High Level KENDO vs FENCING

#kendo #fencing #Épée
kendoka - Jo Jinyong(korea national team)
Fencer - Yoon Joseph(Fencing coach)

[@danielma2404]

Too many of these "X vs Y" demonstrations are a skilled practitioner against a beginner. It's nice to see a demonstration where both practitioners are suitably skilled.

[@bobbyliu96]

I don’t know much about the kendo, but the épée fencing is skilled. But I see sometimes the fencing stay stationary for the kendo to show an attack instead of moving backwards to avoid getting hit.

[@Tkoutlosh]

True, but... while some of principles would stay same, if you change epee for 1,3kg rapier and shinai for shorter, significantly heavier and differently balanced katana and change the goal from "tapping the point" to deal some serious damage (and don't die in same time), then there will be very different approach to the fight. Even tho this is interresting showcase clearly demonstrating some aspects exactly because of the reason you mentioned..

[@beafraidofinsectattack]

most of their vids are bad matchups

[@michaellindsay5705]

@@Tkoutlosh Realistically: if you do not practice Kendo actively, you have no frame of reference on how it feels to get hit. I’ve had two separate concussions from regular practice working with a sensei at the competitive level. Leaving my personal experience aside, one thing about the video-the kendo competitor is intentionally only striking men (mask). My guess is because he is nervous about striking off target and injuring the fencer. Feel free to watch the Korean national team practices for reference.

[@michaellindsay5705]

@@bobbyliu96 The kendo person is very strong. The reason the fencer is having trouble has to do with footwork pressure. Things might change if they weren’t fighting on the piste though.

[@tsune_zin]

You can clearly see at first both players are quite confused about how to defend against unfamilar attack pattern, but they gradually grasp it and incorporate to their own attack combo. True skill indeed

[@doktordanomite9105]

Jian/longsword : i have no such weakness (jk)

[@alger8181]

And this is how we go from specialized fighting styles (karate/kendo/HEMA/etc), designed to beat other specialized fighting styles, into a mixed style method (MMA). If your fighting style cannot/will not adapt, you lose. This is a wonderful example of two skilled fighters adapting and using the other's style against them. Wonderful!

[@MCshadr217]

@@alger8181 Sort of, but not quite. It's not so much as incorporating a new style. It's changing their technique and how they go about it. You can clearly see it's still the same patterns, but it's changed up. Fighting really comes down to feints, and reading your opponents attacks to see if they're feinting or planning to strike. It's all really iffy to explain. If they were incorporating different techniques though, they'd have changed stances to a different sword style completely, which neither did. It's more so, they started to read each others patterns and so tried using their style in a way that can exploit the weaknesses.

[@joebloggs5318]

True skill my ass. Neither of these guys seem to be able to read the completely predictable attacks which keep coming over and over. The fencer is gonna thrust. The kendo guy is gonna cut to the head. Both of them are too overspecialised.

[@MCshadr217]

@@joebloggs5318 Maybe you should watch again and actually see the feints they're performing before attacking. It's not about where they're hitting, but from which direction. Sword play isn't like the movies.

[@Dangolbustedman]

The fact that the Kendo practitioner managed to basically evenly match with the fencer when he was only allowed to move in one axis is damn impressive and shows training that transfers to multiple situations

[@mistypeaks1375]

As someone who has no idea about the two sports i can only see that the kendo guy is at a disadvantage since he uses swinging attacks thus he has to parry first then swing which allows the fencing guy to attack first due to the stabbing movement

[@Thescott16]

I'd really like to see a kendoka vs a skilled practitioner of hema.

[@justanotherguy3417]

@@mistypeaks1375 it’s not a disadvantage, it’s just how their practice goes. you can’t say that a kickboxer has an advantage against someone doing boxing because they are using kicks and boxing isn’t, that’s not a valid reason. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@onemadhungrynomad]

the kendo practitioner would potentially be at a much larger disadvantage here if they had chosen a better fencing sword, but they went with a normal competition epee which is much shorter and smaller hand protection. fencing is just not well represented here. katana vs rapier is a much different situation where the rapier has significant reach advantage as well as hand and arm protection.

[@HomoAesteticus]

@@justanotherguy3417 Lol what. Having more or better tools (kicks have more reach and can hit legs, more things to keep track of etc.) is not an advantage? Aight bro. Please explain that one for my dumb self.

[@throwmeaname]

I am impressed with how fast the kendo practitioner was at parrying and countering the fencer immediately. It all happen at the blink of an eye. When the fencer weaves in feigns, you can tell they’re becoming much more successful at landing those hits. The fact that it only took a few rounds for the two combatants to figure out how to defend and attack, shows the skill of each fighter. Great job!

[@sulblazer]

True...but in a real fight...how much many rounds do combatants have to adapt?

[@throwmeaname]

@@sulblazer lol wym “real fight?” No one is walking around with fencing sword or katana challenging others to a duel, if that’s what you’re imagining. If it’s a street fight, not only is this illegal - but it’s usually unfair. Street fights typically is a 1v2+ fight, involving cheap shots. What we’re seeing are two martial artists showing their ability to adapt.

[@McPedroM]

Yeah sure, he wouldn't be able to parry an sabre Arresto or an Arrow attack.

[@KK-kg9hv]

Some personal views from someone who practiced Kendo for eight years: modern Kendo is mostly based on one school of Kendo, with a heavy emphasis on targeting the head, which may not be the most efficient way of combat. I guess in this match we are basically seeing thrusts of a slightly longer lighter weapon vs. cut from above from a heavier weapon. The Kendo's parry with its tip when the fencer is half committed might be the only effective counter here. The fencer cannot effectively parry in this match because of the weight difference. It will be nicer if we can allow more side steps in this match (I guess it will bring more skills out). Again this is amazing and thank you for bringing this to everyone.

[@arkifane]

I agree, I am not experienced in Kendo, but allowing the Kendo user an circular area where he can change angles of approach would change the dynamic a lot. He seems slightly disadvantaged by not being able to side step. At the same time the fencer will have never trained under those conditions so maybe this was the best way to have a more competitive scenario. Also those metal strips aren't exactly pleasant to shuffle barefoot on.

[@michaellindsay5705]

I appreciate your perspective, but this is somewhat inaccurate. Modern Kendo curriculum is an amalgamation of the most popular koryu at the time of the system’s inception. The reason for pressuring the face (men) comes from the understanding taken from lived experience from the original Dai Nippon Butokukai, with the specific idea that Kendo should be taught to both police and the military. Pressuring the face (men) is mentioned directly in Go Rin No Sho. It both causes natural reactions in the opponent, precipitating gaps in their defense and setting up separate lines of attack in the event of closure. I can’t underscore enough how personal skill represents the most significant difference in any contest. Just because this epeeist chooses not to try a technique does not mean it cannot be done.

[@arkifane]

@@michaellindsay5705 just to clarify, you’re saying that it is inaccurate to say Kendo is disadvantaged by being able to circle his opponent because modern kendo is practiced more head on?

[@michaellindsay5705]

@@arkifane I’m referencing the point about targeting the head. There’s plenty of evidence (not only literature) to support it. In regards to “head on,” I’m not sure what you’re referring to. The shiai-jo in Kendo is a square-many matched begin with circling right or left to create an opening. There’s no rule in Kendo that says we have to attack straight on. In the case of this video, while fighting on the piste may be a little uncomfortable, I can’t see it being a tremendous disadvantage. I thought it might be the first time I saw the match, but it’s clearly not significant by the last point.

[@arkifane]

@@michaellindsay5705 oh my bad, I got the KZbin notification of your comment and thought it was directly responding to what I wrote. I see now you were addressing the parent comment. Sorry for the confusion.

[@SpiraSpiraSpira]

the kendoka is at a bit of a disadvantage since they’re competing in a piste and he is limited to forward and back movements where as normally in kendo you compete in a circle and can move side to side also, but this is quite good.

[@jooot_6850]

Maybe we’ll get a rematch in an open arena? That’d be neat

[@biggie4380]

He honestly did great for his disadvantages he also wasn't aiming for any other part of the body except for the top of the helmet.

[@joebloggs5318]

They should have done this in a freestyle full contact scenario with both of them using blunted metal weapons. All of the techniques and none of the sport rules. That would be very interesting.

[@one8119]

it won’t make a difference

[@OPernalonga]

They just gotta adapt

[@WiredDragon-fm6sy]

Dude the kendoka is so skilled. I honestly expected the fencer to have a huge advantage but the kendoka delivered some heavy counterattacks. Quality duels. Absolutely loved it

[@DawnMir]

That Kendoka won 2nd place in the most recent World Kendo Championship in 2018, so he is indeed very skilled.

[@Zaxares]

The kendoka worked out that since the fencer has the advantage of speed + reach with his lunge, his best approach was to move in close enough so that when the fencer makes his attack, the kendoka sweeps the blow aside so it misses and then counter-attacks while the fencer is still committed to the lunge and can't dodge. The advantage still lies slightly with the fencer because feints or an early attack means the kendoka may not be able to react in time to avoid the blow, but the fact that the scores were as close as they were really speaks volumes about the kendoka's skill, yeah. :)

[@professorfrog7181]

Well the fencer basically can't parry a heavy kendo bamboo sword with a fencing foil, so the advantage is not as great as if a real blunt rapier/sabre was used.

[@SirConto]

@@professorfrog7181 In terms of weight, the epee's actually heavier. It's 550g for the shinai vs. 770 g for the epee. It's the two handed grip giving better leverage that makes the shinai more difficult to knock aside.

[@andrzejzalewski8520]

​@@SirConto szpada jest bardziej giętka niż shinai z tego wynika przewaga shinai. Z rapierem katana nie miala by wiekszych szans.

[@MitchWins]

the blood effects for each hit mark, the ahhhs and wahhhs from each opponent, the speed and skill of this match up. so epic and legendary!! 10/10!!

[@christopherbenton4643]

🧡👌

[@LeSkeez]

Absolutely could not have watched this without the blood.

[@greenyonder]

I have done both Kendo and Fencing and this video thrilled me. The epee fencer had more target area (anywhere on the body) than the kendoka. (Therefore the kendoka was wearing an extra fencing vest over his bogu.) It took a few bouts for each of the players to figure out how to defend areas and strikes they wouldn't normally need to in their own sport, but they really started figuring it out. Would be fun to see this played in a kendo ring, and not tied to a straight line like the piste. Fascinating to watch their progress. Thank you for whoever made this and shared it.

[@jameslucas5590]

In Kendo, the kendoka doesn't always fight in a forward motion. Are there not circular motions around the opponent as well or is competition always in a forward motion?

[@greenyonder]

​@@jameslucas5590 The "ring" in which you fight is square and you are free to wander around it in Kendo. In fencing you are stuck in the narrow "lane" (the piste). So the kendoka in this bout was restricted from attacking in a manner he would be more used to by having to stay on the fencing piste.

[@spencer1980]

Yeah I wouldn't have expected epee vs kendo to be nearly as interesting as it turned out to be. I was pleasantly surprised. The epee made use of his bell guard to compensate for the lighter weapon that I found really interesting.

[@danielmegibben1659]

You are obviously far more qualified to speak here than I am (having zero kendo experience coupled with zero fencing experience :p). Something that I noticed is that this reminded me of point-sparring vs Sanshou. It seems that this was focused around a touch = point system which I believe would favor the epee. It seems that the kendo practitioner scores far more hits that I would view as decisive while the fencer gets far more points which are "technical" but lack power. All in all I enjoy this concept but I feel (again as a total outsider) that the rules may be biased. Perhaps a better insight would come from the fencer using something like a saber & rules focusing on lethal hits vs simple touches. You raise a great point in regards to linearity. Allowing a full circle would change the game and while it may throw the fencer off for a bit I'd love to see how this leads to an evolution of the sport.

[@spencer1980]

@@danielmegibben1659 one of the challenegs with armed combat sports is how to tell if something is a decisive hit or not. What could just be a tiny slice to someone's arm could have chopped their hand off. A gentle thrust to the chest could have punctured a lung. In Olympic style fencing, the tip of weapon has a pressure plate, and you don't score a point unless you hit your opponent with a certain amount of force (I believe it's 7 newton's, but I haven't fenced in a long time). There's also target area restrictions depending on the sport. Sabre is upper body, foil is torso, and epee is the whole body. There is a historical reason for the point system, since duels were often fought just to first blood, not always to the death. There has been a lot of interest in more realistic rule sets lately though. The sport M1 is fought in full plate armor, and interest in HEMA (historical European martial arts) is growing too (at this point though, it's probably just HMA. Plenty of those guys study kendo and Asian martial arts too) Still, the challenge with armed sports is a decisive blow with a blade means your opponent is gravely injured. Realistic rules in unarmed sports are easier, because you just knock each other out. Replicating that with swords is a bit more difficult. I've never participated in HEMA, but it seems the solution to this is the honor system. When combatants are sparring, they just kind of use their best judgement, and discuss whether or not a blow would have been serious.

[@dwaneanderson8039]

I learned one thing from this video. If you ever sword fight against a kendoka, wear a helmet.

[@pauleugenio5914]

Wear a men ((=|=)/

[@wychuah]

The kendoka was deliberately going for the head to avoid injuring the guy though. In a more serious bout there would have been at least a few attempts at a throat strike.

[@hudsondonnell444]

True! They tend to try to knock it off.

[@DenesCanTellYou]

Oberyn Martell likes this

[@musamusashi]

As a practitioner of Kendo, my Sensei would always stress that "men", the (figurate) cut of the top 5cm of the head, is the only real strike, everything else is preparation. Tsuki, the throat stab, is only for the very advanced practitioners and should be used rarely and with extreme care. This Kendoka is clearly highly skilled and focus on the essence of Shinai Kendo.

[@dr.g6105]

Both artists are amazing. The Kendoka seemed to have been limited in that he didn’t go for any wrist or throat shots. Both are so exciting to watch!

[@AnikaJarlsdottr]

it's quite interesting to see how 2 different dueling styles match against eachother. different styles, different weapons, even different scoring systems by the looks of things. both competators seem to be a little unsure to begin with, facing against unfamiliar weapons, yet as the bout continues you can see them gaining an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the other's weapon and style and using that knowledge to the full. excellent, truly excellent.

[@Devilspade]

Rapiers obviously dominate, bro i wish more people were into them as they were with katanas. Custom Rapiers would be nice

[@FocusedCat]

I've been practicing the Japanese sword with various disciplines mainly Kendo for many years now. I like this video and I agree that it's fun going against other fighting systems. There's an organization in my country where they actually host events like these and it's fun. With my experience, fighting someone who uses Eskrima/Arnis fightning systems are one of the hardest ones to go against because their system's doctrine basically teaches you that anything you can grab is a weapon and that system has an extremely wide range of offense and defence techniques. Great video and great editing.

[@gelocastro418]

When I was younger "arnis" is my sport and I agree with you on this one. ✌️😁 Anything can be a weapon as long you can wield it defensively and offensively quite well.

[@Nero_-mi2np]

My country havent a real place to teach kendo or iaido, but i was began with this 10 years ago

[@thecoolestvan]

Love seeing arnis mentioned in the wild :) great martial art

[@StevDoesBigJumps]

​@@Nero_-mi2np you could try looking for hema

[@LittleNamMan]

Rudo would be cracked at Arnis, I feel.

[@gozer87]

Say what you will about Olympic fencing, it certainly gives you a sense of timing and range.

[@jean4j_]

That's true! Bruce Lee liked fencing a lot and incorporated fencing footwork in his Jeet Kune Do.

[@HowtoFencingbyYarikandTim]

Facts! But I guess All combative sports are good for that.

[@Vipera217]

like all sword fights should

[@jean4j_]

@@homelessman3483 I think JKD is great, it's basically MMA with self-defense focus, while MMA is more competitive and sport oriented. I practiced JKD for two years with a great teacher in Taiwan, he was competing in Muay-Thai as well. I think JKD is good but most of schools are shit! There's nothing too special about it either. It can be awesome or pure shit I suppose, almost no quality control.

[@moroteseoinage]

Getting stabbed with a giant needle probably sucks.

[@Diospepreco]

I don't know a thing about kendo, but the guy looks awesome. No unnecessary movements, no wasted energy. He just looks so efficient and composed.

[@phike8870]

I really appreciate the editing of this video. The slow motions of fast attacks, repeated shots from different angles, as well as the blood effects showing the hits, all make this for an enjoyable watch that is easy to follow. Thanks!

[@patpatpatzi7089]

Love how natural, new and exciting this cross-duel be like,. Not to mention those fancy Hollywood swordfights. Imma take note for my concept art portfolio

[@Maehlice]

I was just going to comment that. Choreographed stylized fights are cool and all, but watching that duel was almost anxiety-enducing. Even small movements have so much weight and meaning.

[@zamolxezamolxe8131]

it is sport vs sport. give them free range and real heavy weapons, and u will see how everthing changes.

[@ruhzzzy]

what do you mean by "hollywood" sword fingting ? these aint a real swordfighting either , fencing and kendo are a pure sport , they made it specially to get point and contested it , samurai uses kenjutsu , and european (based on fencing) use variety of techniques depend ot what you use (sabre/rapier) and when to use it , (duel or in the middle of war chaos)

[@patpatpatzi7089]

@@ruhzzzy i mean i don't like those over the top hollywood acrobatic swordfightings., and although this is a cross-duel/cross-sport. what i mean to say is although it's a sport, the idea of two different techniques clashing while both utilizing distance, timing and defense to name a few is awesome,.

[@ruhzzzy]

@@patpatpatzi7089 i know what you're saying but sometimes they actually do , when it comes to sword fighting, we are talking about a very quick fight , that lasts around 3-6 minutes , every hit could be fatal, they can die/disabled from 1 lethal hit , even a kenjutsu master miyamoto mushashi , does a jump to avoid his enemy attack , throw a sand to enemy eyes, rocks, some even use kunai / throwing star in a middle of duel ,sword fighting are just over romanticize story because back in the middle age europe , it was a symbol of wealth , while in japan it merely a soldier weapon, samurai just like any other middle age military , mostly use spear and bow to fight a war , real sword fight are short, cruel , and mean.

[@callmefaust6988]

Damnn. EVERY move is calculated and controlled. No loose movements. Efficient and focused athletes/fighters. Amazing. Makes me want to learn.

[@ethanwood5700]

That's what I like about watching martial arts and those trained with certain weapon styles at a high level. It's so impressive it gets you pumped up to wanna know how

[@StatchanaReborn]

Ahhh me too!! Looking up places to go 🤣

[@pyromidas]

As someone who was schooled in fencing from primary school, I can say that sports fencing isn't close to combat fencing and has been heavily adapted for safety reasons. As a karate practitioner as well, I'd liken it to how tournament and points karate is very different to MMA karate. You likely noticed the lack of head defence. This is a weakness introduced by the sporting varient. You'll also notice he uses an epee, combat styles often used sabers, which could use the edge. I think a saber style would have been better here, especially as it might have allowed horizontal combat. Allowing both combatants to better explore their abilities.

[@Travis_Trauma]

I'm a former karate point fighting champion and it was lame and dangerously far from reality. I'm better protected and happier now training boxing and bjj with 1/6 the training time.

[@Quoxozist]

"You'll also notice he uses an epee, combat styles often used sabers, which could use the edge. I think a saber style would have been better here, especially as it might have allowed horizontal combat. Allowing both combatants to better explore their abilities." 100% agreed, would have made things much more interesting.

[@Travis_Trauma]

@@Quoxozist plus it was two handed vs one handed, if the katana had been up against a two handed great sword it would have gone differently. And both weapons work better with more a wider area than a fencing lane.

[@PrometheanConsulting]

As a former competitive 3-weapon fencer but predominantly a saber fencer, I'm going to disagree. Epee is a much better choice for cross-discipline combat because it dispenses with Right-of-Way. It's instructive because the epeeist has little head defense, loses half the body as target (I assume everything below the waist is off-target because Kendo is restricted to 4 target areas; head, throat, left, and right) and has a tasty target area with no hand guard. Against the heavier shinai(?), pressures might work but binds would not which makes the body and head targets fraught with risk. I was impressed by the kendoist's ability to protect his hands and his grace in gliding on attack (many competitive epeeists bounce too much and this slows their attack). He maintained a solid command of distance though partly I think this epeeist's style played into it; I've faced many epeeists who prefer to give ground to their 2-meter line.

[@skysamurai4649]

Yes. Fencing “sword” here also lacks rigidity and in multiple situations it was impossible for the fencer to defend from boken, it has crushed through the defence

[@Redmaile25]

At first, I thought that the fencer was more practical and efficient but then I read the comments from all these experienced fencers and kendokas and now I know what to look for and therefore appreciate this video even more!!! Love it!

[@TahmidA150]

5:11 That double redirect/block to counter was amazing

[@3clowns469]

That move was sweet oml

[@user-ym2oo9om6d]

Yes yes

[@patrickpierce6146]

right?!!! Felt like a video game finishing move hahaha

[@christianfournier6862]

I have long been puzzled over what a Kendo vs. Épée match would do. I’m a former épée fencer but my knowledge of kendo is limited to watching the famous film Samurai (I = Musashi Miyamoto, 1954; II = Duel at Ichijoji Temple, 1955; III = Duel at Ganryu Island, 1956) starring Toshirô Mifune. Actually, what I watched in 1970 was a condensed version of the trilogy (since these three films total more than five hours); It was very interesting and left a lasting memory. From this, my impression of kendo was that - after a period of intense observation - the decisive action would take place in an instant attack, with parry or opposition and decisive blow. It turns out that épée fencing has followed over the last fifty years an evolution bringing it closer to kendo. Preparation is paramount, attacks are now often simultaneous, and one single thrust is now made with, in many cases, a simple opposition of blade. Thus modern (2021) épée fencing - with its emphasis on distance, speed, and the timing of one decisive thrust - has acquired a kinship with kendo which was not obvious fifty years ago! ___ .

[@thaeros]

i don't know how much "fencing" type art there is but for the art of the nihonto ( japanese sword) there is many and not all use the shinai ( bamboo sword) that was not for exemple what i used in iaido but one thing disturb me is that they was fighting in a "line" and that's not the type of fighting area a nihonto user use, so i think they was a tiny bit advantage for the fencer because the " advantage" of the shinai bein heavyer is downed by the light weight of the fencer sword that give him more speed!

[@Elios0000]

vs saber would nice too see too

[@mihailmilev9909]

@@Elios0000 yeah

[@mihailmilev9909]

@@thaeros good point

[@mihailmilev9909]

@@Elios0000 nice pfp

[@marion_roberts]

This is a very entertaining video and an invaluable study for the sword enthusiast youtubers. You both are fun to watch.

[@zylowolfzan3345]

Always awesome to see different styles of martial arts going head to head, seeing the differences and learning from one another on how to deal with different styles, and potentially learn new things to incorporate into one's own style and thought process is always very cool.

[@torstenscott7571]

This looks like a really fun club and I like the attempts to compare and contrast different sword styles. I would have preferred them having more mobility options other than the limited fencing track. Being able to move and circle one another would allow for the exploitation of better angles, still it looks like a good time.

[@Izanagioomikami]

I agree with you. A wider fighting area would have been more interesting.

[@inthedenoftigers5702]

It’s not as obvious as it seems. My fencing instructor in Italy also was a kendoka and when I was younger I asked this very same question “why fencers only go in a linear fashion’ as opposed to kendo or other fencing systems. His answer was quite definitive and explains why even if the strip is 1.5 to 2 metres wide a top level fencer will rarely use even a fraction of its lateral space. The reason was that the blades are 500g(foil) to 750g (epee) and lightness of the sword coupled with the acceleration of the hand and the lunge makes sidestepping or dodging an attack a low percentage strategy. In short the blade can accelerate horizontally quicker than you can displace your body sideways. This also explains why theres very little attempt to dodge a blade in high level fencing. If you try and circle with your feet to find a better angle all the opponent has to do to cover that angle is to track you with an angulation of the wrist. Its oddly enough the one error that we punish beginners with. Whenever they waste time finding a better angle you punish them with a counterattack on preparation. After a while they ‘get it’ and see circling has diminishing returns. Back in the 2000’s we didn’t have wireless equipment so it was hard to know if he was right. We do now and we can move round and experiment at will, and the result is exactly the same: the fencer who circles gives away time and distance to the fencer who sticks to a straight line and gets countered. BUT...and this is a big BUT. The heavier a sword gets to 1kg the less this rule applied because the hand cannot accelerate or change direction as easily if it is weighted. If fencing with rapiers longswords or heavier sabres circling becomes a real possibility because opponents cant take advantage of the sidestep. In short forcing an opponent to fence in a straight line is a product of the advantage the fencing sword gets by giving up robust mass and its ability to cut.

[@torstenscott7571]

@@inthedenoftigers5702 thanks for your explanation that reveals the difference between foil usage vs authentic weapons. While I like fencing and kendo, I still prefer the martial applications of kenjutsu and HEMA respectively. Sometimes the sporting equipment places too many restrictions to capabilities and strategies. Thanks again for the explanation.

[@inthedenoftigers5702]

@@torstenscott7571 i think the problem lies in that when people do HEMA longsword they don’t see that what applies for a longsword doesn’t apply for a 18th century smallsword or a 19th century epee (and a sport epee is functionally IDENTICAL to a duelling epee in weight and handling). Its only until you do fencing with lighter duelling weapons that you realise that lateral movement gives very little benefit with weapons that light. People died in duels making that mistake. Conversely sport fencers who move to HEMA rapiers fight in a linear fashion because the weapons are similar, and eventually realise that circling is a valid tactic, because rapiers though similar to smallswords are so much heavier and have different properties.

[@torstenscott7571]

@@inthedenoftigers5702 When I refer to HEMA, I am not limiting it to longsword practices, but the sabre and rapier treatises as well. In the case of foil fencing, I would see it as supplemental to the authentic combative forms of rapier and smallsword.

[@gushlergushler]

I love this channel, people who are actually good testing themselves and being respectful. Great work.

[@Nman923]

I am glad that videos like this are available for people looking into armed combat. It shows the strengths of the various styles and dispels myths surrounding different types martial arts. It especially shows the power of training and discipline. Well done!

[@briang.2218]

This is such a cool video. Love the comparison/friendly competition between the two distinctive duel styles.

[@rodjjt7742]

I don't know much about either discipline but you can really see the skill. Watching them feel each other out you can see the timing and reflexes it takes to do this.

[@YozoraRose]

The music, the pros dueling and the editing. Wow this was amazing!

[@sharkastic2633]

Absolutely loved this. Épee was definitely the right choice here, but it would be interesting to see how a foil or saber fencer would have done. I don't think it's feasible because of how right-of-way works but it would have been interesting because, from what I've seen, those two fencing styles train for much more explosive movement than any other combat sport.

[@ozanozenir2503]

foil is a really light sword even lighter than epee so it would be even harder to block so it wouldnt be fair.

[@sharkastic2633]

@@ozanozenir2503 Well, both weapons have entirely different styles so it's not just the weapon.

[@ozanozenir2503]

@@sharkastic2633 its not about the style its about the weight and the shape

[@sharkastic2633]

@@ozanozenir2503 If it is about weight and shape, an epee is getting parried just as easily as the other two. This makes foil and saber faster with no downside of easier parries. The style does actually matter because of target area and right of way. There's no significant shape difference between the three weapons either.

[@ozanozenir2503]

@@sharkastic2633 no you dont get it. İ said the foil is much lighter and thiner than epee so it will be so hard to block the kendo strikes. Even the epee in this video shows how difficult it was to block and foil is even thiner. Just think about it. İts like trying to block a punch with a paper. Foil can attack pretty much the same way with epee. However defence will be even harder than epee.

[@Terratops474]

That was very interesting. I felt like a surprising amount of the losses from the epee were when he attempted a standard party and the heavier weapon blew through it. Great adaptation from both sides to work around the differences.

[@apollo1694]

Yeah lol, 8 years of fencing here, most people don't realize how light the blade actually is. A light tap can send it pretty far. Must be hard to adapt to something you actually need to push away

[@SirConto]

In terms of weight, the epee (which should weigh about 770g) is actually heavier than the bamboo shinai (which is about 550g). What makes the shinai's strikes more powerful is the two handed grip.

[@JohnDoeJersey1]

This was awesome. Really would love to see a Saber fencer next time as well. Great match all around, wonderful technique from both of them

[@ScottGrow117]

Yes, and you can give the Kendoka a Zigi Forge blunt katana yo fight with instead of shinai. I’d like to see that, anyway.

[@jonnylawless6797]

I was thinking they should be using a saber and a blunt katana for this, and their movement should be unrestricted, or at least be given a ring

[@ScottGrow117]

@@jonnylawless6797 agreed. I want to see sword fighting, not watered down sport paddy cakes with tons of narrowly defined rules.

[@virginiahansen320]

Yeah, especially since they're not even playing by the same rules. They were both massively disadvantaged and hamstrung by the fact that the other guy was allowed to do things they couldn't do.

[@TimberwolfCY]

Very slick job done here. I have some familiarity with kendo and have fenced off-and-on for about 10 years, along with some other things over time. Analyzing the back-and-forth, seeing the tempo and bladework, footwork of course, distance control, offsets of gear and inherent 'rules' for each art, and how they juggle all that and think through it, their actions, the fact that both guys are clearly capable and competant and know what their doing. Man, this is just such a solid video, and it's an onion: layers of implications and complexity to analyze. Great sportsmanship also. Well done!

[@Sapreme]

the Kendoka is the captain of the national team. Calling him "good" is a severe understatement. He got 2nd in the world kendo championship in individuals and in teams. He is elite.

[@musamusashi]

@@Sapreme i could tell he is a master: his footwork and absolute focus on the "men" don't lie. What is his name, please?

[@MercuryA2000]

@@musamusashi Jo Jinyong of the korean national team. According to the description at least.

[@musamusashi]

@@MercuryA2000 thanks, i've seen it in the description myself, after posting the question 😊

[@Aqsticgod]

problem is, one art is being completely hindered by the others rule, allow the samurai to move around and the match would be way more interesting.

[@AKwontheChef]

Whoever edited this video did a great job. Made it easy to follow and entertaining to watch

[@Maverick-ck7hn]

Love the video. No clickbait, no BS. Just straight to crossing.

[@JoshuaBenitezNewOrleans]

That was an absolutely incredible match. It was fantastic getting to see the delicate strategies playing out against different weapons

[@Tark-qs4mu]

It is amazing to see just how evenly matched these two styles truly are. This was so much fun to watch.

[@jovanleon7]

Evenly matched? Kendoka won by a lot

[@jasonwilliams9803]

@@jovanleon7 kendo’s sword is way lighter then the fencers

[@jovanleon7]

@@jasonwilliams9803 uh.. No

[@jasonwilliams9803]

@@jovanleon7 oh ok

[@HandsomeNamed]

@@jovanleon7 The kendoka was lethally struck in first few rounds before he started scoring back. So yeah, kendoka wins provided they get to respawn I guess??

[@SecretTechniqueGuy]

Very cool to see each art using their strengths and discovering their relative weaknesses in this sort of mixed match. Extremely interesting and well-fought on both sides!

[@TonberryV]

I know this is a brilliant show of athleticism for both of these parties, but MAN! The editing and effects given for each of the hits deserves a shout out. Well done!

[@user-dq8jo8bv6p]

騎士と武士のぶつかり合い、 めちゃくちゃカッコ良かったです。 武士道・騎士道、 どちらもめちゃくちゃリスペクト。😊

[@swaythegod5812]

fior di battaglia is more knight style fighting I recommend you look it up it’s amazing Fencing is more musketeer style fighting you would carry a gun or guns on you as well as dagger with the sword

[@henrichandrew]

Wow, This was very awesome to see different weapon practitioners to try out their skills against each other. Seldom see that Kendoka and fencer compete, east meet west martial weapon art. Thank you for bringing this remarkable scene. The blood effect when a practitioner got hit, is like you are watching an anime fighting scene. Great job for this video, bring something beyond usual.

[@simoncunningham3740]

never realized how fast and accurate the Kendo guys are, those little head taps are like lightening, and on the other side how quickly the fencers little whips become an actual strike

[@user-wl4js5mc9v]

Muy buen nivel, excelente demostración. Ambos esgrimistas muy técnicos. Dignos guerreros!!!

[@pipedreamer9781]

Impressive work by the kendo practitioner, all things considered. closing the distance on a fencer with a mid range slashing blade feels like an impossible task without tremendous skill and reflexes.

[@tylerm.8684]

Epee isn't a slashing weapon. It requires a stab to get the point

[@pipedreamer9781]

@@tylerm.8684 You misunderstand. I was referring to the kendo practitioner's shinai.

[@tylerm.8684]

@@pipedreamer9781 oh, my bad

[@ulyssesthedm]

These are two very talented fighters in their respective art forms, it is fascinating to see how the two develop and learn from each other's style as the fight goes on.

[@ingoclever1722]

This looked really clean. Thx for the video.

[@timmori2811]

This is aweseome. :D As a fencer, I think it's so interesting, how the Kendo fighter parries and hits on the head!

[@TheZir05]

This was interesting, exciting and fun to watch. Practically all of the kendo strikes were hard head shots and all of the fencers were arms and chest. I'd say they were pretty evenly matched in their respective styles. One of my favorites so far.

[@underblader9675]

In kendo there are only 4 ways to strike : the head strike is the main one and three others are punishers : arm : your opponent was trying too hard to stop you to go for the head Stomach : your opponent was too slow or too predictable in his attack Throat : your opponent was going towards you while you had control of the center. In this situation the fencer only had protection for head strikes but his sword couldn't allow him to defend it the way kendokas defend themselves. In terms of ruling the fencer has a big advantages : he can strike pretty much everywhere while the kendoka is limited to the head so I find the the latter's performance to be the most impressive

[@TheZir05]

@@underblader9675 Thanks for the insight. 👍🏽

[@benjaminhartmann4522]

Wow really well done! That was quite exciting, guess Kendo is in advantage, because he can actually move his opponents weapon but w/e this guys had fun and me too. Also nice camera/editing work, enjoyed it!

[@jamesstruthers4357]

Absolute pleasure to watch. Thanks!

[@philyip4432]

I think a more appropriate duel would be a match up between kendo and European saber.

[@jaketheasianguy3307]

Don't think that will happen any time soon. Kendoka in these type of mix weapon fights usually don't want to use protection gears from different arts, and their gears won't be enough to protect the user from a saber blow. Sabres are heavy hitter, even the practice version made of plastic or blunt steel can still hit like a brick and it hurts like hell even when wearing HEMA gears, unless you're usimg SPES gloves

[@fencerguy279]

I don't think I'd want to see that match up unless you mean olympic saber

[@fencerguy279]

Mainly because it'd match up a two handed shinai against a heavier one handed saber. The saberist would be at a huge disadvantage

[@aggroalex5470]

@@fencerguy279 remember that time epee was almost tossed out of the olympics because both participants refused to risk a point?

[@mygoodness2041]

@@jaketheasianguy3307 Singlestick would work pretty well imo

[@dominikb8430]

Finally, good match between two different sword arts. You can see that both of them are skilled fighters. That is the way comparisons should be made on yt.

[@murdermatics]

one of the best videos ive seen i keep coming back

[@therocketman321]

New favorite channel!!!

[@loristronci4897]

The kendo player is amazing. Imo he is at a disadvantage in this match up but he masterfully engages the whole time.

[@marcelosinico]

I think it was the fencing guy who was in disadvantage. He could only trust and never slash.

[@thiagomachado8208]

@marcelosinico but the fancing Guy had more área for target. Kendo Guy isn't attacking his forearm, neck (with trusting strike) and his dorso too... Attacks praticed on kendo that he isn't attacking maybe for lack of proper protection on fence guy. Basically fence player was able tô throw every strikes he pratice but kendo player coudn't

[@misterkami2]

@@marcelosinico Also, a one handed posture can lead to a longer reach when the blade lengths are comparable and the kendoka has to limit his footwork to staying on a single line

[@ebreshea]

The kendoka is limited by the ruleset, but the fencer has disadvantages as well: the foil is shorter - the stance increasing reach doesn't completely negate that because the kendoka can score points on the wrist. Also, the foil is very flexible, which means the kendoka can blow through the fencer's guard if he has to. edit: that might be an epee not a foil, but most of reasoning is the same regardless

[@Yojimbo8407]

@@ebreshea but the kendoka never aimed for the wrist as the fencer didn’t have any protection there. I agree that each had advantages and disadvantages but from my POV the kendoka had more in way of disadvantages here. The only valid strike he could make was ‘men.’

[@jeremywhittington7605]

Both are great skills to learn, and the integrity these guys showed was awesome

[@daughertyjack1]

This is dope af. Finally a good showing from both schools. Well done all.

[@mikehunt7419]

Great demo guys and the blood effect to show the hits was fantastic 👌

[@maxtowers8076]

I like how they implemented the Wilhelm scream every time someone got hit.

[@darkshadowsx5949]

i didn't hear the Wilhelm scream once... although my terrible internet only let me load 1 minute of the video and i been here for 5+ minutes. i heard and electric ping sound when someone got hit. no where close to the Wilhelm scream.

[@Rygoat]

I found myself almost not wanting to blink, this was so good! It was interesting seeing how the differences in style and equipment didnt result in either side having a supreme advantage.

[@vikingvibes5137]

I was lucky enough as a kid to be taught both of these arts, amazing to watch this.

[@ZoneTwelveOnline]

Which one would you say you preferred most and for what reasons?

[@gavreynolds2689]

The level of skill and timing was amazing to watch, thank you.

[@sorendk1]

Impressive :) Thank you for the demonstration, they are both very fast and skilled.

[@HowtoFencingbyYarikandTim]

Indeed, Gotta say Kendo fencer had a solid parry reposte to the head.

[@ShaiYammanee]

This was a fascinating match up. I loved how fast they adapted to the opponent's style.

[@Krimson62]

Super fun watch, id love to see more matchups!! And even more of this

[@mattdowds8505]

Interesting that the longer, one handed foil gives the fencer much more reach, but the match was closer than I would have thought. Great stuff!

[@midori4352]

Martial arts mixing is always fun. I remember when a boxer came to our Taekwondo club. Was not used to taking so many punches from the top, but he also wasn't used to having to guard against or dodge kicks. It was quite interesting and once I figured out I could kite him it was easier. I enjoyed seeing the sword matches here! Reminds me of that time!

[@jooot_6850]

It’s amazing how quickly the kendo practitioner closes distance. Good stuff!

[@kuwakuwa2060]

1本取られた時の「「アーーーーー」」でお二人の真剣さが伝わってきます

[@sturmtiger7704]

안녕?

[@GraveUypo]

oh my god, i came in expecting the usual essay on the history of both, then a bunch of disclaimers, then 30 seconds of actual fighting, but it was fighting the whole way through! awesome! this is what all of youtube should be like!

[@AverageGabriel]

Fencing was the most difficult weapon practice I'd taken lessons in. The needed finesse for such little movements, similar to guitar string hand plucking of the wrist. To make such small figure 6, 9, or 8 etc and so quickly in order to repost successfully. I wasn't good at it lol. I only had left hand advantages.

[@JG27Korny]

Super cool. It would be interesting to see Saber vs Kendo, as Saber is more aggressive style.

[@StrengthScholar0]

The saber had to be aggressive because he was completely incapable of parrying or blocking the larger wooden blade.

[@JG27Korny]

@@StrengthScholar0 You have a point. I was meaning though that there are 3 different fencing weapons: Epee, Foil and Saber. They have also different techniques and styles. The Saber is what can oppose the wooden blade as it has stronger blade and its style matches kendo's style. Videos are cool but nothing compares to see the sparks and smell the ozone when hit in the helmet with a sabre.

[@Zerlot]

Pretty cool to see different sword styles go against each other. Like watching two dancers try to complement their skill.

[@iainbrodie5740]

It was awesome to see two really great practitioners battling. I'd love to see kendo vs sabre fencing.

[@blandandturner]

The fact they are both having a good time with this really comes through.

[@randomtiger8406]

The form in these frames are amazing. Fencing 1:26 Kendo 2:46.

[@migopilingero8607]

This video kept me smiling. a very nice display one's discipline against another discipline. Masterfully demonstrated. I miss the sounds of both weapons.

[@isaac13d]

This was a legitimately cool video to watch!

[@Pablo668]

This was awesome. Well matched in skill level, you can see that often it's more often how good the contestants are as opposed to the style itself. It seems they all relaxed a bit more as the bouts went on and figured out how they were going to fight/strike. Great work. Mechya subarashii yo! (sorry, I don't know the Korean for that).

[@Jonic_P]

The blade control by both practioners was beautiful 😭 Not sure if it's because of the combination of Kendo and Épée, but, as HEMA practioner, I haven't seen this much focus on controling the other person's blade in either discipline. Might be because both sides were slowly feeling each other out, but I tend to notice more parries in each individual competition. Here, there was a balance between parries and (at least more visible attempts) at controling their opponents blade. I was surprised by that

[@SyniStar616]

As a total novice, I think I picked up a few things from this. 1.) Never be afraid to push your advantage, an opponent on their back foot is less stable than one standing firm. 2.) Permit your opponent to make mistakes, an enemy that leaves their guard down is easily swatted away. 3.) Keep an eye for detail, knowing when to push and when to let your opponent open themselves to counter attack is key for achieving victory. Like I said, I'm a total novice when it comes to martial arts, only took Tae Kwon Do for less than a year when I was like 4-6(so long ago that I forget how old I was at the time), so I have no idea if my speculation is accurate in any way, shape, or form.

[@fernandonoite6957]

true swordsmanship is superior to Kendo very fast slow kendo

[@SyniStar616]

@@fernandonoite6957 what in the hell are you talking about, and what does any of that have to do with anything I said in the first place?

[@fernandonoite6957]

@@SyniStar616 Which is better Kendo or fencing in a real fight and which one would survive?

[@SyniStar616]

@@fernandonoite6957 I don't know, nor did I claim to know at any point in my original comment.

[@maleldil1]

@@fernandonoite6957 why do people get hung up on "real fights"? These are all sports: they're not representative of how fights used to be, especially fencing.

[@laurabarros3727]

Amazing to watch! They are awesome fighters. Thank you editor to put some blood animation, so we can see where they were hit.

[@adjd1576]

Thanks for bringing attention to both of these sports

[@rudewalrus5636]

Nicely done. This seemed like a real competition between skilled opponents. I like to see that the kendo fighter is wearing a proper fencing mask. It might not be standard kendo gear, but it's necessary when facing a fencing weapon to be properly safe. My only issue is that the epee fencer seemed to be attempting a lot of body hits, although it's kind of hard to see for sure. I would have been focusing heavily on attacking the wrist and hand.

[@user-gm2qc3np5o]

What an amazing fight ！Each sides have extraordinary skills and mentalism.

[@orfeo9252]

와.. 기적의 매치. 좋은 영상 감사합니다!

[@Bluebuthappy182]

This was really interesting. Looked like a lot of fun.

[@thatonechannel7045]

Its crazy how all the points the Kendo person scored were head shots....amazing video

[@thatonechannel7045]

@Martin Larouche its not that serious...it was simply an observation on the Kendo player's consistency.

[@JesusGarcia-vy1zn]

Maravilloso, que técnica. Bravo a los dos. Espectacular!!!

[@crimsonspade4305]

That was an incredible display from both contenders. 👏 👏 👏

[@laurencefox5884]

Your videos are addictive!! Thank you. Quite brilliant skill shown here. I am in awe....

[@trave10427]

フェンシングが圧倒的有利かと思いきや剣道も引けを取らない、、すごい

[@HighlyRegardted]

As someone who’s Foil and Sabre teacher also taught Kendo… this is awesome

[@tds_noel]

おもしろい！映像も見やすいです。Interesting to see how they begin reconstructing their moves after the first couple of minutes.

[@antimony2333]

watching this in slowmo was really awesome. seeing how the fencer redirect the kendo using the guard is really cool

[@petriano1]

Amazing to see a master with a clear disadvantage in wing span be so deadly

[@stianberg5645]

Quite interesting match between the two, but I think the European fencing style had some elements in his favor. Primarily the narrow arena, as well as his sword being a pure duelist tradition, while Kendo is closer linked to it's warfare origins. I would love to see the same match, but against a European bastard-sword! That opens up some new interesting ways to parry an attack, using the handguards and pummels as well. Additionally, it's closer to being a weapon of war, thus a bit less nimble and making it more similar to the kendo-type. Now I'm about to dig through this channel for more interesting matches like this!

[@entropy11]

Looks like the Kendoka really got into it once he figured out getting past the epee point. Great video.

[@wolvar6933]

Really cool. The anime blood /sound effects were awesome.