How to Win

by Gary O'Donnell

OVERCOMING AN OPPONENT.
In a kendo match there are FOUR good chances to overcome the opponent:

SEN is the attacking spirit, it leads the match and controls the opponents actions, we attack before the opponent. Without this attitude it is impossible to forestall the opponents techniques or overcome ones own difficulties (the six sicknesses).

SENSEN NO SEN/SENZEN NO SEN-This means to attack right at the beginning of the opponents attack or just after the attack has begun (in the same timing).

GO NO SEN-This means to attack just as the opponents attack is about to succeed or after it finishes (He is unable to react to the counter because he has committed to his attack and is not ready to make another attack).

SUKI- This is a moment of weakness and comes when the opponent has lost his foundation for some reason.

UNDERMINING THE FOUNDATIONS
During a match we must constantly try to undermine the foundations of our opponents kendo by constantly attempting to nurture the action of the six sicknesses within him. There are three points of concentration known as the MITSU NO KUJIKI:

KI-O-KOROSU- This means to seek out and destroy the opponents spirit. To overcome it with the force of your own spirit and the power of your kiai, or to lead the opponent to underestimate your strength until it is too late. We must show the opponent that he cannot possibly overcome our spirit by demonstrating kigurai, shin and kokoro to the best of our ability.

KEN-O-KOROSU-This means to overpower and control the opponents sword by constantly riding it, keeping it out of position, and showing a superior grip (more sensitive, more strength TE-NO-UCHI-NO-SAE). This may be effectively done from above (this does not mean point your shinai up in the air). We direct pressure not at the point but at the Nakayui, thereby threatening the hands.

WAZA-O-KOROSU-This means to destroy the opponents best/favourite techniques (the ones he has perfected through diligent practice). It is important to draw the opponent into using these techniques whilst we have SEN (advantage) and then destroy them. If this is done effectively he will be unable to use these techniques and will have to rely on more obscure attacks (those which have not been perfected by diligent practice).

Kendo Main Page     Glossary of Terms      Photo Gallery     Articles