Abstract & Overview
The purpose of this study was to describe whole-body angular momentum (WBAM) characteristics and trial-to-trial consistency during the kendo men-strike in Eighth-dan practitioners (H group) and university kendo players (S group). Three-dimensional motion data were collected using an optical motion capture system. WBAM was calculated for the whole body and selected segments, with and without the inclusion of the shinai . Time-series analyses were performed using participant-level averages across three successful trials. Waveform-based analyses showed generally similar temporal patterns between groups, with no statistically significant between-group differences in the analyzed variables. Exploratory scalar analyses suggested descriptive tendencies toward larger early-phase absolute integrated WBAM values and lower strike-time variability in the H group. However, these scalar analyses were not corrected for multiple comparisons and should not be interpreted as confirmatory evidence of expertise-related differences. Sensitivity analyses using alternative movement-onset thresholds showed generally similar waveform profiles, although minor temporal shifts were observed. Because the groups differed substantially in age and training background, the observed tendencies cannot be attributed solely to expertise. Overall, this study provides descriptive biomechanical information on WBAM characteristics and trial-to-trial consistency during the kendo men -strike in the present Eighth-dan and university kendo player groups.