Thoughts on Taking Part in Kendo Tournaments in a World with Corona｜Online Dojo GEN
11 09, 2021
The tournament I was able to take part in recently was the last for the year.
This year, I participated in five tournaments:Qualifying tournament of the National Sports Festival,Qualifying tournament of the All Japan Interprefecture KENDO Championship, and the Qualifying tournament of the All Japan KENDO Championship.
What made this year different from past years was that the All Japan Kendo Federation's "Temporary Covid-19 Match Referee Rule Requirements" being in effect.
So, I'd like to share some of my impressions as a match referee!
Frankly speaking, my personal impression is that shiai have become easier overall!
This may be because I'm not very good at attacking or defending in tsubazeriai (lol).
Ever since I was a student, I was often defeated by hiki-waza. (Of course, that's not the only reason...)
Since the time able to be spent in tsubazeriai has been shortened, the time spent in kamae has become longer. As I practice with dan gradings in mind, this makes it possible for me to make this the standard, and I think I have been able to take more ippons as a result!
However, as I haven't been able to connect it to a victory, I still have more training to do.
A friend of mine, who is particularly good at hiki-waza, is having a hard time putting together a good match leading him to a repeated trial and error scenario.
In addition, I would like to mention a few hansoku that I often see in tournaments, or that I have been warned about!
Opening your guard with the shinai while ending a tsubazeriai.
Attempting to break away from tsubazeriai, but being drawn in close to from the shokunin maai.
Attempting to break away from tsubazeriai and accidentally crossing the boundary line
Performing hassei while in tsubazeriai
It is common to see this among us kendo enthusiasts, although students and those in competitive groups are well aware of it. I guess since it's the first match in a long time they are just getting excited! I'm struggling to keep my hassei down!
Please keep these in mind if you are planning to participate in a match in the near future!
1.Today’s Recommendation
Now, today's recommended content is 'ONLINE KENDO ACADEMY' MURAKAMI Raita Episode 13.
I'm sure there are some of you out there who are thinking, "Oh, come on, after all this talk, you're going to introduce a hiki-waza video?"
However, hiki-waza performed immediately aren't prohibited! I think this is a good place to start practicing!
In particular, the yukimens that Murakami-sensei talks about in the video, using the opponent's own power against them to strike, will need to be applied under the current "Match Referee Rule Requirements," but I think it will be a great weapon to learn!
I'd like to learn it and try it out before next year's tournaments!
『ONLINE KENDO ACADEMY』Murakami Raita 13.Hiki-men
▶https://gen-universe.com/video/507
English version of the video explaining the “Provisional Match and Referee Rules in place until the COVID-19 pandemic is brought under control.” is released.
▶https://www.kendo.or.jp/en/information/20210516/
