I humbly propose a few changes to the rules that may prevent the kind of undesirable behavior we saw in the 15th WKC. I don't imagine that FIK or AJKF will ever hear about what is written here, let alone adapting any proposal. But it is nice to throw my ideas out here and see some reactions. I have always admired the many thoughtful posts in these forums, written by individuals who truly care about kendo.
These changes apply to the scoring system. Right now the winner is determined by whoever that scores 2 points first, or has a 1-point advantage before the match time runs out. In encho, the outcome is determined by sudden death.
The first proposed change is that victory goes to whoever that gains a 2-point advantage over his/her opponent, period.
Here are some scenarios under this rule:
2-0: victory is determined, the match stops.
1-0: no winner. If time ends, it will still go to encho.
Note that this will prevent someone who scored first to use delaying tactics to win, like tsubazeriai or tying up the opponent's shinai. He *has* to remain offensive to gain the 2-point advantage -- this also opens up chances for his opponent to even the match.
The following scores at the end of regulation time will trigger encho:
0-0
1-0
1-1
2-1
2-2
Here you may say: "This is nuts. We will have endless encho if the two players keep scoring alternately!" Yes, so here a new rule is needed.
Second proposed change: the maximum total number of points awarded in a match is 5.
The implication is that, once the score becomes 2-2, the next point automatically becomes sudden death. I think this is realistic: In a real duel with swords, if you are already cut twice, you are probably gravely wounded. One more cut should be fatal.
As for the team competition, we saw another problem that was plaguing the 15th WKC: a team that scores a couple of early victories will try to dance around the court, tie up the opponent, or do anything to reach a draw in subsequent matches. A simple change could change this...
Third proposed change: there must be a win/lose outcome in every team match; there is no draw.
If there is no draw in individuals competition, then why should there be draws in teams?
There is one foreseeable flaw to these changes. The matches may take too long. Thus we do not have to implement these throughout the entire tournament -- just for the final or possibly the semi-finals (maybe just to WKC?).
I hope these changes will improve competition without changing the spirit of kendo. Some other proposals, such as an electronic scoring system, would surely turn WKC into an Olympic event.
As for making the shimpans more fair and less biased, I still have no clue.
Actually, I do have this crazy idea. We could remove all identifiable markings off all competitors, no zekken, no embroidery, no (sorry, Korea) white kendogi. Only the red and white flags on their backs. It will make it harder for the shimpans to assume which player in the court is stronger. Of course, if they try hard enough, they can still see the faces through the helmet, or guess from the body shape / body language.
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Originally Posted by flyingteddy
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