Sword sparring?

Question

1) Where do you hit the opponent if you're sword sparring?

2) How do you win?

3) Are you allowed to follow through immediately after a hit?

Thanks.

Answer 1

It really depends on the style you're taking.

1.)  Kendo - Yes, when in you're in your full Bogu (sparring gear)

Iaido - No

2.) Kendo - You get points for properly and successful attacks

3.) Kendo- once you make a successful hit, the judges stop the current attack and you return to your line and the judge give out the points

4.) Kendo - The first to score two point is declared the winner.

Answer 2

This is just in general for sword sparring, and this is not for any specific discipline.

1) Anywhere, but try to avoid the face, crotch, behind the knees, and the armpit.

2) When your opponent yields, if not, when you are clearly winning the fight.

3) Yes, but don't contact.  Usually, after a hit, if your opponent doesn't parry, and you have an opening, then you can follow through, but don't hit them, because they probably are off guard and will yield the 'point' to you.

4) Again, unless a time limit is previously specified, then the two combatants can just go on and on.  Some sessions can last from a minute to 45 minutes.

5) Unless changing weapons is part of the surprise element in the fight, change weapons only if it is previously agreed upon by the combatants.

Again, these guidlines do not follow any specific discipline, but I'm assuming that you aren't either because it wasn't included in the question.  (?)