KENDOJIDAI 2013.10
This is the first time Koda Kunihide, Kyoshi 8th Dan and professor of Tsukuba University, does a full instruction series for Kendo Jidai. Harada Satoru, Takanabe Susumu and Murayama Chinatsu are all accomplished fighters who graduated from Tsukuba University. You can take the same instructions they received right here, right now!
- Part 1: Basic movement
- Part 2: Shikake-Men
- Part 3: Shikake-Kote
- Part 4: Oji-waza against Men
- Part 5: Oji-waza against Kote
- Part 6: Keiko methods
The Kote is the closest of the four striking targets: Men, Kote, Do and Tsuki. As it is said, “the Kote is the entrance and the Men is the back of the house”, it is the most vulnerable target. However, because this is also the area where you are most likely to be targeted, if you are able to bait out a Kote skilfully and respond instantly, you will be a big threat to your opponent.
The Kote must be struck in an instant so it is also important to use good Tenouchi to respond to the Kote and counterstrike in an instant. In Kote, the opportunity to strike is when the Kensaki is about to go up or open. Let’s understand these opportunities well and practice them.
Ideally, you should perform the technique in a subconscious state like when riding a bicycle, and just as we teach “strike with a conditioned reflex”. Do not lose your posture until just before your opponent comes for Kote and aim for your technique to land as your opponent’s move is about to finish.
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