Abstract
The purpose of this study is to compare the present technique of kendo with the past one from the viewpoint of game analysis. The 31st and the 45th All Japan Kendo Championships were chosen as the analysis objects. Information on the movement of the contestants and techniques were collected by monitoring the recorded videotapes of the Championships. By comparing and analyzing the data, the following results were obtained:
1. Increase of Tsuki-attack was seen in the 45th Championships. Yuko-datotsu was also increased.
2. Decrease of Hiki-Waza in the 45th Championships was seen and may be due to the influence of the rule change, especially of the revisions of Jyougai-Hansoku and Tsuba-Zeriai.
3. In the 45th Championships patterns of shinai operation tended to increase in case of Shikake-Waza, and the most significant pattern was attacking as moving forward.
4. While a contestant defended oneself by bending the body to the sides in the 33rd Championships, one raised the shinai towards the right diagonal direction to defend in the 45th event.
5. In the 45th event, techniques to react the opponent's Kote-attack were increased.
