2012-02-25-001 Kendo - Show no mercy

Taken at the 60th Tokyo Ward Kendo Taikai. [Open discussion] This particular match will raise questions among people who thinks Kendo is all about discipline, character building through the way of the sword, and being courteous through virtual of oneself to another. Having said in a shiaijyo, it’s a simulation of a sword fight and hence you must kill your opponent to win. Although the this particular fight can come across as aggressive, or not Kendo in some people’s mind. The questions to ask are: 1. Why the Shinpans give the white senshu a hansoku when clearly that he got pushed out through force. (Points to consider: Shinpans have in the past not awarded an hansoku for disadvantage jyogai) 2. Why the Shinpan allowed the white senshu to attack his opponent when he is on the ground? (Note: Some shinpan have stopped a fight immediately when an opponent falls to the gro