2024.8 KENDOJIDAI
Photography = Sasai Takamasa
Translation = Sato Mariko, Pepijn Boomgaard
Eiga Naoki Sensei emphasizes that ‘it is essential to always connect your Kamae and the movement of your Kensen to the strike.’ We asked about his techniques.
Eiga Naoki, Kyoshi 8th Dan
Kendo is about scoring valid strikes through the use of a Shinai. If you execute a technique with an evenly matched spirit, the Kensen will clash. This is where the need arises to control the center by parrying or suppressing with your Shinai. However, to win through Seme, I believe it is essential to perceive your opponent not as a flat surface, but as a sphere.
Perceiving your opponent as a ‘sphere’ is purely an image to help you maintain a soft yet controlled center while closely observing their situation, ensuring that your offense and defense are unified. When adjusting the Maai, it’s important not to retreat, but to move while being able to respond to your opponent, with the goal of constantly maintaining an advantageous position.
In Kendo, the striking areas are Men, Kote, Do and Tsuki. To target the Men, you need to lower or open your opponent’s Kensen (sword tip). This requires putting pressure on their hands, and the moment you do, if your opponent carelessly advances, it creates an opportunity to execute an Oji-waza. This is why the important thing in technique is not where to strike, but when to strike.
Kendo ultimately becomes a battle of spirit against spirit, but strong spirit can only be cultivated through rigorous Keiko that builds skill. It is important to focus from the Kamae, Seme, break your opponent’s defense, strike decisively, and maintain Zanshin until the very end. Practicing with this mindset is essential.
Establishing a Stable Ashi-kamae (footwork stance)
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