Japanese Samurai - Suki&Sen&Maai

Suki, Sen and Maai

Suki, Sen, and Mai is also known as Openings, Initiative and Timing. A successful strike to an enemy requires a sort of “gap” in their defenses. Samurai looked for these openings, either that be through physical or mental means. These oppurtunites to strike were termed “suki.” For example, if an opponent slightly slouched due to fatigue or momentarily lost concentration, this would be a perfect oppurtunity to strike and it is considered a suki.

Initiative refers to the moment of attack. It requires virtually no hesitation to be executed efficiently and effectively.

Combining these two concepts is the perfect timing, otherwise known as maai. It refers to the rhythym, spacetime, and distance related to the opponent. How one finds the right moment to strike, and does it while covering the perfect amount of distance is explained through the use of maai.

References:

Brooks, Jeff. "Time, Space & Mind: The Three Dimensions of the Reactionary Gap." FightingArts. 28 Jul 2008 <http://www.fightingarts.com/reading/article.php?id=560>.