2024.4　KENDOJIDAI Photography: Nishiguchi KunihikoTranslation: Pepijn Boomgaard Iguchi Kiyoshi, a successful Kenshi ever since his younger days, passed 8th Dan in 2016. While preparing for his examination, he realized the importance of taking the initiative.  Iguchi Kiyoshi (Kyoshi 8th Dan) There are a number of thoughts on initiative. When teaching children, we often tell them that it means “to strike first.” This is not wrong, but as the level of proficiency increases, the meaning of “initiative” changes slightly.  In Kendo, we can divide initiative in Sen and Go No Sen. Sen is when you strike first. Go No Sen is striking after the opponent attacks. There is also the teaching of Mittsu No Sen*. Of these, Ken No Sen and Tai No Sen are the same as the aforementioned Sen and Go No Sen. Tai Tai No Sen is about engaging your opponent and approaching each other, finding an opening, and using your sword, body, feet, or mind to take the initiative and win. There is also the teaching of Sen Sen No Sen, in which you strike as a sign of your opponent’s intention to move appears. I believe that taking the initiative is about facing the opponent, taking the … Continue reading Take the Initiative and Win (Iguchi Kiyoshi)