Weak Kendo or loose with style?

by Robert
(Australia)

I am a beginner and I notice in the competitions players wiggling the Shinai and bending at the neck in an attempt at dodging the strikes. This looks weak to me and bad form. While watching the masters use simple efficient movements.

Is this just part of fighting competitive sport Kendo or an obvious attempt at trying to win? I personally would rather loose with style.

Answer: Thank you for your question. Not sure what you mean by wiggling the shinai but bending at the neck is considered to be not proper. You should not avoid a cut by bending at the neck. But also you should not get hit on your men so instead of just bending your neck, move your body.

If you are a beginner, try many things. Your teacher will correct you if you are doing something you should not be doing at your level. Beginners, in my opinion, should focus on learning the basics and build a firm foundation of kendo. So they can keep improving and enjoying kendo as long as they do kedno.

Hope this helps.

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