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The techniques used in Kendo were originally created so that a Samurai could cut through his opponent on the first attempt. Therefore, the object is to attack and ultimately deal the winning blow. Students also aim to remain a distance away from their opponents/partners so that they can be drawn towards them so that they can easily transition from attack to defense (and vice versa) if needed.
Movements require a great deal of strength, flexibility, and speed. Through practice, Kendoka develop an awareness of their environment and sensitivity towards any potential threats, enabling them to react instantly and minimize risk.
The
stance, footwork, and strikes (cuts and thrusts) form the basis of all
movement.
Stances
Maintaining a proper stance is extremely important in Kendo practice.
The most commonly used basic stance is the chudan no kamae, also known
as the chudan. Students assume this posture for both offense and defense.
The chudan allows the student to move with agility and speed while ensuring
that strikes can be performed with enough force and energy.
Some
key points:
-
Body is upright and balanced: the hips are level, back straight, and
shoulders back and square
-
Feet are shoulder-width apart
-
The shinai is held at the center of the body
-
The right foot is forward so that its heel is aligned with the toes
of the left foot
-
The rear heel is slightly raised (no more than one inch)
- Weight is placed on the balls of the feet
Footwork
Footwork is crucial in Kendo since the feet must move the body into position
so that the shinai can come in contact with the target. The majority of
Kendo footwork falls into three categories: gliding (Okuri-ashi), stepping
(Ayumi-ashi), and side-stepping (Hiraki-ashi) footwork.
Okuri-ashi
The forward foot (the foot closest to the place one wants to go, usually
the right foot) is slid in the desired direction as the rear foot pushes
off. To maintain balance and prepare for the next movement, the rear foot
is quickly follows the forward foot after it moves. The forward foot is
always kept in front of the rear foot.
Ayumi-ashi
This is performed with each foot stepping in front of the other: the leading
foot is extended while pushing from the trailing foot and the trailing
foot slides past the leading foot and assumes the leading position. They
continue to skim the floor and alternate.
Hiraki-ashi
The feet are shifted diagonally towards one's partner/opponent, either
moving forward and to the right, or backward and to the left. In the first
move, the right foot is slid diagonally forward to the right while the
left foot is brought behind it. In the second move, the left foot is slid
diagonally backward to the left and the right foot is brought behind it.
Strikes
Kendo strikes are mainly aimed at the head (men), (left, center, and right)
body (do), throat (tsuki), and wrists (kote). Although they are protected
by armor in modern-day practice, these were the points Samurai considered
vulnerable. Students often utter a cry (kiai) when the strikes are dealt
to concentrate their spirit and body on a point, allowing them to exert
power into the blow. It is also customary to declare the part of the body
one intends to hit before striking (for example, one would say "men"
before striking the head).
There
is a series of eight basic cuts and thrusts.
- Osho-men:
downward cut to the center of the forehead
- Hidari-men:
cut
to the left side of the mask
- Migi-men:
cut to the right side of the mast
- Migi-do:
cut
to the right side of the chest protector
- Gyaku-do:
cut to the left side of the chest protector
- Kote:
downward
cut to the right wrist
- Hidari-kote:
downward cut to the left wrist
- Tsuki:
throat thrust
At first, students practice these strikes by swinging the shinai slowly in the air, gradually adding speed and strength since it is important that students learn to perform the strikes smoothly and surely before engaging in partner work. As they progress, they will practice with real objects and finally with another person (peer or instructor).
Like challenges? Take the Kendo Quiz.
