Kendo Kihon Waza Keiko Ho (Kendo Kata 1-9)
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Kendo Waza·Dejan Stjepic
I have edited this video to help you practice the Kendo Kihon Waza Keiko Ho. . Contents: 0:00 ... 0:29 Ipponme (Kata 1) …
Kendo Waza
SubFamily剣道技
TraditionalTranslation: Kendo Techniques
Overview
The Kendō Waza subfamily covers the competitive techniques of kendō — the four valid target strikes (men, kote, dō, tsuki), the footwork that delivers them, and the tactical categories of shikake-waza (initiating techniques) and ōji-waza (counter techniques). [1] Each strike must satisfy the criteria of ki-ken-tai-ichi — the simultaneous expression of fighting spirit (kiai), correct blade contact (datotsu-bu), and body commitment (fumikomi) — to be awarded ippon by the referees. [1],[2] Kendō waza are trained through kihon drills, kata with bokutō, and applied in ji-geiko (free sparring), developing both technical skill and mental discipline. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The kendō waza system was standardised in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as bōgu design was refined to safely receive strikes to the head, wrist, torso, and throat. [1] The Dai Nippon Butoku Kai and later the All Japan Kendo Federation codified the criteria for valid ippon, creating the modern competitive framework. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Lineage
Kendo waza descended from kenjutsu (Japanese sword art) and were systematised when kendo was formalised as a modern budō discipline in the early 20th century by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai. [1]
Competition Record
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Cutting, thrusting, or striking with a bladed weapon — edge alignment and trajectory determine cutting effectiveness
Joints Involved — Wrists (edge alignment and rotation), elbows (extension for thrusts, chambering for cuts), shoulders (arc of the cut), hips (power generation)
Force Vector — Varies — downward diagonal cut (kesa-giri), horizontal cut (yoko-giri), thrust (tsuki), or rising cut (kiri-age)
Weapon Mechanic — Edge alignment (hasuji) is critical — the blade must travel along its cutting plane for effective cuts
Position & Entry
From ready stance (chudan-no-kamae or equivalent) — Assume guard position, establish distance (ma-ai), execute the cut or thrust when an opening appears
From engagement distance — Use footwork to close to striking range, execute the technique with proper edge alignment (hasuji)
As counter — Wait for the opponent's attack, deflect or avoid, and counter-cut to the exposed target
Videos
DO KENDO | ArigaToKendo | Episode X: Suriage Waza
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Kendo Waza·Taro Ariga
DO KENDO | ArigaToKendo | Episode X: Suriage Waza Explained (Kote Suriage Men, Men Suriage Men, Kote Suriage Kote) In t…
2 videos
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
9
Extreme9/10
Edged weapons cause fatal lacerations; historical battlefield mortality rates >30% (Amberger 1999)
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— datotsu-bu
FIK Kendo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Kendo waza (techniques) are organized into two categories: shikake waza (attacking techniques) and oji waza (counter techniques) — together they form the complete technical system of modern kendo (All Japan Kendo Federation, Japanese-English Dictionary of Kendo, 2011)
✓Shikake waza creates the opening: the practitioner takes the initiative to attack through feints, combinations, and direct attacks
✓Oji waza exploits the opening: the practitioner responds to the opponent's attack with a counter-technique that uses their commitment against them
✓The relationship between shikake and oji waza is the core of kendo strategy: knowing when to attack (shikake) and when to counter (oji) defines tactical maturity
✓Kendo waza training follows a progression: basic cuts → combinations → applied techniques → free sparring (jigeiko)
✓The concept of 'debana' (emerging technique) bridges shikake and oji: it catches the opponent at the moment they begin to move, exploiting the transition
✓Waza training in kendo uses kata (forms), kihon (basic) drills, and jigeiko (free practice) to develop complete technical ability
Common Mistakes
!Training only shikake (attacking) without oji (counter) techniques — both categories are essential for complete kendo
!Using waza without proper fundamentals — techniques must be built on correct cutting, footwork, and posture
!Applying waza mechanically without reading the opponent — techniques must be adapted to the specific situation
!Over-relying on one favourite technique — develop a repertoire of both shikake and oji waza
!Not training waza in jigeiko (free sparring) — techniques must be tested against live resistance
!Ignoring the mental component of waza — reading the opponent (metsuke) and timing (ma) are inseparable from physical technique
!Not understanding the tactical relationship between shikake and oji — they are complementary, not competing approaches
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Ready Position — assume the guard stance appropriate for the weapon
2Distance Control — manage spacing relative to the opponent
3Execute Technique — perform the offensive or defensive action with correct form
4Return to Guard — recover to a defensive ready position
Sources & References
Primary Source
The Book of Five Rings (Miyamoto Musashi, 1645)
1BookThe Book of Five Rings (Musashi, 1645)
Alias sources — [1] Japanese Swordsmanship (Warner & Draeger, 1982) [2] Japanese Swordsmanship (Warner & Draeger, 1982) [3] Japanese Swordsmanship (Warner & Draeger, 1982)
2BookThe Art of Fencing (Barbasetti, 1932)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Classical Budo (Draeger, 1973) [2] All Japan Kendo Federation guidelines
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
4CitationThe Book of Five Rings (Musashi, 1645)
Alias sources — [1] Japanese Swordsmanship (Warner & Draeger, 1982) [2] Japanese Swordsmanship (Warner & Draeger, 1982) [3] Japanese Swordsmanship (Warner & Draeger, 1982)
5CitationThe Art of Fencing (Barbasetti, 1932)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Classical Budo (Draeger, 1973) [2] All Japan Kendo Federation guidelines
Community
Athletics
Requires
wrist control for edge alignment, grip endurance, footwork precision
Favours
quick wrists, strong forearms, good posture
Key muscles
forearm extensors/flexors, deltoids, core, calves
Sub-techniques
Oji Waza
GenusŌji Waza (counter techniques) are defensive-offensive tactics in kendō where the defender responds to the opponent's attack with a parry, block, or evasion followed by an immediate counter-strike, including nuki-waza (avoiding and striking), suriage-waza (sliding parry and striking), and kaeshi-waza (block-and-return strike). [1] Ōji waza embody the principle of go-no-sen (seizing the initiative after the opponent moves), requiring superior timing, reading ability, and calm under pressure. [1,2] High-level kendō practitioners often favour ōji-waza because a successful counter demonstrates mastery of distance, timing, and composure. [2,3]
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Shikake Waza
GenusShikake Waza (initiating techniques) are the offensive tactics in kendō where the attacker creates an opening in the opponent's guard and strikes first, including debana-waza (striking as the opponent begins to move), harai-waza (sweeping the opponent's shinai aside and striking), and renzoku-waza (continuous combination attacks). [1] Shikake waza require the practitioner to seize the initiative (sen) through pressure, feints, or timing to create opportunities. [1,2] Mastering shikake waza is essential for kendō competitors because proactive attack with correct form and spirit is the primary path to scoring ippon. [2,3]
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basic footwork pattern for executing suriage waza?
Suriage waza involves blocking in front of you, then immediately striking in quick succession—often described as 'Pam-Pam' timing to ensure you can strike right away after the block.
Can suriage waza be performed from different angles?
Yes, suriage can be executed from the omotei (left) side as well as the standard position, giving you multiple angles of attack.
How does the Kendo Waza work?
The Kendō Waza subfamily covers the competitive techniques of kendō — the four valid target strikes (men, kote, dō, tsuki), the footwork that delivers them, and the tactical categories of shikake-waza (initiating techniques) and ōji-waza (counter techniques). Each strike must satisfy the criteria of ki-ken-tai-ichi — the simultaneous expression of fighting spirit (kiai), correct blade contact (datotsu-bu), and body commitment (fumikomi) — to be awarded ippon by the referees.
Where does the Kendo Waza come from?
The kendō waza system was standardised in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as bōgu design was refined to safely receive strikes to the head, wrist, torso, and throat. The Dai Nippon Butoku Kai and later the All Japan Kendo Federation codified the criteria for valid ippon, creating the modern competitive framework.
Is the Kendo Waza legal in competition?
FIK Kendo: legal — Legal, valid strike requires correct form (datotsu-bu), spirit (kiai), and fo…
How dangerous is the Kendo Waza?
Danger rating 9/10. Extreme — edged weapons cause fatal lacerations; historical battlefield mortality rates >30% (Amberger 1999)
How do I set up the Kendo Waza?
The standard setup chain: Ready Position → Distance Control → Execute Technique → Return to Guard.
How do I defend against the Kendo Waza?
Standard counters include: Guard Position — return to a defensive ready stance / Distance Management — control the measure to avoid being in range / Counter-Attack — strike during the opponent's recovery or between movements.
What are the variants of the Kendo Waza?
Common variants: Standard cut (primary cutting angle from the ready stance); Thrust (tsuki) (straight thrust targeting the throat, chest, or face); Rising cut (kiri-age) (upward diagonal cut from low to high); Diagonal cut (kesa-giri) (downward diagonal cut following the kimono line).
How effective is the Kendo Waza in competition?
Kendo competition is governed by the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) and the International Kendo Federation (FIK). The World Kendo Championships have been held triennially since 1970, with Japan dominating the individual and team events.
What are common mistakes when doing the Kendo Waza?
Top errors to watch for: Training only shikake (attacking) without oji (counter) techniques — both categories are essential for complete kendo / Using waza without proper fundamentals — techniques must be built on correct cutting, footwork, and posture / Applying waza mechanically without reading the opponent — techniques must be adapted to the specific situation / Over-relying on one favourite technique — develop a repertoire of both shikake and oji waza.
What are other names for the Kendo Waza?
The Kendo Waza is also known as Kendo Technique, Sword Technique, Waza.