Kendo Thoughts & Insight

Sutemi and Zanshin are some of the many parts of an attack that defines kendo as separate and distinct from other sword arts from other countries. Sutemi is defined as: The state of giving (something) one’s all, prepared even to give one’s life, without thinking of the outcome. Zanshin is defined as: The body and state of mind in which, even after striking, one is alert and ready to respond instantly to a counterattack by the opponent. These two components in actual battle with a steel blade comprise a completed cut in which the mind and body of the opponent (if still alive) is given the time (seconds) to realize that he has been cut and mortally wounded by your sword. Sutemi emphasizes a deep cut through the body of the opponent, not a timid superficial cut, or a timid attack as it would be without sutemi, a complete mind, body and spirit attack. Like all Japanese martial arts, kendo in real combat is meant to be decisive and a match may be over in a matter of seconds.

In kendo there is often a feeling of helplessness when being struck by an opponent. This feeling is the experience of seeing or sensing an event in your mind in an instant, with your body lagging unable to move FASTER than a split second.  The reason why repetitive physical practice is essential is that the muscles used in doing a particular movement will retain the movement information and strengthen the connection path for doing that movement or technique. The result is that the body can respond markedly faster when needed. This is why most strikes can be blocked easily and naturally, the body is reacting to a visual, sensing signal, independent of the mind. It is important to note that in order to learn a sequence of movement, there must be a desire, a benefit and an understanding in your mind to retain the movement information, along with constant repetition. Only then will you you be able to learn and use a technique naturally and appropriately.