A few thoughts on Kote from Mizutani-sensei, 8-dan Kyoshi

Last week during class, I was practicing with Mizutani-sensei and he offered me the following advice regarding Kote-uchi (小手打ち).  Sensei explained that kote-uchi can be understood through by three key principles: fumi-komi (踏み込み), te-no-uchi (手の内) and zanshin (残心).

Fumi-komi: Deep forward movement with your legs is not necessary; if you move forward with your hips, your opponent will feel pressured by your attack, causing their mind to become disturbed, thus revealing an opening in their kendo.

Te no uchi: If you attack only by using your arms, you are most certainly going to lose your rhythmical lifting feeling and balance.　You have to attack with the position of the sword parallel to the floor.　At the same time, you should not grip too strongly with your thumb and the pointer finger of either hand.

Zanshin: After launching into an attach, if drag your left leg your body’s center is going to be umbalanced, consequently, leaving yourself open to a counter attack.  Mizutani-sensei said that a successful kote depends a lot on how one uses their okuri-ashi (leading foot).  “Migamae” (preparation of the body) and “Kigamae” (preparation of your mind) are important, in addition to not leaving your left lelf behind and attacking in one rhythm.

Happy Keiko…and see many of you in Tokyo next Saturday!