Kendo tactics and the mind
I find it brilliant that many of the writings of the great Japanese swordsmen such as Miyamoto Musashi are so complete and so relevant in practicing kendo today. Strategies such as the recent popular use of feinting, along with many unused methods and tactics are described in the writings of these masters. The ancient writings make it clear to me that spirit and a balance of the mind (strategy) and body (tactics) are at the heart of kendo. The notions of spirit, tactics and strategy are intuitive and yet largely undeveloped unless a conscious effort is made to understand the role each plays. As the opponent’s tactics change your mind (strategy) must change to accommodate and defeat any tactic and strategy, sometimes instantly within a kendo match.