Practical Waza for Shinsa & Shiai

(Match practice - Basic tool kit)

- The basic Kendo striking/cutting skills for practical application in matches
- If done with maximum effort and spirit these can lead to a refined understanding of SEN
- Kakari te begins to experiment with different lines of attack, timings and cutting actions
- Motodachi MUST ensure that the feeling of the practice is as real as possible
- Motodachi makes the practice succeed or fail

Ai Sen Men (Debana Men)

- Build a feeling of pressure (mind contact)
- Done with effective use of seme
- Large powerful cutting action on the centre
- Strive to cut through the opponents centreline
- Use a wedge shape to drive through the opponent

Men Debana Kote

- Build a feeling of pressure (mind contact)
- Use seme
- Accurately and powerfully strike the Kote
- Move forwards from the waist to make the cut
- Use a wedge shape to deflect the opponent

Men Kaeshi Do

- Move in to draw an attack
- Deflect the sword then move into the cut
- Lightly deflect the opponents shinai
- Make contact near to the kensen of their shinai
- Cut a steep angle and turn the waist to achieve power. Use powerful Kiai
- Drive through but maintain eye contact

Harai Waza (Omote-harai-men)

- Remain alert and just beyond the range where the opponent can cut
- As they step in deflect the shinai powerfully from the centerline
- The deflection and strike should be done in one step
- Strike the men powerfully
- Use a wedge shape to drive through the opponent

Hiki-waza (Hiki-Men, Kote, Do)

- The tsubazeria position must be strong but flexible
- Watch intently and feel the opponents balance through the shinai/hands
- Move to a broken rhythm
- Read the opponents timing and attack when there is suki (weakness)
- Strike sharply and move away very quickly (you must separate from the opponent to score a point)

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