Is this the best way to win Kendo?

Question

I was watching some Kendo tournaments and all that, and then I saw this thing that said from the point the strike is initiated, to the point they get hit is faster than someone can react. it was like .2 seconds or something like that. Then that would lead me to believe that the best tactic is to attack as soon as the match starts, because they won't be able to do anything about it anyway.

Answer 1

I see what you are saying and in many cases that works with many people except those that are really trained well at counter moves.

Some times if you make your opponent strike first they commit themselves and that leaves you options open if you are able to react fast enough as you said and with these people it is instinctive not even thought of.

So sure aggressive attacks will do what you said but not against a well trained one such as I described.

Answer 2

No, it isn't the best way.  At the top end, it never works because your opponent is already ready for your attack before they even go into the kneeling sonkyo position, which is before the shimpans call hajime to start the shiai.

Speed is important, and although it is only 0.2 seconds, human reaction speed can be faster than that if you train it.  Further more, just landing a hit doesn't provide you with a scoring point.  If you are super fast but your cuts are too light, there is no kiai or zanshin, no shimpan will raise the flag for you.

There is no 'best way' of winning in Kendo.  The only way is to train hard, have a wide range of waza available to you.  Hold a indomitable seme and be strong in all your cuts (not cut hard, but cut right) with solid zanshin.

Answer 3

The best way to win . . . lose a lot.  Learn from each and every loss.  Practice.  Hard.  A lot. Adapt, grow, improve constantly.  Never stop training.  Then you may win . . . Or you may continue to enjoy the journey rather than seeking it's end.

Answer 4

the best way to win is to simply avoid the fight altogether. lol

ok ok...we're talking sports here. seriously they're so fast because they use bamboo swords rather than steel swords.

it like any other art...is about fighting smarter than your opponent. not harder, or faster.

your opponent probably expects you to attack immediately, and he'll be waiting for it...that is a godsend to a japanese swordsman.

if you do attack, dont expect it to land, expect him to block it, circle the blade around, side step and attack the same place you just did...he cant block because he's already blocking in the wrong spot.

just an idea.

Answer 5

I've always wondered about that favorite Kendo technique in most tournaments involving a quick parry or beating of the opponent's guard followed by a direct overhead strike to the forehead with a shinai. Granted you do generate enough power to penetrate the skull bone when using a real katana, would it really disable your opponent or even instantly k1ll him? I'd think he'd have enough time to slice you at least once with his sword before feeling the effects of the strike. Besides, if your blade does cut into his skull, wouldn't it get stuck in the bone and delay your reaction to any desperate counter he may throw?