2024.8　KENDOJIDAI Photography = Sasai TakamasaTranslation = 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 … Continue reading How to Create an Ideal Kamae (Eiga Naoki)