Kendo Competitions
Kendo competitions primarily involve shiai (sparring), where two practitioners face off in a series of points-based matches. Points are awarded for strikes to specific target areas of the opponent’s armour, such as the head (men), body (do), hands (kote), and throat (tsuki).
There are also kata competitions, where pairs of practitioners perform a series of pre-arranged sword movements that simulate combat scenarios. Kata competitions judge the accuracy, precision, and fluidity of movement, as well as the application of kendo principles. Kendo tournaments range from local and regional events to large international championships, with competitors typically separated by rank, age, and gender.