In a previous study we confirmed differences (deviations) in objective and subjective movements in the men (head region) strikes amongst members of a university Kendo club.
In this study, we studied the objective and subjective movements in men strikes of 5 male members (Kendo rank ranging from 2nd dan [technical level] to 3rd dan average age 17.8 y) of a Kendo club at a technical junior college and 5 highly-skilled male Kendo competitors (Kendo rank ranging from 6th dan to 8th dan; average age 46.4 y). We utilized a high-speed camera to capture the objective movements of the study participants. For subjective movement, we mapped body movements of each participant in terms of point of maximum shinai (bamboo sword)movement and the point of impact, with the following results:
1. Large deviations in the objective and subjective movements in men strikes of participants occurred, regardless of Kendo experience or dan ranking.
2. For all participants, at the point of maximum shinai movement and the point of impact, the left hand was placed lower on the shinai and the right leg raised higher for objective movements than for subjective movements.
3. Individual differences were observed in how high the right leg was raised at the point of maximum shinal movement during objective movements.
4. Significant variation in subjective movement was observed among participants, particularly in how they moved the shinai-it was clear that each held their own idea of how the movement was to be performed.
