We examined differences in the methods in which collegiate kendo players (mid-level skill group, n=7; high-level skill group, n=8) utilized contextual information in response selection. The subjects participated in four matches each. Immediately after the end of each match, they observed a video of the match and replied to a semi-structured interview. We used the replies to analyze the methods in which the players utilized contextual information, including what information was collected and how it was collected, and what information was utilized during the matches. In response selection, the high-level skill group had significantly more methods of information utilization based on information collected during the matches. They collected opponents' information efficiently through various events in various scenes, and then they effectively utilized this information. On the other hand, the mid-level skill group could not efficiently collect opponents' information and had a higher frequency of response selection without utilizing collected information. Furthermore, our results showed to score points (yuko-datotsu), it was effective to collect opponents' information “contextually” and to utilize this information in response selection. We therefore believe that acquisition of the following abilities should be priorities among kendo players; increased perceptual-expertise and knowledge of how to collect information on an opponent; development of processing functions to bring about effective information storage and retrieval; and acquisition of various motor skills to facilitate information utilization.

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From the perspective that standing posture is due to maintenance and regulation of body balance, many studies have used a force plate system to measure center of foot pressure (CFP). However, CET data represent numerical values calculated on the assumption that the entire body is a single object. As the various body segments are connected by joints, swaying of various body segments differs. We therefore contrived and measured swaying movements of the body (SMB) using a laser and corner mirrors system. To the best of our knowledge, no previous study has investigated the posture of practitioners of kendo (kendoists) in terms of SMB and CFP.The objective of the present study was to measure SMB and CFP to clarify the characteristics of standing posture in kendoists. Subjects comprised 30 male university students, with 15kendoists and 15 students who did not exercise regularly (controls). In terms of SMB, mean area of sway of the head, shoulder and knee was significantly lower for kendoists than for controls. In terms of CFP, mean area of sway was significantly lower for kendoists than for controls. Swaying as assessed by SMB or OFF for kendoists was smaller, suggesting that while standing, amount of sway of the entire body is small for kendoists. We suspect that practicing kendo for a long period of time causes kendoists to rely more on somatosensory input to maintain the standing posture.

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