Tag Archives: kendo 3 methods of killing

The kendo three methods of killing are: kill the sword (ken-o-korosu) meaning to move the sword off center, kill the waza (waza-o-korosu) meaning to spoil the opponents waza, and counter with your own waza, kill the spirit (ki-o-korosu) using seme to overwhelm the opponent. I believe there is a connection between the three methods of killing and the four poisons in kendo referred to as: fear, doubt, surprise and confusion. Using any of the three methods of killing instantly produces one or more of the poisons of kendo in your opponents mind giving you a good chance of victory.