The dictionary defines seme as “attack.” There are two types of seme the visible and the invisible. The visible seme where one pressures an opponent with a sword movement or a body move. The invisible seme is a pressure applied to an opponent to strike with or without the sword pointing at the opponent. In application seme or ‘attack’ can be thought of as applying an ‘imminent attack pressure.’ Imminent attack pressure is a real pressure, a determined resolve to cut the opponent that can be felt in the mind of the opponent. The moment you decide to seme or attack you must be ready to physically attack, if you seme and there is no intention of attacking the opponent the equivalent to just stepping forward, your mind or body will not have time to react if the opponent attacks. Your mind must be resolved to cut the opponent, doing so will either force your opponent to strike or you must strike. In your mind the imminent attack pressure is showing and pointing the tip of your sword to the opponent, ready to cut the opponent in the next instant. The seme or attack is part of a strategy that must be formed before attacking, both visible and invisible seme is attacking the mind of the opponent.

	The visible seme is a step forward with the sword pointing in a threatening way towards the opponent's face or throat. This is the most common method of seme. The visible seme is very effective for those opponents that wait for you to attack. You have the advantage because your attack strategy has already begun with your forward motion.
	The invisible seme of the mind projects a threat of attacking with or without the sword pointing at the opponent. Indeed, invisible seme is a force that effectively overwhelms the opponent with a feeling of urgency and dread.

Kendo kata Sanbonme (number 3) is the perfect example of seme, imminent attack pressure and its effect on the opponent.