[noodlesUK]

You mentioned fencing: the electronic scoring system in fencing is pretty primitive, and has not at all replaced the need for a referee. It determines whether a hit has landed, and that’s about it. Unfortunately the sport still has a big problem with how subjective the refereeing is (particularly in sabre, which is my weapon), and that’s driving corruption at the highest levels [1].

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/09/world/europe/fencing-olym...

[harimau777]

Modern fencing is also just about the worst case scenario for a martial art being watered down in the name of sports. At this point it's basically glorified tag.

[Dalewyn]

I strongly prefer watching kendo over fencing because of that; the human element in fencing is essentially a technicality as far as I'm concerned as just a guy watching.

[harimau777]

You might enjoy this video! The actual topic is the history of Aikido, but it shows some neat historical footage of, for lack of a better term, pre-Kendo Kendo. That is to say, Kenjutsu/Iaijutsu schools sparring using Kendo gear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7yyqLyPGDk

[solardev]

What's competitive kendo like?