[popillio]

Hey fellas - as someone noted earlier, I too am in favor or permitting cheering during matches. Kendo shiai, after all, has acquired a certain spectator element to it.

In the case of the that tetsuoxb (JP) noted, cheering may have been unusually rowdy, but it's somewhat expected, no? A bunch of college buddies cheering each other one is only a natural part of any game/competition setting.

My take is: as long as the cheering was limited to actual "cheers" (gambatte, go Gator Kendo Club, etc.), so be it. As long as spectators or (especially) teammates do not resort to advice or coaching, as in, "JP - go for that open kote shot!", then it shouldn't ruin the spirit of the game in any way.

Perhaps one can even think of the cheering as creating a more comfortable atmosphere for both competitors, even if one has home-court advantage and a cheerleading squad. (!) Don't you think it's much more nervous and tense when you're in a formal, traditional dojo setting, competing in shiai with another person while everyone just sits on the sidelines staring intensely?

I certainly prefer a more dynamic, energetic setting, even if people are cheering primarily for my opponent. At least there is some sense of vitality in the air, and not some somber cloud of dread looming above your head!