Kendo Team Roles (Positions)

In a kendo competition, it is very important you select kendo players for your team that are suited for each position. Each role is just as important as the next, but if you play to the strengths of the players and position them as so, you will have a very strong team. 

• Senpou

The first player, and the ‘voice’ of your team. This player has to be able to take some pressure, as they are the first up, and their result sets the mood of the rest of the team! They should be loud, and often it is good to have someone who is quick and agile - you want to show of your dojo’s skills in the first match. 

• Jihou

The second player, and should also be someone who can focus under pressure. If the senpou loses their match, it’s up to this person to try and make up the loss! This player can be experienced, or can be less experienced, its up to the strategy of the selectors, but they should be fast and light on their feet. If both the senpou and the jihou win their matches, the rest of the team can relax a little!

• Chuuken

The third player, and should be an experienced one. Someone who can be relied on to win the match is a good match up for this position. If the senpou and the jihou do badly, its all on the chuuken! Someone with strong stance, and match experience is a pretty good choice to take on this role. 

• Fukushou

The fourth player in line, and one who needs to be able to count up the score tally. Often if matches have been won 1-0 from the first three, there may be a need for the fukushou to secure a win. They need to be match experienced, but don’t need to be stronger than the first three, once again it depends on the selectors. 

• Taishou

Team Captain, and last in line. The taishou should be the strongest person on your team, and should be someone who can take a win. Match experience is a must, and if a ippon-shobu is required to decide the winning team, it is usually this role that can be called on. This player though can be totally unneeded if the rest of the team does well, so once again its up to the match selectors how you place people.

Every team member is just as important as the next, don’t ever think that if you are weak you belong in a 'weak’ position. There are strategies to placing people, and you are relied on to win in every position. Being a team member is a great honor, and the five positions each have their different roles. If you are cast in a position, make sure you do the best you can and when the time comes, smash the opponent and lead your team to victory!! >:D