Japanese Over-focusing On "Waza"

Japanese kendo players and oversea kendo players differs in many ways. Although a subjective view, I would like to document some aspects regarding Japanese kendo players.

Japanese people who only practice Japanese over-focusing on "waza"

In most Japanese Keiko, a diverse range of techniques are taught. This is due to a lot of kendo in educational institutions severely focusing on winning competitions. As much as this has been widely criticized, it does have significant implications.

I would like to talk a bit in regard to my trainings during my university years.

 ▼1 minute of repetitive cutting practice

▼Aikakari ( Kakari Geiko done against one another simultaneously)

with intention of getting a win through Ippon.

▼Assuming being taken Ippon by opponent, obtained Ippon within 30 seconds.

What do you think? On hindsight, this is tending towards sports science training.

By going through the above trainings, naturally we will focus on reflecting on “how do I strike faster”, “how do I break the opponent’s stance”.

Because of this, we acquired a lot of skills to face a multitude of situations.

On the other hand, there are many Japanese kendo players who does not know about “Kendo Culture” and poses a sad fact where they do not have interest in it. However, oversea kendo players has a stronger sense and interest in Kendo culture than their Japanese counterparts.

I will discuss more on this issue in the next post.

Read more on KENDO PARK. Thank you.

Poster:
Kenshi Nagamatsu

Born December 8th, 1987 in Tokyo
Graduated from Keio University's Faculty of Law.

Started Kendo at 5 years old at the Tokyo-budokan (located in Ota-ku, Tokyo), and continued kendo club activities throughout Keio junior high school and Keio high school, and during Keio University Athletic Association's Kendo association, as well as Nomura Securities' Kendo association.

Started KENDO PARK services in 2017.

Major kendo accomplishments include:
・Second place in Kanagawa prefecture's high school kendo tournament
・Best 8 in Kanto students' new player tournament
・Best 16 in All-Japan Business Organization Kendo Tournament, etc.