世界王者の“メン！”をICTで分析「剣道をICT駆使して技術向上へ」データで見える化・明確な指導で"剣道の楽しさの理解につなげる" 仙台大学附属明成高校教諭

Kendo, a Japanese martial art, and ICT (information and communication technology) are combined to form the kendo club. A high school teacher in Sendai combines these two techniques to coach the club. He's even invited a world kendo champion to study the secrets of kendo's strength. Kendo, a world of split-second battles, evolved from ancient Japanese swordsmanship, a discipline that teaches the spirit of bushido. Ryu Igarashi, a kendo club advisor at Meisei High School, Sendai University, said: "I hope to make tomorrow's practice an exciting opportunity." He's using ICT (information and communication technology) to bring science to the traditional martial art of kendo. What does ICT mean when it comes to kendo science? A kendo event was held in December at the Sendai University Kabira Campus in Aoba Ward, Sendai City. Ryu Igarashi, a kendo club advisor at Meisei High School, Sendai University, said: "If you don't have a stable stance, it's impossible to perform a good technique, right?" Ryu Igarashi (34), kendo club advisor at Meisei High School, Sendai University, spoke on stage. While teaching at Meisei High School, Mr. Igarashi has been using ICT to study kendo's foot movements for the past three years. He now uses his research to coach students as an advisor for the kendo club. On this day, approximately 60 high school students from inside and outside Miyagi Prefecture gathered for a forum aimed at improving their techniques. In addition to the high school students, special guests also participated. A world kendo champion also appeared! Sho Ando: "From here, it's the men!!! When you strike, finish with one movement." Special guests included Sho Ando (35), who won the individual competition at the 2018 World Championships and led Japan to the world championship as captain in the team competition. At the forum, ICT equipment measuring body movement and center of gravity was used to uncover the secret of Ando's strength. Sensors attached to his feet measured lower body movements, while sensors installed in his shoes measured the movement of his center of gravity. Using ICT technology, we visualized the men strikes of world champion Ando... Motion Sensor Analysis Results ★Motion Sensor Foot Movement Explanation "When he takes the stance, his center of gravity is shifted from the ball of his left foot toward his big toe. When he steps forward, we can see that his center of gravity is shifted toward the middle of his right foot rather than the heel." When Ando strikes the men, we can see that his center of gravity is concentrated in the "ball of his left foot," from the base of his big toe to his big toe. When we measured the participants with the same equipment, it appeared that their left foot's center of gravity was slightly more dispersed than Ando's. Ando: "Right now, my heels are raised high and my weight is only on my toes. If I lower my heels a little more, I might be able to hit the ball further!" Sho Ando, ​​Japan's national kendo representative: "Kendo has always emphasized the importance of guts and mental strength when it comes to competitive matches. But by clarifying this with ICT, instructors can see what's wrong and what needs to be improved. It's rewarding as an instructor." ICT for Improving Kendo Skills Other efforts included using a tablet to measure the knee angle during techniques and analyzing the data for each athlete to improve their skills. Igarashi: "I think that if the ankle is slightly forward of the knee at this stage when striking, it will be smoother." This kendo research, using ICT equipment, was invented by Igarashi. High school and university students seemed fascinated by this unprecedented learning experience. Participant (High School Student): "My knee and ankle were not as far out as I thought they would be." "In the future, I want to raise my right knee and strike." Participant (University Student): "I've watched videos of my matches and thought I might incorporate ICT into my regular practice." Participants seemed to have a positive impression of ICT as a way to improve their kendo skills. ICT Use Sprouted Interest in Kendo Teacher Ryu Igarashi, Kendo Club, Meisei High School, Sendai University: "I think the ICT equipment really sparked the children's interest. Kendo isn't about doing the same tough exercises over and over again. Instead, they understood why they had to do them and how to move their bodies. I hope this will help them to better appreciate the joy of kendo as they continue practicing." Teacher Igarashi: "Speak out loud. It's cold. Do your best! Got it? (Students) Yes!!!" With the new year upon us, Teacher Igarashi was at Meisei High School's kendo hall. This was the last practice of the winter break. Here, too, he used ICT equipment to instruct. Using tablets to check every detail—posture, foot movement, eye level—the students worked hard toward their new goals. Instructional Video "(Mr. Igarashi): 'You're going up properly. Your power is go...