Kendo Milestone Series: Understanding Shikake waza

[@Keitemg]

I am returning to Kendo after many years gap. These videos are amazing so I can remember many important movements in a high quality delivery, clear explanation. Arigato Sensei!

[@KendoGuide]

Welcome back, @ViolinoK! 😄 Take it easy and when you have questions let me know. Of course, what your sensei says is what you should follow! I think I can help you with understanding and achieving what your sensei tells you to do. 👍

[@MultiSkippy101]

Thank you sensei! I learn so much from your videos!!

[@KendoGuide]

You’re more than welcome 🤗

[@luisabreu4396]

Thank You ! 👍

[@KendoGuide]

You bet!

[@mymy8443]

I was taught that in shikake waza you must be the one to get in first to your effective distance and go for the hit. However in your video it seems you are waiting for the opponent to hit. Could you please give some enlightens about this. Thank you.

[@KendoGuide]

Thanks for your comment, @mymy8443! 😄You are right about the definition. In my video, what I am trying to do is to connect shikake waza, debana waza and oji waza. Shikake(-ru) means "to set up" or " "initiate". Probably, " to initiate" is often used for shikake waza. So the basic idea of shikake waza is "you close the distance and execute a strike". OK, that is the first step. But you have an opponent. Instead of getting into your distance easily, you hold yourself a little bit before your striking distance. In such a distance, psychologically you put pressure on your opponent. (this is "setting up the stage for you to strike). Then, when the distance is closed either by you or your opponent, you strike. So, the basic definition of shikake waza is what you explained. That is correct. We never wait for our opponent to strike. Wealways take the initiative (set up the stage for us to strike) so you can do shikake, debana or oji depending on how your opponent reacts to your action/seme. That is my intention of the video. People know what shikake waza, debana waza and oji waza. we practice them as if they are completely different waza. So, here I am trying to see the shikake waza as the core of these techniques. That is why you have the impression that I am waiting. And that is my mistake on how to structure the video. I am sorry if I confused you. Hope this explanation helps!

[@doanthanh7025]

Thank you sensei :)

[@KendoGuide]

You're welcome!