More words of wisdom on kote (小手の諺)

After many encouraging comments on a previous article published on kote, I have gained the confidence to revisit the topic and look a little more closely on some of the fundamentals of kote, from a less cryptic, hazy perspective.  I have gone through several translations I made a couple of years ago and I offer the following words of wisdom from several of Japan’s top sensei.  I hope these little nuggets of gold can help you, as they have begun to help me (I wish I would have reviewed them before the gaijin bash in Tokyo last month!).  Happy keiko. 

 Hojo Masaomi 6 Dan, Renshi　(北條将臣　錬士六段)

1)  In order to create the chance to make a effective kote strike, try to craft a situation that allows the opponent to wants to attack, instead of you just waiting for the chance to attack.  This is to say create an opening for your opponent to want to attack.  In order to do so, try to attack your opponent’s right foot first, not directly trying to attack by kote, because if you do so, your opponent will do their best to defend kote.

2)  When using the above technique, be sure to observe how your opponent reacts because this will help you understand their habits and patterns. 

3) When attacking, step towards your opponent’s right foot and cut from the top with the sword.  You want to have the feeling of showing your right thumb to your opponent.  In this way, your body will not lose the strength.

4) When stepping forward, have the image of stepping step down the opponent’s left foot.

 Teraji Kenjiro 7 Dan, Kiyoshi　(寺地賢二郎　七段教士)

1)  When attacking, try to attack three places at the same time such as Men, Kote, and Tsuki.

2) Try to target (pressure, attack) your opponent’s navel because this will lead to an imbalance the opponent’s posture and creating an opening to attack.

3)  To cut straight down.

4)  To attack sharply, with a one-time rhythm.

Iwasa Hidenori 7 Dan, Kiyoshi(岩佐英範　七段教士)

1)  Try to feel your body going through your opponent’s body when you attack.  You want to thrust (move through) your body through your opponent.

2) Kote uchi should be a small movement.  At first, you should have big, full swings, then, gradually make smaller and smaller swings.

Arima Mitsuo 8 Dan, Hanshi  (有馬光男　八段範士)

1)    Use your shoulders softly.

2)    Convey your thoughts to the opponent with a sharp, piercing look.

3)    Step towards the opponent’s right foot front.

4)    Cut with your hand up. 

Kosaka Tatsuaki 8 Dan, Hanshi  (小阪達明　八段教士)

1)  Grip the shinai between the thumb and the pointer finger.  Do not to put too much power or tension in the left hand.

2)  Use shinogi and put it on the opponent’s hand.

3)  Make the intention of pushing towards your opponent’s throat.  You can take the center position, inviting your opponent to attack or to defend.  It is here when you can find the opportunity to attack Kote.

4)  Kote is a small technique, but you want to have the feeling of getting to your opponent’s center through their hands.