How to Watch a Kendo Match

In a tournament, individual matches are played two out of three points over a two to five minute time period (the length of which is announced before the competition). A scoreless or tied match may be extended at the referee's discretion. There are also team competitions in which a winner is determined by either the total number of points or the total number of winners.

There are four designated target areas, each worth one point in a match. There are strikesto the head (MEN), the wrist (KOTE), the body (DO) and a thrust to the throat (TSUKI). Competitors call their target in a strong voice (KIAI) as they strike. Blows must be delivered with clarity and precision, using theh outer third of the SHINAI. The referees look for good form and a strong follow through that leaves a player in a position to continue immediately with no letup of spirit. Unnecessary roughness or poor sportsmanship carries penalties.

The three referees indicate points scored by snapping red or white flags over their heads (with each match, the two competitors wear either a red or white streamer attached to their backs). At least two judges must agree. A fast criss-cross of the flags below hip-level means the official did not see a valid point. The lead referee's word is final in all cases although he may on occasion summon his colleagues for a brief conference over application of the rules.

Play is stopped after each successful point, to be resumed at centre court on the referee's signal. Two points scored simultaneously cancel one another however, and the match is not stopped. If two players are locked in a sword guard tangle for too long (TSUBAZERIAI) and there is no sign of impending movement, the referee may stop play and separate them by their swords' length to start again. If a player is forced out of bounds of drops his SHINAI, a penalty point is called. If a second such foul is called, the player concedes a point to the other player.

Click here to see a diagram of the point areas used for scoring in Kendo.