fighting spirit

[steelkendo]

A question for experienced shinpans:


Just what exactly are you looking for when you award the fighting spirit? Because im thinking if i cant get to win any big prizes , I'll just have to concentrate on this :-)

[ScottUK]

Someone who gets their arse whupped but refuses to give in? A dogged determination in the face of adversity?

Not an experienced shinpan, btw... :)

[steelkendo]

Someone who gets their arse whupped but refuses to give in? A dogged determination in the face of adversity?

Not an experienced shinpan, btw... :)


Scott, would you say that it can be subjective?

[ScottUK]

Sure.

I have seen people win iaido FS awards when it's one of these days where nothing goes right - you tread on your hakama, the sageo gets all knotted up - but you fight on regardless.

[ScottUK]

Scott, would you say that it can be subjective?Why do you ask? What you up to? :)

[Frame]

isn't fighting spirit a big prize?

[steelkendo]

Why do you ask? What you up to? :)

Theres this upcoming shiai, and i'd like to get something. ( Been trying for far too long and still theres a drought of winning cuts) So maybe...i thought i will just have to look desperately brave to get that prize;)

[ScottUK]

Maybe you'd be better focusing on beating the person you was yesterday, rather than planning on a prize?

I have watched videos of past attempts at iai shiai and to say they are not good is an understatement. I am chuffed that I have improved since then, but it is down to the practice and the shiai that I am better now than I was - it's nothing to do with accolades awarded...

Shiai should not be any different than a regular practice - however, that is easier said than done...!

[sainueng]

I would have to say the fighting spirit award is not something you plan for or try to "win." It should just be part of your kendo and as Scott mentioned, I think showing determination is a key point. I'm not an experienced judge either though. :p

Also, in the tournaments I've seen here in the US, fighting spirit award is rarely, if ever, given to the high ranking competitors. Shodan/nidan would be the highest to receive it, I think.

[ScottUK]

I think you should buy yourself a sexy new bokuto or shinai bag, and if you *genuinely* consider yourself better than you were last time, award it to yourself when you get home.

If you fought like a bag of shit, it stays in the cupboard until you try harder...

[Ignatz]

Seems to me that if you have already given up on winning the tournament going in, you can't win figting spirit.

[Neil Gendzwill]

We only give one in our seminar tournament, as opposed to the one in every division that is normal. I'm not involved in the decision, but it seems our guest sensei pick a person who not only displays fighting spirit, but for whom the award would be a personal boost and an inspiration. It may not be the most obvious person. One year it was someone in the beginner's category, competing in kihon, who gave it her all. Another it was a 10 year old, outmatched every time by bigger kids, who kept picking himself up (literally) and carrying on. Another it was a dual award to a couple of the oldest competitors who showed us all what heart was about. It's not necessarily about who's fastest and fiercest, at least not in our local little tournament.

[steelkendo]

Seems to me that if you have already given up on winning the tournament going in, you can't win figting spirit.

hhmmmmm...thanks!

[ScottUK]

...who showed us all what heart was about.I think that sums it up, really.

[tango]

I've seen sometimes, it goes to the player who really exhibited extraordinary spirit (in each division), etc. ... but sometimes, I've seen it go to the player who simply comes in 4th place...