In the championship, Kunitomo won the match
with brilliant Kote.
The following is the youtube video of final match this year.
His kendo is standard style kendo that can
be a good model for every kendo learning people.
Another player of final match is Matsuzaki,
who is a university student (21 years old) and also played beautifully in this
championship
Up to final match, especially Men stroke
were excellent for both players.
In the match, their strategy were a bit
different.
Taller Matsuzaki (white side) aimed at
distant Men, while Kunitomo (red side) aimed at combination stroke of Men.
Combination strokes may prevent
counterattack and has advantage of approaching the distance as well.
In the match, at about 8 minutes, Matsuzaki
(white) had good Men close to ippon.
But, when extra inning started, Kunitomo (red)
movement became better and outreached Matsuzaki (white).
At last, his Kote caught opponent player
and became winner of this year.
Winner interview of Kunitomo
(Congratulation champion!)
“Thank you so much.”
(It was third time for you to the final
match (2014 and 2016), and this is the first winning of the championship. How
do you feel now?)
“I don't think it is because of my own
power, but because of the people who have taught me Kendo from little child to
even now in Fukuoka prefecture and all Japan kendo organization. I appreciate
all of those who have supported me. ”
(It seems you were straggling in final
match.)
“Yes, it was tough time for some time and I
tried to be patient. I think I could get over the difficult time.”
(I would like to ask you about last Kote
stroke.)
“I don't remember well, it was out of my
conscious and my body reacted automatically.”
(How about today’s championship?)
“All competitors are strong, but I always keep in mind to play with my style.”
“All competitors are strong, but I always keep in mind to play with my style.”
(What is the next goal of you?)
“I am still on my way, so I will keep on my
practice and would like to come back again next year.”
Commentator Mr. Eiga mentioned his
interview is full of good modesty.
In Japan, we have saying “Sandomenosyojiki”
which means someone can succeed third trial.
He made greatest effort we can’t
image and won the championship.
I would like to congratulate this excellent
winner!
