Shiai - Competitions

A Kendo match (Shiai) is a contest between two Kendoka for YUKO DATOTSU (valid points) using Kendo equipment and conducted in an court like area. It is conducted by 3 referees and a timekeeper.

Shiai is generally the publics opinion of what Kendo is.

In its basic form (although there is an extensive list of rules) the match consists of two Kendoka fencing each other. They stand on opposite sides of the court one has a red ribbon tied to their back and the other has a white.

They step in and bow to one another when invited by the head referee. They then move to pre marked positions on the floor with their shinais drawn into Chudan-no-kamae.

They then go into Sonkyo and wait.

The head referee announces start (hajime), and the match begins

In a tournament, the three referees(shinpan) each hold a red flag and a white flag in opposite hands.

To signal a point, the shinpan raise the flag corresponding to the colour of the ribbon worn by the scoring competitor. Generally, at least two shinpan must agree, for a point to be awarded. The match continues until a pronouncement of the point that has been scored.

The first competitor to score two points wins the match. If the time limit is reached and only one competitor has a point, that competitor wins.

In the case of a tie, there are several options:

•The match may be declared a draw.
•The match may be extended (encho), and the first competitor to score a point wins.
•The winner may be chosen by a decision made by the shinpan, or hantei, in which the three referees vote for their choice. This is done simultaneously, by show of flags.