Editing Kendo (section)

==Rules of competition==
[[File:Kendo EM 2005 - kote.jpg|thumb|right|At the European Championships in Bern 2005. The ''kendōka'' to the right may have scored a point to the [[Glove#Sport and recreational|kote]].]]

A scorable {{nihongo|point|有効打突|yūkō-datotsu}} in a kendo competition (''tai-kai'') is defined as an accurate strike or thrust made onto a ''datotsu-bui'' of the opponent's ''kendo-gu'' with the ''shinai'' making contact at its ''datotsu-bu'', the competitor displaying high spirits, correct posture and followed by ''zanshin''.<ref>{{cite book
  | title = The Regulations of Kendo Shiai and Shinpan
  | publisher = International Kendo Federation
  | date=December 2006
  | location = Tokyo, Japan
  | page = 5 |ref={{harvid|FIK Regulations|2006}}}}</ref>{{Clarify|date=January 2014}}

''Datotsu-bui'' or point scoring targets in kendo are defined as:<ref name="International Kendo Federation">{{harvnb|FIK Regulations|2006|p=6}}</ref>
* ''Men-bu'', the top or sides of the head protector (''sho-men'' and ''sayu-men'').
* ''Kote-bu'', a padded area of the right or left wrist protector (''migi-kote'' and ''hidari-kote'').
* ''Do-bu'', an area of the right or left side of the armour that protects the torso'' (''migi-do'' and ''hidari-do'').
* ''Tsuki-bu'', an area of the head protector in front of the throat (''Tsuki-dare'').

''Datotsu-bu'' of the ''shinai'' is the forward, or blade side (''jin-bu'') of the top third (''monouchi'') of the ''shinai''.<ref name="International Kendo Federation"/>

{{nihongo||残心|Zanshin}}, or continuation of awareness, must be present and shown throughout the execution of the strike and the ''kendōka'' must be mentally and physically ready to attack again.

In competition, there are usually three {{nihongo|referees|審判|shinpan}}. Each referee holds a red flag and a white flag in opposing hands. To award a point, a referee raises the flag corresponding to the color of the ribbon worn by the scoring competitor. Usually, at least two referees must agree for a point to be awarded. Play is stopped after each point is awarded.

Kendo competitions are usually a three-point match. The first competitor to score two points, therefore, wins the match. If the time limit is reached and only one competitor has a point, that competitor wins.

In the case of a tie, there are several options:
* {{nihongo||引き分け|Hiki-wake}}: The match is declared a draw.
* {{nihongo||延長|Enchō}}: The match is continued until either competitor scores a point.
* {{nihongo||判定|Hantei}}: The victor is decided by the referees. The three referees vote for victor by each raising one of their respective flags simultaneously.<ref>{{harvnb|FIK Regulations|2006|p=94}}</ref>