1st]

スゴイ！！！剣道最強！

[emanresu81]

is that the fighters scream? or the audience? that's scary

[Freeman556]

@emanresu81 Its the fighters.

[sinbadthesailor87]

@emanresu81 In the practice of kendo, it's more than just scoring points like in modern fencing. Shouts in sport fencing for instance are more used as to either intimidate or to "pump oneself up." In kendo, there are other major factors that go into scoring such as the coordination of the strike, the foot coming into contact with the floor and the shout that you're talking about or "kiai." There are other rules/factors that are considered, but that's a basic premise.

[Ryokushindo]

Very nice video, great quality. Is it me or te kendoka seems to hold back his shots?

[SovereignThrone]

I'm a kendoka and it must be very strange to fight an opponent who is using naginata. I would be careful as well. Also, the naginata users are allowed to score points on the lower legs, which is not allowed in kendo.

[NeinWunOne]

@Ryokushindo Doesn't look like he's holding back per se, but he is looking for openings since the naginata dominates at long range.

If you notice he's standing just outside of her range and waiting for her to miss before moving in.

It looks like they're both trying to demonstrate good form, rather than do whatever it takes to score points. If the kendoka wanted to, he could close in and manhandle her with the sword repetedly, but it's considered bad form in isshu jiai.

[Ryokushindo]

@NeinWunOne Good point, you're right.Now, 10 months after my initial comment, I can see what you mean and totally agree. Thank you for sharing.

[okuiai]

@NeinWunOne

While he is looking for an opening she has killed him many times.

I practice iai battojutsu with real swords not sticks from that point of view the swordsman was soundly beaten/killed.I have a lot of respect for naginata i think it is difficult for a swordsman to win against a skilled naginata practitioner with a sword in a real fight (shinken shobu).

very interesting and a joy to watch i mean no disrespect to kendoka.

[DaftSebPunk]

@Ryokushindo kendoka has to be careful, it is hard to reach the naginata wielder without risks.

[Hawaiianstile]

i loved that leg nuki men thing XD. too bad he went for the second hit, i think the first one went in.

[MrTvolaCZ]

Nice video, thank you!