Kendo Thoughts & Insight

The space or distance between opponents in a kendo match is called maai. There are three distinct maai or distances as measured with both opponents in chudan kamae: chika-ma (close distance), issoku-itto-no-maai (one step distance), and to-ma (far distance). These defined distances are fixed and the same for both opponents. The preferred distance is the classic issoku-itto-no-maai (one step distance), in application a short persons step is shorter than a taller persons step making the one step maai or distance different for each opponent, often this distance may over lap just short, or a little longer with how close the opponent prefers to strike in one step. The preferred distance each opponent seeks to strike in one step is a constant battle to maintain. Besides the transitional maai, the preferred ma-ai does not just happen it is most often the distance both opponents nonverbally agree to strike each other in one step, or a distance forced by one of the opponents. A master swordsman will manipulate this distance to their advantage, keeping just far enough that opponent is not able to land a strike yet close enough that they are able to easily strike, never allowing the opponent to dictate what maai to use.  Awareness of your opponents preferred ma-ai should never be over looked. Learning to force your opponent to accept your preferred maai while not allowing your opponent to dictate the maai is a subtle but essential lesson in kendo. Keeping track of your opponents preferred ma-ai will give you a masterful advantage to defeat your opponent.

In practicing keiko with a superior opponent, one that defeats you every single time, it is useful to allow your opponent to strike for a short time in the match. We are programed to press an attack without thinking against all comers, this does not allow any room for observing (first hand) the opponents natural preferences for attacking.  Without being obvious or him noticing, allow your opponent to strike you while you attack in your normal way. Carefully watch, observe your opponents distance, timing and movements, as well as your own, keeping track of possible openings. Chances are he will attack you in the same way every time. Make a careful mental note of when and how you are defeated. After the match, and after practice assess your observations of your opponent, changing your strategy and attacking methods for that opponent. It may take sometime to discover how to defeat the superior opponent but you will win on another day.