Kendo Thoughts & Insight

Ancient sword masters of Japan describe strategy for war and apply the same strategies to individual combat. I have come to realize that the difference between the two strategies is time. The large strategy of war has a time frame of from minutes to hours and longer, the time frame for strategies in individual combat is literally in seconds, from one sword exchange to the next. All the large strategies of war can be used seamlessly in individual combat.  Individual combat strategy and tactics are methods instantaneous in nature. Kendo kata gives us a revealing insight into ancient strategy as all the katas start from a distance five paces away from the closest distance we are able to strike. Why the five paces? The reason for starting at a far distance is for a quick assessment of the opponents physical movements, posture, mental readiness and a quick formation of a strategy. An ancient battlefield way of fighting, with a practical application, even today. Continual use and the practice of strategy is important to learn and understand.

Miyamoto Musashi the legendary master swordsman was one of the first to see the opponent in terms of strategy and to define the supporting elements of an attack based on strategy. An interesting passage in Musashi’s book “The Five Rings” states that ‘harmonizing’ or being in rhythm with the opponent is more important than a faster speed.  This simple idea of speed not being the true way is fundamental to improving in kendo, a subtle, and yet powerful truth. Of course too fast or too slow is not good. How else can one reconcile the fact that as one gets older and higher in rank that one relies on the mind rather than the physical speed that manifests itself in youth.  Speed is important, but must be completely tempered by the opponents movements or rhythm sensed in your mind similar to a notes of a song.