Would someone please explain the rationale behind an Iaido competition... a demonstration I can understand but how can one "compete" against another person in Iaido?
@Proton1 May I ask if you were referring to his second kata? That looks like Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Tatehiza-no-bu, "Takiotoshi" As for the Tokyo representative, his second kata also appears to be from Muso Jikiden Eishi Ryu and it should be "Urokogaeshi" As there are variations from this school, there could be some differences in the interpretation. Even similar technique from other schools of Koryu-Iai, making higher dan more difficult to judge. However, I do agree, they have both done very well.
Proton1 i guess i should retract my comment then. no matter how good and smooth he was,if the kata is not right its not good. i was only judging on the seitei content as that is all i know
Guys.... maybe you would want to ignore the smoothness and look more closely at the actual cuts. Brier's cut (hanami/hasuji) are off. His right hand takes over in the kirisuke just before datotsubo.... meaning not effective cutting... The takeotoshi timing is perfectly fine as the rial is sound... you are looking at cosmetics and not function.
On 2018, the IAIDO SCANDAL came up.. there is bu$$ine$$ favoring the judges. It is known some judges do accept money. It is unfortunate and shameful. You know now WHY the guy on the right or on the Red zone was not chosen despite being superior to the other chinese guy who lacked enough inner kiai and style.
Do you mean the "chinese" YOSHIDA Masumi (Tokyo) - as written in the description. That scandal was about awarding high level grades, not competition, as far as I know. Do you have evidence of bribery on this occasion, by these particular judges? If not shut your orifices.