Lesson: Go Straight Through The Opponent

Yesterday, I practiced with Spencer Sensei. He pointed out the following:

1. When attacking, go straight through the opponent. He said I'm moving to the side (diagonally) after attacking the opponent.

2. My kiai should not go down after striking the opponent but should remain strong. Also, keep my zanshin after the attack.

Lesson: Proper Swing

After the practice yesterday, Shoraku Sensei showed me the proper way to swing my shinai during keiko. He said:

Use shoulders, not just my forearms only.  From kamae, raise the shinai from both shoulders and then extend both arms.
(I will have to draw this and post it soon for better understanding)

Lesson: Cure for Lifting Left Leg (Behind Leg)

A few practices ago, Takahashi Sensei pointed out that, when I attack, my upper body leans forward and I lift my left leg (behind leg) up. He taught me a way to fix this:

From kamae, before attack, slightly step forward on your right foot only, and then immediately go for the attack. This should keep your upper body straight.

Back to Kendo

It's been about a month since I came back to kendo.
It's good to be back!

Lesson: Seme and Feint (Part 2)

On Monday's practice, Jae Choi Sensei taught me a lesson which also related to Seme and Feint.

During the keiko w/ him, the following things occurred:

1) Jae Choi Sensei quickly Seme in (came in) for my "left wrist."

2) My automatic reaction was to wave my shinai to the left in order to block that attack, thus creating a wide opening of my "right wrist."

3) Then, he landed a solid strike on my right Kote (wrist).

4) While I was still at the mental shock of getting a valid and solid hit, he then attacked my wide open Men.

This chain of events occurred w/in probably a split second or two.

Right after that, he stopped the keiko and said the following things:

He first asked me why I opened up. Of course, my answer was to avoid the first seemingly-attack to my left-wrist. Then, he asked me if I had realized what happened afterward, and I said I did.

He then said, "it is natural for anybody to react to an attack" -- just like how I tried to avoid/block the attack by waving my shinai to the left.

"That's why the Senseis tell you to practice certain things so many times so that it becomes your second nature, and that certain thing automatically takes place under the real situation instead of your natural reaction." He then said, "it's like taking the old things out and putting the new things."

"But, EVERYONE has some kind of natural reaction. It's just that the more advanced you become (or the better you become), you just become better at hiding that natural reaction. But, since everyone's human, they all have their own natural reaction."

"Your job is to find that natural reaction by drawing them to react to your attack."

Again, to me, it sounded very similar to the concept of "feint." Afterward, I tried to apply that concept in my keiko w/ other kenshis.

Lesson: Seme and Feint (Part 1)

In writing the previous posting, I had to look up "Seme" in the kendo dictionary (Japanese-English Dictionary of Kendo by All Japan Kendo Federation).

"Semeru (v.):

To take the initiative to close the distance w/ the opponent with full spirit.

This puts the opponent off balance mentally and physically and prevents him/her from moving freely.

(Examples include ki-ryoku-ni-yoru-seme (attack with the spirit), ken-sen-ni-yoru-seme (attack with the tip of the sword), and datotsu-ni-yoru-seme (attack with strikes)).

This enables one to maintain a constant advantage over the opponent.

In kendo, it is important to intentionally attack and strike, not to just strike by chance.

The back and forth action of offense and defense involved in seme (attacks) and seme-kaesu (counterattacks) not only improves the skill of both players but also develops their minds and bodies.

All of this leads to the mutual self-creation of both people and to the building of human character."

Some key words/concepts that caught my attention are:

1. Seme is taking the "initiative."

2. Seme is "closing the distance."

3. You have to do it w/ "full spirit."

4. The result SHOULD be putting the opponent "off balanced mentally and physically." (If not, your seme is ineffective -- thus practice it to be effective).

5. Seme can be done via "spirit, sword, or strikes."

6. Seme enables you to have "advantage" over the opponent.

7. You have to "intentionally" strike, NOT just by "chance."

8. "Attacks and counterattacks."

I can probably relate this to boxing's "feint." (I'm not sure if it's exact equivalent of it, but something similar to it) So, I looked up the definition for "feint" in boxing. To me, it was strikingly similar concept to kendo's seme.

Please read the following excerpt from a boxing discussion forum. As you read, it might be helpful to apply kendo into the following concept for you to fully understand what I'm trying to convey.

(The following excerpt was taken from:

http://www.saddoboxing.com/boxingforum/47665-art-feinting.html)

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"The Art of Feinting"

Feinting is body movement or an incomplete attack used primarily to create reactions. The idea is to create an opening or to draw the opponent into responding so you may anticipate and counter. For this purpose, feints play an integral role in relation to counterpunching. In order for feints to be successful they must make the opponent believe that a real punch is coming.

The most frequent feints revolve around the jab. Like feints, jabs are often thrown with the intention of creating reactions. You see, you may jab not solely for the purpose of landing it, but rather to see how your opponent responds. It’s important to note their tendencies, and how they avoid the jab (e.g. do they flinch, retreat, parry, catch, block, or slip). Also note where their head moves after you jab. Feinting may also be used to ascertain an opponent’s reactions. This information will serve you for when you begin to set up your punches.

“A good boxer knows what openings will result before he feints and makes use of this knowledge and initiates his follow-up action almost before the opening results." -Edwin Haislett.

To feint the jab is simple. Jerk your left shoulder forward as if you’re about to jab, but do not extend your arm. Feint the right in the same manner. This is commonly referred to as a shoulder feint and it is one of the safest ways to feint. To make your feints more believable you may want to grunt a little, use facial expression to indicate a real punch and have your eyes move correspondingly to where the feint is aimed. Sometimes adding a quick step or slightly dipping your body can make a feint appear all the more real.

If you land a good shot on your opponent, it can be especially useful to feint that punch later on. For instance, step forward and jab at your opponent’s solar-plexus. It's a relatively safe punch, whether you score or not it’ll draw your opponent’s attention. It isn't devastating to your opponent but it gives them a sinking feeling that they don't like! Now to feint your opponent, you would suddenly step forward and look down to the stomach area, perhaps moving your left shoulder forward while simultaneously shifting your weight preparing you to throw a straight right at their head. Feinting a left to the pit of the stomach is a ploy to get them to commit to protecting their midsection allowing you to land a punch on their unprotected head. It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book to be used sparingly, and when it works, it’s a thing of beauty.

Floyd Patterson writes:

“Jose Torres, my former stable-mate and the light heavyweight champion of the world . . . gives the best definition of a feint that I’ve ever heard: ‘A feint is an outright lie. You make believe you’re going to hit your opponent in one place, he covers the spot and your punch lands on the other side. A left hook off the jab is a classy lie. You’re converting a I into an L. Making openings is starting a conversation with a guy, so another guy (your other hand) can come and hit him with a baseball bat."

Patterson continues:

“Remember, the hand is quicker than the eye. Being able to get your opponent to look for one thing and then doing another is feinting. Feinting is using your head to draw an opponent into committing himself and then taking advantage of that commitment to counter him. Feinting is pretending to go to the body so your opponent drops his guard, and then going to his head, or vice versa. It is looking one place and punching another, or moving your feet as if to throw a left, when you’re really going to throw a right.

All of these methods of feinting can be perfected, but only through long, had hours of practice. Again, a mirror is the place to start; then progress into sparring sessions. Don’t be disgusted with yourself if you fail at first—just keep practicing. The ability to out-think your opponent is essential to being a top-flight or championship-caliber boxer.”

Lesson: Attacking Men During Opponent's Seme

A few practices ago, Yuji Sensei taught me (and few others) one technique.

While the opponent Seme* in, attack the opponent's Men right away.

In attacking that Men, you should raise your shinai up just a little so that you can avoid the opponent's shinai.

(Meaning, when the opponent Seme in, his shinai is already in the center coming in at you. So, you raise your shinai up w/ firm center so that your shinai takes the center and hits the Men)

I tried this technique with a couple of kenshi after learning it. It was definitely a good technique. I just had difficult time getting used to attacking the opponent while he Seme in (which is very slight moment).

*Seme: Please see the next posting for the definition.

Lesson: Seme te Men

I. Problem: One-Step Attacks

Until now, I didn't really try to use Seme b/c I never could really understand the concept. Plus, one-step attacks from close distance (*Chikai-ma-ai) were much easier and tempting (especially when I really wanted to win), so I didn't really bother to learn the concept of Seme. I just kept practiced being fast in one-step attacks from the closest distance.

(*Chikai-ma-ai (close distance): Also called Chika-ma. A smaller distance than **Issoku-itto-no-ma-ai. At this distance, one's strike can easily reach the opponent, but the same holds for the opponent's strike.)

(**Issoku-itto-no-ma-ai: The distance which enables a player to strike the opponent by taking one step forward and to evade the opponent's strike by taking one step backward. The fundamental spatial distance in kendo.)

But, after I got my 3 dan, I began to realize that most Sensei and advanced kenshi can block my one-step attacks. Also, because I ONLY could attack from one-step distance, I had to wait until the opponent comes close enough for me to attack. But, usually, the opponent (usually being Sensei or advanced kenshi) already comes in w/ Seme then translates right into the decisive attack even before I had my chance of attack. I began to see the need of attack where I'm in charge of the attack and I control the opponent (not the other way).

II. The Need for Proper Distance

Long time ago, Spencer Sensei told me that once the opponent comes into your territory (probably start passing the Issoku-itto-no-ma-ai) then start pressing in, I shouldn't just stand there. Once the opponent crosses Chika-ma, it's already too close. Recently, Jae Choi Sensei told me that I just stand there when the opponent keep pressing in until the distance is too close. He said when the opponent is too close, pull back, regain my proper distance and start again.

So, from that Issoku-itto-no-ma-ai (the distance which I'm not so used to in attacking), how am I suppose to attack effectively while having the opponent under my control?

III. Clearing Opponent's Defense

Recently, Jae Choi Sensei began teaching me that I should clear my way (clearing the opponent's defense) so that I can attack. He said I can either 1) knock out the opponent's shinai thus physically moving the opponent's defense out of the way, OR 2) I can use Seme to create openings. Then, he taught me the first option of knocking the opponent's shinai out. (He taught me this long time ago too, but I never realized the significance of it until now)

From this Monday's conversation w/ Spencer Sensei and Yuji Sensei's teachings from earlier, the second option of using Seme also began to make sense to me. (Please refer to "Lesson: Seme w/ Purpose" from my previous blog) After all, in order for me to effectively attack, I should remove the opponent's defense and create opening either by my own physical force or by having the opponent do it voluntarily.

IV. Seme

A. Spencer Sensei

Every time I practice w/ Spencer Sensei, when he strikes my Men, I have this vivid image of him attacking me. It's so consistent each time that I have this mental picture of him -- that split second moment image of him attacking me. I tried to draw it as best as I could, but please excuse my bad drawing... :)

Now I think about it, his Men attacks were not one-step attack but Seme te Men attack (usually Seme to my Tsuki). The most recent image of this attack I have is his attack from the Yamaguchi Cup.

So, this is the idea (picture).

B. Jae Choi Sensei

Since I was a beginner, and many times before, and recently also, Jae Choi Sensei made me to do the following drill: 1) take first step and strike Tsuki; then 2) strike Men.

I never understood why, but now I can understand that that drill was the most basic steps of learning the effective Seme te Men.

At the time, I couldn't understand the purpose b/c in real keiko, when I stepped in w/ Tsuki, all my opponents blocked me. So, I could not link the first step of the drill to the next step (Men strike). But, now I can see that Jae Sensei was teaching me that "Seme w/ Purpose of Striking Tsuki." If I can smoothly connect both motions into one, then I should have the same motion as when Spencer Sensei attacks me.

C. Takahashi Sensei and Richard Ra

So, yesterday, I practiced Seme te Men w/ Richard. When I asked Richard if he could feel my Seme (the pressure), he said no b/c my Seme is not centered. He said that when I press in, my shinai should be centered or else, it will not break the opponent's defense. He said, "there's only one center for either one of us' shinai."

Then, I remembered Takahashi Sensei's teaching from Monday (and several times before) that "whoever has the center wins." He always stressed to me that I must have the center in order to have successful attack.

V. Conclusion

When I tried to practice it yesterday at the Yakusoku Keiko w/ Richard, it was so awkward b/c, from the further distance than what I'm used to, I had to step in w/ Seme THEN attack. It already lowered my confidence level b/c the distance is further and there's more step involved. But, for me to create the opening by pressuring the opponent (either having him raise or tilt his shinai or just make him stand there), this is imperative. I should work on this.

Lesson: Seme w/ Purpose

After the first practice, I asked Spencer Sensei about how I can do Seme effectively. I said that when I try to do Seme, it's ineffective so people don't move.

He said that I shouldn't just step in trying to do Seme, but I should "Seme w/ purpose."

I should Seme in w/ intent to execute an attack, then when the opening is created, I should attack accordingly. It would be very short moment (split seconds), but that's why I need to practice.

I said that, all this time, I've been trying to attack from one-step distance, as fast as I can.

He said that such attack will soon be ineffective b/c there's always gonna be someone faster than me (especially as I get older). Thus, I should practice using Seme to create the opening. And, in doing so, I should Seme in w/ purpose of real attack.

(Oh, he also said that I go to the side after the attack. I should go straight in toward the opponent.)

Lesson: Suri-ashi

During our Suri-ashi practice today, Spencer Sensei said that I should bring my left foot right away b/c my left foot is too slow (lagging). He said that it should be like a snap.

For some reason, although I've heard that so many times before, it became very clear to me today. (I think the reason is b/c I saw one of the visiting Sensei on Monday -- I forgot her name -- who had really good Suri-ashi, so I was relating to that)

I tried the way Spencer Sensei told me while picturing the Suri-ashi of the Sensei I saw on Monday. My left leg felt really tired soon, and Spencer Sensei said that it's b/c I'm not used to it.

I'm glad that Suri-ashi actually makes sense to me now. I need to get used to this by practicing more.

Thought: Center of Weight

Many times, different Sensei told me that I lift up my leg when I attack. Olson Sensei mentioned it recently again, and on Monday practice, Yuji Sensei said that I don't carry my attack w/ my leg thus my upper body goes first and I end up lifting my leg up.

While thinking about how I can correct this problem, a comparison w/ boxing occurred to me.

(Actually, a few practices ago, Jae Choi Sensei gave me an illustration w/ boxing, and ever since, I related kendo w/ boxing. I used to take boxing during my absence from kendo, so I could easily relate to that illustration)

(Diagram: Boxing 1) In boxing, from the basic stance, when you try to throw right punch to a distant target in the shortest time possible, most beginners (or non-boxers) throw their right punch trying to reach out the target while not using their body or footwork. The results are: 1) although you may reach to target w/ your hand, the impact of the punch is very weak (thus ineffective); 2) the center of weight is off balanced and unstable, thus, again, your punch does not carry any power that is transferred from your center of weight (body) and from your foot; and 3) since you are off balanced, you cannot continue the attack if the first punch was not successful, thus creating opening for the opponent to counterattack.

(Diagram: Boxing 2) However, when you "step in" with your whole body (meaning you carry your whole body w/ your foot thus the center of weight is stable): 1) the impact of the punch is solid from the power generated by your body and your foot -- also from the turning motion of your body; 2) the center of weight is stable; and 3) since you have stable balance, you can continue w/ secondary or tertiary attacks if the initial punch was unsuccessful.

(Diagram: Kendo 1 and 2) Same principle applies to kendo except that you're trying to strike w/ shinai instead of punch.

I have realized that, when facing the opponent, my natural desire and tendency is to try to reach to the target as fast as I can. That tendency and desire makes me to lean forward in order to reach the target w/ my shinai and my left leg being lifted up. (As if, in football, a running back leans forward to cross that line for the touchdown -- they usually dive into the end zone when chased, which is the most extreme case of leaning forward)

The difference is that in football, the objective IS to "reach" to the target (the end zone) while in kendo (or in boxing), the objective is to deliver an effective strike (or punch) to the target. The difference is substance. In kendo (and boxing), you must actually deliver the substance w/ your motion. That means, you have to give up reaching faster in exchange of delivering solid (substantive) and valid strike.

I think that the key in delivering such solid (substantive) strike comes from the body and the foot (as in boxing). That also means, I must work on 2 things: 1) changing my mental picture to carry the whole body w/ me (instead of striving to reaching to the target); and 2) my footwork, especially my left foot as the generator of the power.

Now, the mental picture is drawn, I should put this to the practice so that my body gets used to it -- which will take long time...

Epilogue: The 1st Yamaguchi Cup

The 1st Yamaguchi Cup at our dojo (Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo) last week was successful. I saw some great kendo and felt privileged to have competed against Spencer Hosokawa Sensei. Congratulations to Desmond Nakamoto Senpai for the 1st place. This tournament was especially significant to me for the following reasons:

First of all, this tournament was named after Takeshi Yamaguchi Sensei who is one of the most respected Sensei I have ever known. In addition to his own influence to my life and my kendo, many Sensei who learned from him also influenced me greatly.

Secondly, I saw all the kenshi doing their best to win while striving to maintain proper kendo. Since it was ippon shobu (1 point match) w/out any rank division, any kenshi had a chance to win, so each kenshi tried their best. Certainly, I was one of them when I faced Spencer Sensei. I knew his kendo was great and I would have very little, if not at all, chance to win. So, I gave everything I had in playing against him. However, since our dojo (under Yamaguchi Sensei's teaching) stresses proper kendo, I tried to maintain the proper kendo even under the pressure to win. I saw this occurring in other kenshi as well, thus resulting in some great kendo matches and performances.

Finally and personally, this tournament was the only tournament I could attend throughout the year. Since I goto church on Sundays, I could not attend kendo tournaments on Sundays. (I've tried a few times in the past, but I never felt comfortable attending kendo tournament over church) I take it as God's gift to me? :)

I'm thankful for the Yamaguchi Cup, and I should try my best to win next year.

Lesson: No Mind

I received the following comment from Olson Sensei for one of my blog posts. I thought it was worth sharing b/c it's a great lesson. (Thank you Olson Sensei for the permission)

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Remember the concept of "mushin" or no mind.

Musashi referred to it in the Five Rings many times.

You practice the same thing over and over, so your automatic reactions take over.

Kendo becomes like a reflex, bypassing the nerve pathways to the brain and back.

Too much time, too much opportunity for error, too much time for your opponent to strike.

Practice with no mind, no thinking just action and reaction.

B.Olson

Lesson: Amazing Timing

Yamaguchi Sensei once said that it's not about how fast you are, but it's about how good timing you have.

Today, during the 1st Yamaguchi Cup, I was observing Shoraku Sensei and Shiono Sensei's match.

Despite Shiono Sensei's great techniques and speed (and also being much younger), Shoraku Sensei won the match with Do strike. I got to witness what it's like to have amazing timing.

(I also remembered observing Shoraku Sensei's timing during his keiko w/ Desmond Senpai who has lighting speed)

After the practice, I asked Shoraku Sensei how I can practice that timing. He said that I should "see the opponent w/ my body -- not w/ my eyes or my head." He said that he sees the opponent as a "whole" instead of focusing on certain areas of attack. He said that if I see the opponent like that, then I can see the whole movement of the opponent. He illustrated it as looking at the whole mountain afar instead of focusing a small part of that mountain.

I should work on this.

Lesson: Solid Strike

Today was the 1st Yamaguchi Cup, and my first match was with Spencer Sensei (which I lost, but I felt really good about that match).

After the practice, I asked Spencer Sensei for comments, and he said that overall, it was good but my strike was not solid enough. Richard Ra also said that during my Yakusoku-geiko w/ him today.

I should practice to have more solid strike.

Lesson: Forward feeling after strike

Different sensei commented before that I raise my shinai high up after striking Men thus making the feeling to go up instead of going forward.

Takahashi Sensei said it, Spencer Sensei said it, and Jae Choi Sensei said it.

Today, Jae Choi Sensei worked w/ me in making my shinai (feeling) go forward instead of high up. He said to extend my right arm straight forward keeping it about my shoulder height (little below but never higher than shoulder). He also mentioned that I should have my left arm straight, feeling like I'm punching the opponent's Do (in the middle).

It was difficult to get used to b/c: 1) I tend to raise my shinai up after striking Men; or 2) if I run into the opponent, then I tend to pull both my arms.

Jae Sensei said that by extending both arms, I can: 1) go straight through the opponent; or 2) if the opponent blocks me, I can do Tai-atari Men right away.

Afterward, I did Yakusoku-geiko w/ Richard Ra, practicing what I learned. Yuji Sensei watched my practice and commented that I try to extend both arms and just trying to reach the opponent while my foot work does not follow at all. He said that my footwork should carry the strike, not just my arms.

It was extremely difficult to correct something that I have gotten so used to -- years of keep doing bad habit. I should work hard to fix this.

Lesson: Straight Men

A few practices earlier, during my keiko w/ Takahashi Sensei, he made me to practice Ai-Men (both side striking Men simultaneously). He kept on striking my Men but I could not strike his Men. After the keiko, he said, "whoever hits the straight Men, he wins."

Lesson: Small Men 2

I found this link on the internet. Imafuji Sensei explains how to hit small Men. His explanation and demonstration of what to do and what not to do also helped.

http://www.kendo-guide.com/small_men.html