64th All Japan Kendo Championships - Final

[@C3lestialSt4r]

Me: I'm Going to sleep early Also me at 1:00 AM:This video

[@penttikoivuniemi2146]

How funny, I'm now in the exact same situation. it's 0:55 as I'm starting it.

[@rustyshackleford528]

ahkshyually it's 12:52 AM

[@moscowc.7842]

same story with me

[@neckisgo]

Wasn't planning on going to sleep early but I am here at 7.47 AM.

[@anoccultist8021]

I feel this bro…

[@tonsofregrets258]

Really great fight. You can feel the tension. The patience is incredible for both opponents. Trying to find the perfect opening for each movement. Ready to counter any incoming attack. You could tell that if one of them made a move too early, they would have lost. This is what kendo is about. Not flashy swordplay. It's about ending the battle with one clean, perfect, and skillful strike.

[@Ahmed-ob6ec]

Yes apparently sword fighting in real life is nothing like what you see in movies. One wrong move and you're dead, so the less moves you make the lower the chance of error.

[@HOODIEXl1]

i aggree with you but the shape of shinai is different than bokken

[@FlightX101]

@@Ahmed-ob6ec agreed. Same goes for knights. The sword play was very conservative until you had a solid advantage. If you got hit you were basically done lol

[@HeartMadeGame]

Thank you so much for sharing this video of that tournament. I have a lot of joy watching this finale

[@MalinLH]

Makes you wonder if the Obi-Wan Vader fight in a New Hope was secretly the best lightsaber battle.

[@fernandoreyes680]

Malin Hayes Seriously

[@gabrielmartins7156]

Discovering kendo made me appreciate it much more

[@mrtrin]

It’s intentionally that way, because Toshiro Mifune was supposed to be Vader, and George Lucas was an Akira Kurosawa superfan.

[@rashid8646]

hahaha i just watched that, googled "kendo finals", picked this video and read your comment

[@davidgraham370]

Kendo inspired lightsaber duels, that's why it looks so familiar... Mark Hamil actually had to study Kendo

[@01MeuCanal]

Beautiful and amazing shiai! Great fight!

[@lycheesack]

They should make the matches longer....like have sets of 3, 10 min each!I don;t know why but i watched the whole thing.

[@NPFalon]

Some lame haters in these comments. great fight. so precise

[@Corey91666]

Kunitomo is such a beast. I admire him alot. He must be one of the cleanest kendoka japan has. But i feel he is a bit underrated in japan. I could be wrong but its just the way i feel. For example why didnt he make the cut for japanese national team ? Maybe he doesnt want to.

[@user-ir7os6wh1w]

Japanese here, the ZNKR helds multiple training camps for top level kendoka each year. During these camps they will hold internal shiais to determine who's going to present Japan during upcoming events like the World Kendo Championship. Kunitomo was invited each time (just as Umegatani, Murakami, Tsuchitani etc.) but others were simply better (mind the 2018 WKC happened before he won the AJKC). But he was accompanying the team each time during the last two championships just like the other team members. So basically he is a national team member but not a fighter (yet).

[@Corey91666]

@@user-ir7os6wh1w thanks for the insight. So He made it into the cadre But wasnt selected for the actual Team out of that Group. Interesting as kunitomo really placed Well in ajkc for multiple years. I hope He can translate that into a spot for a wkc. I for sure know what its like to make the cadre Group But not making the final Team selection. ありがとうございます。 Greetings from germany :)

[@johninf6833]

Why are they not using bankai?

[@LoïsCallec]

Fan de Bleach? :p Je penses que même si j'en avais un face à mon professeur de kendo, il me dominerais quand même XD

[@olincekongo]

Bro is so done he just wants to wrap it up and get some drink.

[@ReverseArtist]

how do you feel about this comment now

[@deliadaga485]

This is "Kendo" Bruh

[@BlackRainRising]

I watch this and then watch my sword fight videos from the past, I feel like a slug by comparison, their strikes are so quick that I'm a little impressed by the camera being of such a quality not to blur the shinai movements at all. I am curious though if someone can help me learn how they score hits... several times the 'blades' are resting against the neck, arms, and there was even several body strikes and stabs/jabs, but none of them counted as hits... so can someone help me understand the scoring rules?

[@LoïsCallec]

The points is not strikes because the menace and the "Zanshin" (the concentration and vigilance all around of a offensive action) is stop and not enough energy for the arbiters raise them flag for take the points. It's difficult for a no member of practise kendo but if you are another question asked me! I'm answer you

[@annabellachang]

Scoring only on - face, throat, arm and stomach(bogu covered), the rest not count, scoring also depends on where your "Shinai" (bamboo sword) hits on the opponent, only the upper part of shinai with actual position count...

[@privatekarateka3745]

DreamsAreMorbid on top of the previous comment, a point only counts, when three things are present, the contact of the shinai on the proper area, a proper kiai or shout, and a good fumikomi or stamp with the foot, if all of this is executed properly and at exactly the same time, then it's a point. There's some minor details in the requirements but those three are essential.

[@RCS_FencingPoet]

Many thanks for an exciting match!

[@Tobanchi]

Is it me or is someone eating pringles out of a can @2:00?

[@gundefinedh1548]

c r o u n c h

[@deepconcave9964]

おつかれやした！ありやした！

[@RaelagDidEverythingRight]

I feel like the anime side character saying "They are fighting on a whole other level, I can't even see their moves"

[@gloomiar4455]

The patience doe

[@omari2306]

2:41 nice double up to the hand 5:08 allmost got an Ippon

[@ywpapa5186]

Thank you for sharing.

[@ayushghosh265]

so... who won?

[@versethey6397]

White

[@danielburch3377]

Kendo should be an Olympic Event!

[@Ianmar1]

The scoring system is too subjective for the olympics.

[@prabshiro]

that tsuki ??? should it of been given

[@Ghidorah96]

So many casuals and weebs in the comments.

[@Bounty_Hunter0000]

What's with the screaming? I always thought it was suppose to inform the opponent of your attack but they are screaming at each other after the exchange...

[@lewismcdermott3024]

The kiai after the strike is both an element of expressing zanshin (so trying to sell the cut to the shinpan) but also a psychological element - if your kiai can unsettle or otherwise psych out your opponent just enough so that they flinch or make a mistake then you've got an opportunity to win.

[@РоманКитаев-щ8ъ]

How does this shouting on each other helps in fight?

[@frattz13]

It doesnt, its a rule - u shout to show that u are attacking its a way of reducing "cheap" points and part of the "spirit"

[@12stem2b-padayaojoshrolden3]

fumikomu or stomping and kiai or shouting is needed when attacking to make it valid

[@TheDirtiestJoe]

What the other two said, but on top of that, shouting can help with adding power to strikes. It helps tense up muscles in your core you don't otherwise use. Its where the gutteral Hya comes from.

[@agusd3327]

I dont know about the sport, so i come to ask: are defensive techniques, like parrying, useless? cause i see that the moment one attacks or both attack eachother, the match is over, is too fast!

[@edn1573]

If u get close enough they can’t hit u

[@7dayspking]

You might be misinterpreting what's happening. They're not being stopped, they're smothering after they attempt a hit.

[@magamartinez6240]

It took a while ones I understood the rules but I got hooked

[@BeautifulKendo-happy]

Great!!

[@menalgharbwalsharq648]

It can be laughable but in a realistic sword vs sword scenario, most encounter would end with a well placed stab so you'd guess that it was not about swinging and swinging and jumping and clashing swords but mostly about patiently wait for your opponent to make a mistake

[@ezekieldias101]

Me trying to see how Ayato play style will be

[@alemejiadelarosa9197]

Una de las mejores artes marciales

[@こうき-l6g]

コイツらバケモンすぎる

[@connerdaugherty3885]

Kendo has the same problem as fencing. They need to make these weapons heavier and more robust. Force the competitors to actually employ swordsmanship instead of jukesmanship

[@nubuki1489]

5:06 What the hell happened, did White dodged that ?

[@guld1999]

Nah

[@cuburtrivera1167]

yes! otherwise, it woudve been a men point for red. just a trivia: When a kendoka hit, he doesnt go all the way through and try to slash or hurt the partner, the right hand stops the swing. thats just how a proper swing is made so as to not hurt your sparring partner. its also important to treat your partner as a "partner" instead of opponent. respect must be maintained all throughout the spar, and gratitude must be shown for allowing you to execute your waza or techniques to the partner

[@ClarenceWalker-l3t]

ClarenceWalker nuu yaa hà saa

[@MrBarryallstar]

how they gain a point?

[@inguh7041]

I think you have to hit the top of the head, wrist, or the side of the waist

[@cuburtrivera1167]

a valid ippon (point) is drawn from ki ken tai ichi or the synchronisation of spirit, sword, and body. With an additional of zanshin after the hit. so basically a point = yell + sword + body + zanshin

[@enavedo]

5:04

[@jakethecaliforniawolf4888]

This is the first time watching this for me, can someone explain what’s up with all the screaming?

[@amaurythewarrior]

well to sum it up, the energy and attitude is important, you have to maintain a constant threat, and show your resolve, and while striking you have to shout the target you're striking (you can't just hit the opponent anywhere you like). so the hit, the foot and shout have to be synchronized. but there must be plenty of kendo introduction videos who explain it MUCH better.

[@Ianmar1]

They scream for the same reason that they grunt in tennis, weightlifting, and muay thai: it tightens the core, stabilizes the upper body, regulates the breath, and sharpens focus. In boxing they hiss for a similar effect, but without dislodging the jaw which makes it vulnerable.

[@primeministersinister625]

@@Ianmar1 no

[@philipmathew6239]

It’s called a “kiai” and it is a requirement in order to score an ippon (point).

[@ifandor2002]

Go red team

[@Apple_Beshy]

❤

[@tomaskatz8014]

Is this as easy as it looks? I presume not...

[@GeomeTeamCraft]

They make it look easy. Try it out you’ll see if it really is (it’s not)

[@crisco362]

Some odd sounding birds got in the building

[@nuggystan9128]

why do they tangle their swords like that?

[@cuburtrivera1167]

IMO its like hugging in boxing really. but here, there's a sweet spot of proximity for ippon. Whoever gets there first can land a probable ippon

[@Omnis2]

This match was not very good compared to finals of years past.

[@석진우-w5c]

I agree.

[@argonunya8197]

So the point goes to the one who yells loudest?

[@cuburtrivera1167]

yelling or shiai is how you represent your ki or spirit. a valid ippon (point) is drawn from ki ken tai ichi or the synchronisation of spirit, sword, and body. With an additional of zanshin after the hit. so basically a point = yell + sword + body + zanshin

[@lampscanfly7455]

Lightsaber battles be like

[@hevertongmax]

Deca sports 2

[@alexhandsome7086]

When are they fighting?

[@hoowang9962]

Trash Taste enjoyers rise up

[@victormelo4344]

Saeko busujima aproves

[@sd2564]

Japan nacional sport, how much amerikan warior died from japanese sword

[@GaryyHe]

Go back to 3rd grade pls

[@primeministersinister625]

very very few lol

[@jonathangarcia4959]

japanese fencing lol

[@linjeremy8260]

不厲害

[@faustoorieta]

hahahah get some shoe guys cmon

[@wu_weichun]

It's culture dude, c'mon 😒

[@scorerplayz597]

Who are those dudes screaming like fools bru,so disrespectful smh

[@Ianmar1]

Same reason that they do it in tennis: it tightens the core, stabilizes the upper body, regulates the breathing, sharpens your focus, ans stresses your opponent.

[@トルティnaw]

いや、剣道の場合、叫べと学ぶ

[@primeministersinister625]

@@Ianmar1 no

[@primeministersinister625]

its required to score, the yelling the bind shows the judges and your opponent you're still in the fight and focused

[@MrEpeeFencer]

Sometimes it's really hard not to laugh at other cultures.

[@LoïsCallec]

j'ai remarqué qu'il y a trois réactions quand on regarde du kendo: - On est impressionné; - On rigole car on n'en comprends pas le sens; - Oû on veut pratiquer, on progresse, on devient professeur de cette discipline et on domine et impressionne les initiés ;)

[@shade-akuma2734]

ik its an old comment but realistically its a martial art and they could probably beat your ass

[@MrEpeeFencer]

@@shade-akuma2734 Speaking from personal experience, they probably couldn't.

[@mertylmaz1189]

keep eating your hamburger and shut up

[@MrEpeeFencer]

@@mertylmaz1189 Triggered?

[@mindatrest6838]

what if the swords were real.... without masks....

[@papounator8843]

what if they had Lightsabers?

[@efini_fc4276]

WHAT IF the masks were made of lightsabers??!

[@mindatrest6838]

efini_fc what if the light sabers had no light....

[@efini_fc4276]

what if LIGHT only exists because there ARE sabers?!!

[@mindatrest6838]

efini_fc what if we are mad??

[@pirotess2]

Screaming Championship, lol.

[@cuburtrivera1167]

a scream or yell is how a kendoka represent his spirit. one fundamental concept in kendo is ki ken tai icchi meaning spirit, sword, and body as one. a valid point or ippon is made from that and zanshin

[@someguyusa]

Why are they squawking like chickens?

[@xtr3m323]

Its part of the Japanese kendo tradition where they scream Everytime they are about to attack.

[@bigmacjack4308]

It’s boring becuase it’s not clean kendo!

[@g.i.d.78]

What is a Clean Kendo for you?

[@brunomargelli9435]

Is this a sport? Are you kidding?

[@Tikiri266]

Ngl, i was expecting more. Anime may have rotted my brain... But this does not look like something they needed *train* for

[@Ianmar1]

It's very technical. Some of these guys can attack faster than the human Simple Reaction Time (0.2 seconds).

[@Xyanzuwu]

​@@Tikiri266 you never read smth about kendo didn't you

[@HISPEEDLEVEL]

Sport organizations ruined all fencing art. You see дфыруы whipping each other instead true rapier and saber fence techniques (french, spanish or italian school). You see screaming and shaking infront of each other like street cats in spring and trying slaping face quick as possible instead art of different Japanese sword combat techniques. All these things are so sad and disappointing.

[@thomastucker7317]

Honestly most sport sabre techniques could be applied to military sabre only with minor adjustments, same with foil and epee to smallsword (not rapier)

[@primeministersinister625]

this isnt fench spanish or itallian fencing. this is Japanese fencing. Its a lot closer to longsword than rapier, and just as different from actual combat as is olympic fencing

[@halfrightface]

A boring mating ritual

[@LoïsCallec]

Imagine toi à leur place, en face de toi un homme aguerrit qui veut te terrasser avec son sabre et te menace, il t'envoi son énergie par son cri et cherche à te perturber et dès l'instant ou tu baisse ta garde ou ta volonté de combattre, il bondit et te place une attaque foudroyante qui te tuerait si son sabre était réel....ma description te décrit un duel? et bien c'est ce que tu vois sur cette vidéo. Pratique le kendo et tu verras que c'est très difficile comme discipline.

[@matthieupilon8292]

FRENCH BUDDYYYY :D

[@Fwvxll]

I wish I'm there 😂 stop playing you will easily get countered if you. Just steady your sword 🗡️ omg fight wildly how can you even kill a boar or a lion with that. Sword skills oml.

[@nuggystan9128]

yo u got "sword skills" from kimetsu no yaiba dont even start

[@enavedo]

7:34