2016.5 KENDOJIDAI
Kamei sensei explains: “I think it’s the same for any technique, that when you perform it, it’s only natural that you go all in and that it leads to the next technique. Among them, I think kote is a technique that can lead to two- and three-strike combinations. Therefore, I think that it is necessary to strike with particular attention for a sharp seme because it is a nearby target”.
Combining the three techniques of kote, men, and tsuki in shiai creates striking opportunities. Kamei Toru, who uses his sword handling freely to seize the openings in opponents, emphasizes that “It is important to strike kote with with the same committed feeling as when you strike men.”
Profile
Kamei Toru, born in Kumamoto Prefecture in 1954. Went from Kyushu Gakuin High School to Meiji University. Retired Kumamoto Police Chief Teacher. Major achievements include 2nd place in the All Japan Championships, participation in the World Kendo Championships, participation in all Japan Prefectural Championships, All Japan East-West Tournament, All
Japan Police Championship First Division title, National Sports Tournament title, All Japan Invitational 8th dan Championship 2nd & 3rd place, All Japan Invitational 7th dan Championship 2 titles, Iwate Prefecture Invitational 7th dan Championship 3 titles.
Anticipating kote. If your kensaki is out of center, openings will appear
In general, players who are strong in shiai value their kote highly. Players who rise to high ranks have kote as a finishing move. They may strike over or underneath the opponent’s shinai, or perform a katsugi technique. The variations are limitless, but the common factor is that they can make an ippon out of kote techniques.
Of course, if you play against such an opponent, you will be wary of their kote. Consciousness concentrates in your hands because you are confronted so as not to be struck kote without noticing.
If your consciousness concentrates on the hands, the sword tip will be easier to open, so opportunities will arise to strike men or tsuki there.
The rest of this article is only available for Kendo Jidai International subscribers!
No Comments