Kendo Practitioners Research Articles

Striking Differences in Kendo Headgear.

Kendo, a martial art developed by the samurai, is rooted deep in Japanese culture with traditional armor that has seen little change over the past centuries.Despite its century-old design, kendo helmets are manufactured without third-party testing to verify their quality and effectiveness against head trauma. To evaluate the effectiveness of different helmet stitching patterns and padding materials in mitigating impact forces that could lead to sports-related concussions (SRC) in kendo, and to assess variations in safety performance across different genders and kendo ranks (Dan and Kyu). We collected data from 10 kendo practitioners (six males and four females), analyzing over 4,000 strikes using shinai on a sensor-equipped mannequin. Various helmet stitching patterns (ranging from 2 mm to 9 mm) and padding types (polyurethane-based and different thicknesses of cotton-based pads) were tested under controlled conditions simulating realistic impacts encountered in kendo practice. The results indicated that helmets with wider stitching patterns (e.g. 8 mm and 9 mm) generally offered better energy absorption, exhibiting statistically significant lower mean g-forces with a 95% confidence interval compared to tighter patterns (2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm x 2 mm) (p < 0.001). Additionally, the polyurethane-based padding outperformed cotton-based padding by a statistically significant reduction of impact force (p < 0.001). Significant differences in striking force were also observed between genders and ranks, with male and higher-rank (Dan) practitioners delivering stronger impacts (both p < 0.001). This study highlights the critical influence of helmet stitching patterns and padding materials on the protective capabilities against concussions in kendo. Even though helmets with narrower stitching patterns cost more, helmets with wider stitching patterns and polyurethane padding material provide enhanced safety benefits. We do not know how the difference in striking force between genders and ranks affects the outcome of a kendo match.

Exercise intensity at RPE13 in female Kendo practitioners

Abstract: Introduction: Kendo, a Japanese martial art, requires rigorous physical and mental training. Kendo practitioners who engage in daily mental training may experience a disparity between their subjective perception of exertion and the actual physiological load on their bodies. Methods: Fifteen healthy adult female kendo practitioners were recruited as participants. Participants were asked to report levels of exertion using the Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) during a progressive, load-incremented stress test. The participants’ heart rate at the time of reporting RPE13, which is considered a “somewhat hard” level of exertion, as well as heart rate at the anaerobic threshold (AT) to measure actual load, were compared to the maximum heart rate measurement obtained during the test. Results: The participants’ heart rates at RPE13 were found to be higher than those at AT, based on their values as percentages of maximum heart rates. Conclusion: This study discovered that kendo practitioners engaged in regular mental training exhibited a higher heart rate at “somewhat hard” exertion (RPE13) compared to the anaerobic threshold (AT), indicating a relative increase in RPE. Additional research is necessary to determine if this effect is attributable to mental training.

THE FACTORS RELATED TO KENDO PRACTICE THAT AFFECT IKIGAI-KAN OF MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER KENDO PRACTITIONERS

Abstract The purpose of this study was to clarify the factors related to kendo practice that affect Ikigai-Kan and actual conditions of generativity, mental health of middle-aged and elderly Kendo practitioners. We selected 97 middle-aged and older Kendo practitioners who are practicing at Dojos in Osaka and Hyogo prefectures as research participants. Items that are basic attributes were grouped into two groups, and the values of each survey item were compared between groups. In addition, correlation analysis was performed to grasp the mutual relationship between the basic attributes and each survey item value. Furthermore, in order to clarify the factors related to the practice of kendo that affect Ikigai-Kan, multiple regression analysis was performed. Each item value indicating the practice status of kendo was used as independent variable. As a result, it was confirmed that the frequency of practice with young people (β=0.384, p&amp;lt; 0.01) affected Ikigai-Kan. These results show that the collaboration between the school and the community, the creation of an environment where the skills and experience of middle-aged and elderly people such as club activity instructors and local sports organizers can be enhanced, and opportunities to interact with or practice with young people would lead to Ikigai.

Effect of Exchange Through Kendo on the Image of the elderly of Junior High School Kendo Club Members

This study targeted junior high school kendo club members who have practice experience with elderly kendo practitioners and examined the image of the elderly and the related factors that intergenerational exchange through kendo brings to the junior high school members. Kendo is one of the traditional Japanese martial arts. The subjects in this research were 193 players who practiced with the elderly kendo practitioners in Osaka prefecture. As a result of factor analysis to clarify the structure of the image, the "evaluation" factor and the "activity / competence" factor were extracted as in the previous research, and it was suggested that the junior high school players generally had positive image regarding the elderly practitioners. As a result of logistic regression analysis to clarify the factors related to the high/ low scores in the image of elderly kendo practitioners, "evaluation" factor showed a significant relationship between "intimacy with elderly practitioners" and "empathic interest", and "activity / competence" factor indicated a significant relationship between "gender" and "intimacy with elderly kendo practitioners." Although it is pointed out that the traditional style of kendo and the image of elderly kendo practitioners have a negative impact on children, it may be possible to control these factors through an appropriate guidance and approach depending on the children's stage of growth .

Optimal methods for estimating sports vision in kendo athletes

This study investigated whether the eight standard tests of sports vision used in Japan appropriately reflect sports vision; whether all eight tests are necessary; and if not, which combination yields the optimal model. Participants were kendo practitioners (exercise group, n = 41) and those with no exercise habits (non-exercise group, n = 65). The performance of the two groups on all eight tests were compared. The groups differed in static visual acuity, kinetic visual acuity, and eye/hand coordination. A high correlation (r = 0.75) was observed between static visual acuity and kinetic visual acuity, while contrast sensitivity was moderately correlated with static visual acuity and kinetic visual acuity (r = 0.6), and dynamic visual acuity was moderately correlated with eye/hand coordination (r = − 0.66). Logistic regression analysis indicated that it is not necessary to conduct all eight tests; the optimal model included static visual acuity, visual reaction time, and eye/hand coordination. Our results suggest that static visual acuity, visual reaction time, and eye/hand coordination are sufficient for assessing visual function in kendo practitioners. For other sports, it may be possible to construct discriminative models using the same method and determine which aspects of visual function and which training methods to emphasise in a given sport.

Prevalence of iron deficiency among university kendo practitioners in Japan: an observational cohort study

BackgroundIron deficiency is widely recognized as being the cause of anemia in athletes, although iron status in athletes of Kendo, a traditional Japanese martial art based on swordsmanship and practiced as an educational sport, has not been widely investigated.MethodsWe performed a health assessment on anemia and serum ferritin levels, along with nutrient intake evaluation, for Kendo practitioners in a university in Japan.ResultsA total of 56 Kendo practitioners (39 male and 17 female) aged between 18 and 23 years participated in the study. No individuals exhibited WHO-defined anemia (less than 13 or 12 g/dL of hemoglobin levels in male or female), while hypoferritinemia (less than 30 ng/mL) was found in seven (41%) females but not in males. Significantly higher body mass index was found in the female athletes with hypoferritinemia compared to females with normo-ferritinemia in sub-analysis (median [interquartile range]; 25.6 [24.2, 26.9] versus 22.6 [21.7, 24.1], respectively. p < 0.05). No significant differences in the intake of iron were registered between males and females (with and without hypoferritinemia) using data from a food-frequency questionnaire survey.ConclusionNo apparent anemia was found in adolescent Kendo practitioners, although this study confirmed the presence of hypoferritinemia in several female athletes. Careful follow-up, involving both clinical and nutritional assessment, will be necessary for them to prevent progression into anemia. A future study with larger cohorts in multiple sites is warranted to assess the prevalence of iron deficiency for validation and, if necessary, to devise a strategy for improving the iron status in Kendo athletes.

Perceptions on the Significance and Values Attributed to Kata Practice by Kendo and Karate-Do Practitioners in Brazil

Perceptions on the Significance and Values Attributed to Kata Practice by Kendo and Karate-Do Practitioners in Brazil

Ken(shin)do(es it): Exploring Anime Fandom as a Driving Motivation in Practicing Martial Arts

Mass media has long been known for its capacity to influence and inspire its audience. Aside from being able to motivate viewers to consume a product and to participate in a real-world event, it can also spur them to engage in activities that are related to a television show’s theme. In connection with this last point, this study explores the link between the Japanese manga, anime, and movie series and cultural product Rurouni Kenshin and the Filipinos’ motivation in joining a kendo club. A survey of 50 Filipino kendoka or kendo practitioners, which covers questions regarding their exposure to the anime, movie, and/or manga versions of Rurouni Kenshin and their reasons in practicing the martial art, reveals the franchise’s significant influence on them, together with other factors such as generic interest in Japanese culture, self-improvement, and other media product influences.

University Male Kendo Practitioners&apos; Cognitive Function: Focusing on Relationship Between Competitive Level and P300

University Male Kendo Practitioners&apos; Cognitive Function: Focusing on Relationship Between Competitive Level and P300

Characteristics of the Spinal Alignments and Spinal Muscles in Male University Kendo Players

Purpose: Low back pain in kendo players is characterized by its development in the left lumbar area during stepping. The purpose of this study is to examine the factor and obtain indicators of physical therapy. Background: No paper has been published in English dealing with sport-associated disorders in Kendo practitioners. The present study was undertaken to provide information for overseas physicians and therapists involved in the care of Kendo practitioners, regarding the lower pack pain encountered in these individuals. Methods and measures: The subjects were 20 out of 37 male kendo players of the university from whom consent was obtained after explanation of the major purpose of the present study. We evaluated the spinal alignments using spinal X-ray pictures and spinal muscles by lumbar MRI (a ratio of the multifidus muscle to the major psoas muscle). Results: For the lateral spinal curvatures during stepping motion, all 20 players showed convex lateral curvatures in the left lumbar spine and the right thoracic spine. The average value of the lumbar flexure degrees was 27.5 ± 5.50 in standing and 39.0 ± 2.30 in stepping, showing a significant increase in stepping compared to standing (p<0.01). There was a significant negative correlation that when the ratio of the multifidus muscle to the major psoas muscle was low, the degree of change of the lumbar flexure was high (p<0.01). Conclusions: It was indicated that selective training of the multifidus muscle and increasing the amount of the muscle led to the prevention of low back pain.

Japanese female Kendo practitioners are associated with high radial bone mineral density

ABSTRACTOsteopenia is a condition in which bone mineral density (BMD) is lower than normal. Exercise increases BMD in both the young and adults. This study aimed to compare the radial apparent BMD (aBMD) in Japanese females who are Kendo practitioners (KPs) and those with no regular exercise habits (no-REH). The analysis participants consisted of 45 KPs (mean age: 49.4 years old) and 110 no-REH (mean age: 48.8 years old). Radial aBMD was measured using an ultrasonic bone densitometry system. Radial aBMD in KPs was 196.1 ± 33.9 mg/cm3, and was 182.9 ± 45.3 mg/cm3 in no-REH participants. KPs had significantly higher BMD than no-REH participants. In KPs, left radial aBMD was 196.1 ± 33.9 mg/cm3, and right radial aBMD was 184.5 ± 37.7 mg/cm3. The left radius was also significantly higher than the right radius with respect to aBMD in KPs. After adjusting for age, body mass index, menstrual status, parous women and frequency of milk and dairy intake, the odds ratio (OR) of osteopenia associated with no-REH was 6.58 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.72–25.1) and the prevalence ratio (PR) of osteopenia associated with no-REH was 4.12 (95% CI: 1.23–13.7). Therefore, the Kendo practice may have a protective efficacy for osteopenia in women.

Characteristics of Zanshin of Kendo Practitioners: Examination of the Relationship between Eye Blinking and CNV Resolution Time

Characteristics of Zanshin of Kendo Practitioners: Examination of the Relationship between Eye Blinking and CNV Resolution Time

Comparative analysis of the differences in stepping techniques and waist movements among expert, intermediate and novice kendo practitioners conducting frontal strikes

Comparative analysis of the differences in stepping techniques and waist movements among expert, intermediate and novice kendo practitioners conducting frontal strikes

Representations in Media and the Everyday Practice of Kendo Practitioners in Melbourne

Representations in Media and the Everyday Practice of Kendo Practitioners in Melbourne

An examination of the relationship between physical condition and subjective evaluation on the no-painting floor of kendo-jyo and the injuries of kendo practitioners

An examination of the relationship between physical condition and subjective evaluation on the no-painting floor of kendo-jyo and the injuries of kendo practitioners

瞬目にみる剣道経験者における注意集中の特徴

The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristic of attention concentration in kendo practitioners in comparison with non-kendo practitioners. The participants were 18 university students who were active members of a kendo team (Kendo Group) and 18 who were active members of either a kyudo team or an archery team (Non-Kendo Group). For the experiment, a Go-NoGo task was used as a stimulus discrimination test. Eyeblink and response times were measured in a preliminary stimulation (S1) at between −1000—4000 ms, and we studied the relationship of response time and eyeblinking with stimulus and completion ability determined by the win percentage or accuracy rate. Time distributions in the analysis study were designated as 0—1000 ms after S1 as Interval A, and 0—1000 ms and 1000—2000 ms after the discriminative stimulus (S2) as Intervals B and C respectively. The occurrence of the initial eyeblink was studied in each interval. Among the 260 total trials, the ratio, calculated as the number of eyeblinks that initially occurred at Interval A divided by 260, was designated the “Forewarning eyeblink ratio.” Likewise, the ratio of initial eyeblinks that occurred in Interval B was designated the “Early occurrence ratio (%)”. The ratio of initial eyeblinks that occurred not in interval B, but in interval C, was designated the “Late occurrence ratio (%).” Although there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of “Forewarning eyeblink ratio” and “Early occurrence ratio”, the “Early occurrence ratio” was significantly higher for NoGo tasks than for Go tasks. The “Late occurrence ratio” was significantly higher in the Kendo Group than in the Non-Kendo group. Also, ratios for Go tasks were significantly higher than for NoGo tasks in the Kendo Group. A significant relationship was found between competitive ability and the “Late occurrence ratio” in the Kendo Group that was not evident in the Non-Kendo group. With regard to the influence of eyeblink on competitive ability in the Kendo Group, covariance structure analysis of common latent variables such as Zanshin, which exist in the background of Go and NoGo tasks associated with the “Late occurrence ratio”, revealed a significant relationship to “Competitive ability”. The above results indicating the continuation of eyeblink restraint after the task response in the Kendo Group appear to reflect the training method known as Zanshin, which involves continuously striving to grasp the opponent's intended movement after striking. Thus, the characteristic attention concentration of kendo practitioners known as Zanshin was reflected in the eyeblink data.

Research on the Awareness of Martial Arts Culture in Foreign Kendo Practitioners

Research on the Awareness of Martial Arts Culture in Foreign Kendo Practitioners

Factors Responsible for Lower Back Pain in Kendo Practitioners

[Purpose] Lower back pain is a characteristic of Kendo practitioners which is often encountered clinically. The present study was undertaken to analyze the features of the spinal alignment in Kendo practitioners and their relation to lower back pain. [Subjects and Methods] Of the 32 Kendo practitioners who consulted our hospital with a complaint of lower back pain and received physical therapy during the two years and three months from January 2005 to April 2007, On X-ray, the degree of eight kendo practitioners' spinal curvature was measured by Cobb's method. Inclination and rotation were measured at each intervertebral level of the lumbar spine. The angle of inclination at each intervertebral space (L1/2, L2/3, L3/4 and L4/5) was measured. In one of the kendo practitioners, the motion of stepping forward to make a frontal thrust was analyzed three-dimensionally. [Results] During the forward-stepping motion, the thoracic spine showed right convex curvature and the lumbar spine showed left convex curvature, with Cobb's angle being 12.4 ± 2.5 degrees for the thoracic spine and 13.7 ± 1.7 degrees for the lumbar spine. [Conclusions] These results suggest that shear stress at the left intervertebral joint at the L3/4 and L4/5 levels and stress of the facet joint capsule are involved in lower back pain.

Range of Motion of Hip Joints of Male University Kendo Practitioners with Lower Back Pain

[Purpose] Kendo practitioners often suffer from left low back pain. The present study was undertaken to analyze the features of range of motion (ROM) of the hip joint of kendo practitioners and their relation to prevention of lower back pain. [Subjects and Methods] The study involved 37 male university kendo practitioners: 26 kendo practitioners having a history of lower back pain, 11 kendo practitioners having no history of lower back pain. In accordance with the method of ROM measurement set forth by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association, the same examiner measured hip joint ROM during passive flexion/extension and internal/external rotation. [Results] In the low back pain group, no laterality was noted in the ROM of the external rotation. However, ROM of the internal rotation was significantly smaller on the left side than on the right side. The range of rotation was significantly smaller on the left side than on the right side. [Conclusion] The ROM of hip rotation on the left side was significantly diminished (less than 90 degrees) only in the low back pain group, and the laterality in ROM of left hip rotation was significantly greater in the low back pain group than in the non-low back pain group (p<0.05). These findings suggest that small ROM of left hip rotation is a factor responsible for the onset of lower back pain.