What is Keiko
Kendo often involves a practice relationship between a sensei (teacher) and a student. In Kendo, practice is referred to as “keiko,” representing something beyond mere practice. The person you face in training is called “aite.” In Kendo practice, there is a saying: “Reflect even if you can strike your aite, and be grateful if you are struck by your aite.” This phrase embodies the idea of introspection and continuous self-improvement through both delivering and receiving strikes.
While these profound words are known to many, their true meaning is often not fully understood.
During Wednesday’s Kendo practice, guidance was provided by our eighth dan sensei:
"Do not approach to be struck when you know you will be hit. If you anticipate being struck, respond accordingly."
Ah, I see. I understand. When I attempt to strike the sensei, it’s not because there is an opening for the sensei to strike me, but rather, the sensei pretends to have an opening, enticing me to strike. Recognize that you are being invited and respond accordingly.
Firstly, there is a sign that the aite is closing the distance and will strike my right fist. In response, my hands instinctively rise. Unconsciously, I try to protect my Kote (right fist area). However, by disrupting my posture, the aite strikes my Kote.
Secondly, when facing aite in a ready stance and pressure is applied, and aite subtly invites me to shift my right foot, signaling a forthcoming strike to my torso, even though I know I will be hit on the Do (right abdomen), I impulsively lunge forward. As expected, I get hit on the torso.
Thirdly, when facing aite in a ready stance, and there’s a hint of an impending strike, I boldly leap forward. The aite, anticipating my target, promptly strikes my Men. They aim just slightly ahead of where my Men should be, making their strike faster.
Fourthly, there are more scenarios! If I get too close, closer than the one-step-one-cut distance, and I’m hesitant to strike or not, the opponent reaches out and strikes my wrist. It makes a satisfying sound.
Regarding the first case, the issue lies with my left fist. Even if I attempt to prepare for the opponent’s strike, if my left fist moves significantly, there’s little I can do. The teaching not to make significant movements with the left fist likely stems from this reason. It might be related to opponents targeting the left wrist. In a close-range situation, there seems to be no option but to anticipate a strike to the left wrist. Try striking with a Kote and see if, perhaps, it leads to a Men-kaeshi-dou. If that happens, consider the next steps after enduring several strikes.
For the second and third cases, the issue lies with my attacking approach. For the second scenario, it might be wise to endure momentarily and counterattack. Regarding the third, it seems crucial not to make significant body movements. If the opponent is aiming to strike during a one-step-one-cut distance, a Men strike in place should suffice. Experiment with this.
As for the fourth scenario, allowing the aite to strike the wrist as they wish and countering with a Kote seems viable. Minimize force and merely touch the opponent’s shinai.
Let’s try these out in the next practice. Looking forward to it.
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