2024.10 KENDOJIDAI
Photography: Nishiguchi Kunihiko, Sugino Shinsuke
Translation: Sato Mariko, Pepijn Boomgaard
Kamei Sensei emphasizes, “If your left foot becomes loose, you cannot execute techniques accurately.” To develop proper body movement where the left foot is always functional, it is essential to consistently focus on your left foot during Suburi, Uchikomi, and Kirikaeshi. We asked Kamei Sensei about what he keeps in mind and what he teaches during his instruction.
Kamei Toru, 8th Dan Hanshi
Born in Kumamoto Prefecture in 1954. After graduating from Kyushu Gakuin High School and Meiji University, he joined the Kumamoto Prefectural Police. His major achievements include: 2nd place in the All Japan Kendo Championship, participation in the World Kendo Championships, participation in the All Japan Prefectural Kendo Championship, participation in the All Japan East West Tournament, 1st place in the first division of the National Police Tournament, 1st place in the National Sports Festival, 2nd and 3rd place in the All Japan invitational 8th Dan Championship, 1st place in the All Japan Invitational 7th Dan Kendo Championship in honor of Marume Nagayoshi and winning the Iwate Prefecture 7th Dan Governor’s Cup 3 times.
The judges are watching your left foot and fist.
As noted in the All Japan Kendo Federation’s “Seminar Materials,” mastering Kendo techniques requires striking in one beat. “One beat” means executing a strike without any hesitation. For example, in the case of a Men strike, you prepare, raise the shinai, bring it down, and simultaneously lift and lower your right foot. That’s all there is to it. Of course, there are applied strikes, but the basic concept is the one-beat Men strike, which can be adapted into Kote, Do, or Tsuki depending on the situation.
However, when I ask people to perform a basic Men strike when instructing nowadays, most people first pull their left foot in and then move their right foot forward to strike. It is true that Kendo has a technique called “tsugi-ashi”, where you bring the left foot closer before striking. However, “tsugi-ashi” is used when you are at a long distance. If you are within striking distance, you must strike smoothly without moving the left foot.
The Dan examination evaluates whether your Kendo is appropriate for the rank you are aiming for, assessing overall aspects such as posture, attitude, Seme, and strikes that befit the rank. The foundation of all this is the one-beat strike.
*tsugi-ashi
This method of footwork is mainly used to execute attacks from toi-maai. The left foot (back foot) is moved forward without surpassing the right foot, and followed immediately by a large step out with the right foot.
The judges sit in chairs and observe the candidates’ matches from the side. As the distance closes from the starting position to Shokujin no Maai, Koujin no Maai, and finally Issoku-Itto no Maai, if the left foot collapses, the Seme will not be effective. To strike instantly, it is essential to have your weight on the left foot, but if you lean too far backward, it becomes difficult to execute techniques smoothly. When the desire to strike becomes too strong, there is a tendency to step out only with the right foot, causing your stance to widen excessively. If the left foot collapses, it can also affect your grip on the shinai.
When your foot spacing becomes too wide, it becomes difficult to execute techniques that coordinate your hands and feet. Stiffness and awkwardness result from this lack of coordination. Kendo’s Kamae, with the right foot and right hand forward, is not a natural movement like regular walking, so it must be consciously practiced to master. By using the left foot as the pivot and repeatedly stepping in with the right foot, you can develop a proper rhythm.
Although it seems simple, as we age, our bodies become stiffer, which naturally leads to awkward movements. By consistently practicing Men strikes, Kote strikes, Kote-men strikes, and other practice strikes before Keiko, you can develop a natural and smooth way of striking.
Measure the Distance to Your Opponent with Your Left Foot
The rest of this article is only available for Kendo Jidai International subscribers!
