1.
CU Eiji Sueno fitting helmet (2 shots)
0.08

2.
GV PAN FROM Spectators to semi final bout between Sueno and Masaharu Kakehashi
0.18

3.
CU ZOOM OUT FROM Sticks during bout and Sueno beating Kakehashi
0.22

4.
CU ZOOM OUT FROM Sueno being hit on head by Kakehashi and referee raising red flag (2 shots)
0.38

5.
SV Sueno with back to camera charging his opponent and scoring. (3 shots) and referee raised white flag (3 shots)
1.01

6.
SV Sueno and Kakehashi bow and walk off to applause
1.10

7.
SV Spectators
1.12

8.
SV Final bout between Sueno and Ogawa (Ogawa with back to camera) and scoring a hit
1.20

9.
CU ZOOM OUT FROM Sticks with Ogawa striking (3 shots)
1.39

10.
SV Sueno with back to camera striking Ogawa and referee holding up white flag
1.50

11.
SV Sueno striking Ogawa and both referees holding red flags indicating Ogawa the winner (2 shots)
1.58

12.
SV Ogawa the winner bowing to Sueno and judges look on (2 shots)
2.05

13.
CU Winner Ogawa removing headgear and bowing and walking off
2.19


Although in its earliest form, Kendo was a means of practising sword skills, it soon became a sport in its own right, and uses many of the techniques familiar in singlestick fighting, which was popular in Europe during the Middle Ages. Points are scored by striking the opponent on the waist, head, wrist or with a thrust to the heart. Danger is minimised by elaborate protective clothing which has remained the same for hundreds of years. Today, Kendo is practised by all soldiers, policemen, schoolboys and even women. Many regard it as the most popular of all martial arts in Japan.




Initials BB/1655


SPORT: KENDO CHAMPIONSHIPS

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: A 34 year old policeman from Osaka, Isao Ogawa, is this year's All-Japan Kendo champion. Kendo is an ancient martial art whose origins date to a time when young men practised sword play using wooden sticks. Ogawa won the title by defeating another policeman, 28 year old Eiji Sueno.

SYNOPSIS: Eiji Sueno, from Kagoshima, black belt 6-dan exponent of Kendo prepares for a semi-final bout.

The huge Budoken Hall in Tokyo is the venue for the All Japan championships and it attracted a large, enthusiastic crowd.

This semi-final is between Sueno and another policeman, Masaharu Kakeshashi who at 30 holds a black belt 6-dan status. In ancient days young men of the Samurai class were expected to become expert at Kendo before they were allowed to use steel swords. In this case Kakehashi has been awarded a hit, signified by the referee raising a flag. Sueno responds to the challenge, charging his opponent to score after a flurry of blows.

The bout has gone to Sueno and both men bow then walk off to appreciative applause.

Thirty-four year old, Isao Ogawa, facing away from camera begins the final bout against Sueno. Ogawa has the better credentials of the two men; he holds a black belt 7-dan. Ogawa moves into the attack.

Sueno counter-attacks and scores with a hit.

Sueno again goes into the attack but it is too late .... the championship has been awarded to Ogawa.

For Ogawa it means the distinction of being the best in a sport that requires superb physical fitness, concentration and years of study. An honour handed down for hundreds of years; a link between past, present and future.