Shikake Waza

Genus

仕掛け技

Traditional

Translation: Initiating Techniques

Overview

Shikake 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]

Also known as

Initiative Technique^[1]Offensive WazaJP^[2]Attack Technique — Kendo^[3]

Used in

Kendo

History & Origin

Shikake waza concepts derive from classical kenjutsu principles of sen (initiative) and have been formalised within the AJKF's kendō pedagogy as one of two fundamental tactical categories alongside ōji-waza. ^[1] The systematic classification of attacking techniques was standardised in modern kendō textbooks and grading criteria. ^[2],[3]

Effectiveness

Shikake waza (offensive techniques) encompasses all attack-initiating actions in kendo: tobikomi-waza (direct attacks), harai-waza (sweeping the opponent's shinai), debana-waza (attacking at the moment of the opponent's initiation), and hiki-waza (retreating attacks from close range). ^[1] Mastery of shikake waza is considered the mark of an aggressive, initiative-seizing kendoka. ^[2]

Lineage

Shikake waza (initiative techniques) represent the attacking category of kendo techniques, where the practitioner creates the opening rather than waiting for it. ^[1]

Competition Record

Shikake waza are the primary offensive techniques in kendo competition, with men-uchi and kote-uchi being the most commonly scored. ^[1]

Images

No images yet for this technique.

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

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

Videos

Kendo Tips

Shikake waza made simple: the key to kendo and winning

Shikake Waza·Kendo Tips

#kendo #剣道 [he concept of Shikake Waza, emphasizing it as a mindset rather than just a technique. He discusses the impo…

Kendo Guide (Hiro)

Kendo Milestone Series: Understanding Shikake waza

Shikake Waza·Kendo Guide (Hiro)

Download a checklist to pass 1 dan, 2 dan and 3 dan at https://www.kendo-guide.com. And you can start the free course, "…

Kendo Tips

Shikake vs Oji Waza: Kendo tips to stop getting hit

Shikake Waza·Kendo Tips

#kendo #剣道 #samurai When doing Oji waza in kendo many people become reactive and this is why they often get hit. Here …

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3 videos

What Instructors Say

Shikake Waza represents the offensive initiative in kendo, defined not as a specific technique but as a mindset and foundational skill for striking first. All three instructors—Kendo Tips (two videos) and Kendo Guide (Hiro)—align on the core principle: shikake waza requires the practitioner to create and maintain pressure on the opponent, forcing a reactive response that the striker can exploit. Kendo Tips emphasizes that pressure derives from intent projected through movement, body positioning, and mindset, with success depending on understanding opponent reactions (flinching, retreating, rushing) and recognizing corresponding openings (shinai tip elevation for kote, center abandonment for men, stepping back for do, raised hands for tsuki). Timing and distance control are essential; practitioners should anticipate openings rather than wait passively. Kendo Guide reinforces the foundational concept of deciding strike timing based on opponent proximity and movement—particularly when the opponent enters striking distance—and introduces the transition from shikake waza to counter-techniques like degashira men. Both sources stress that shikake waza mastery requires deliberate practice during kihon and jigeiko, focusing on what occurs before the strike itself: footwork, posture control, and smooth transitions from approach to execution without hesitation. Kendo Tips additionally identifies tame (composure and controlled breathing) as an advanced element that refines pressure application at higher levels. The three instructors agree that solid shikake waza practice is prerequisite for learning oji waza (defensive counter-techniques), as it teaches practitioners to read and anticipate opponent behavior.

Synthesized from 3 instructors

Kendo Tips — Shikake waza made simple: the key to kendo and winning: Defines shikake waza as mindset and offensive initiative based on pressure, intent, and forcing opponent reactions; details methods for creating pressure through footwork and posture; identifies specific openings (men, kote, do, tsuki) and importance of anticipation; emphasizes pre-strike setup during kihon and jigeiko; introduces tame as advanced refinement.
Kendo Tips — Shikake vs Oji Waza: Kendo tips to stop getting hit: Establishes shikake waza as prerequisite for oji waza; emphasizes constant pressure maintenance after initial approach; describes degashira men drilling for learning timing and distance; explains how pressure allows anticipation of opponent reaction regardless of specific technique type; stresses engaging technique during opponent approach rather than waiting passively.
Kendo Guide (Hiro) — Kendo Milestone Series: Understanding Shikake waza: Provides drill-based instruction focused on distance and timing for shodan-sandan levels; demonstrates maintaining neutral kamae while opponent approaches; explains pre-decision of strike moment based on opponent crossing threshold distance; shows progression from stationary practice to moving opponent scenarios; clarifies shikake waza as foundation before learning devanawaza (variations like degashira men).

Learn This Technique

No instructional courses yet for this technique.

Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

Extreme9/10

Edged weapons cause fatal lacerations; historical battlefield mortality rates >30% (Amberger 1999)

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Advanced

Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

— datotsu-bu

FIK Kendo Competition RulesPDF

Training Notes

✓Shikake waza (attacking techniques) are offensive kendo techniques where the practitioner creates the opportunity through initiative, pressure, and tactical setups (All Japan Kendo Federation, Japanese-English Dictionary of Kendo, 2011)

✓Shikake waza includes: tobikomi (flying-in attack), harai waza (sweeping the opponent's sword aside then striking), debana waza (striking at the moment the opponent begins to move), and katsugi waza (shouldering the sword to change the angle)

✓The principle of seme (pressure) drives all shikake waza: before attacking, the practitioner must apply pressure that breaks the opponent's composure

✓Harai-men (sweep the sword aside, then strike men) is the most common shikake waza: it removes the obstacle (the opponent's sword) before attacking

✓Debana-men (catching the opponent as they begin to move) is the highest-level shikake waza: it requires reading the opponent's intention before they act

✓Shikake waza represents the 'sen' (initiative) in kendo: the practitioner who controls the initiative controls the fight

✓Training shikake waza: first learn the technical form, then develop the seme that makes the technique work, then apply in jigeiko

Common Mistakes

!Attacking without seme (pressure) — shikake waza fails without the preparatory pressure that breaks the opponent's guard

!Using only direct attacks without combinations — harai, nidan (two-step), and renzoku (continuous) attacks add deception

!Telegraphing the shikake technique — the attack must be sudden; preparation should be invisible

!Not reading the opponent before attacking — shikake waza must target real openings, not assumed ones

!Attacking at the wrong distance (ma-ai) — each technique has an optimal distance; attacking from too far or too close fails

!Over-committing to the attack without recovery plan — maintain balance and zanshin for the follow-up

!Training shikake waza only in kihon (basics) without jigeiko (sparring) application — the techniques must be tested live

Related Techniques

Guard Position — the ready stance from which this technique is initiated Parry — defensive blade/weapon action that counters this attack

Counter Techniques

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

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] All Japan Kendo Federation, Kendo Official Manual (AJKF) [2] Warner, G. & Draeger, D., Japanese Swordsmanship: Technique and Practice (Weatherhill, 1982)

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] All Japan Kendo Federation, Kendo Official Manual (AJKF) [2] Warner, G. & Draeger, D., Japanese Swordsmanship: Technique and Practice (Weatherhill, 1982)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shikake Waza really about?

Shikake Waza is not just a technique like Kote or Men; it's a mindset and foundation centered on taking the initiative. According to Kendo Tips, it means being the first to create pressure so your opponent reacts, giving you the upper hand.

How do I practice setting up my techniques in Shikake Waza?

Focus on what happens before the strike itself rather than just the technique. Simple actions like slightly closing the distance or fixing your posture can keep your opponent on edge and set the tone for your technique, especially during kihon practice.

What's the key to improving my timing and intuition in Shikake Waza?

Kendo Tips emphasizes getting in the habit of giving pressure and committing to attacks—feel when your opponent's guard is about to drop, then execute. Learn from mistakes by noting why your pressure didn't work or if the timing was wrong.

How should I position myself in kamae to execute Shikake Waza smoothly?

Find the sweet spot in your kamae where your attack feels instant yet relaxed, with your back leg engaged and shinai ready. Prioritize a smooth transition from kamae into your technique rather than being the fastest.

Why is understanding distance and timing important for Shikake Waza?

According to Kendo Guide (Hiro), knowing when to strike is essential, especially for higher ranks. You must understand both distance and timing—waiting until your opponent comes close enough so you can actually reach their target.

How does the Shikake Waza work?

Shikake 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). Shikake waza require the practitioner to seize the initiative (sen) through pressure, feints, or timing to create opportunities.

Where does the Shikake Waza come from?

Shikake waza concepts derive from classical kenjutsu principles of sen (initiative) and have been formalised within the AJKF's kendō pedagogy as one of two fundamental tactical categories alongside ōji-waza. The systematic classification of attacking techniques was standardised in modern kendō textbooks and grading criteria.

Is the Shikake Waza legal in competition?

FIK Kendo: legal — Legal, valid strike requires correct form (datotsu-bu), spirit (kiai), and fo…

How dangerous is the Shikake Waza?

Danger rating 9/10. Extreme — edged weapons cause fatal lacerations; historical battlefield mortality rates >30% (Amberger 1999)

How do I set up the Shikake Waza?

The standard setup chain: Ready Position → Distance Control → Execute Technique → Return to Guard.

How do I defend against the Shikake 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 Shikake 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 Shikake Waza in competition?

Shikake waza are the primary offensive techniques in kendo competition, with men-uchi and kote-uchi being the most commonly scored.

What are common mistakes when doing the Shikake Waza?

Top errors to watch for: Attacking without seme (pressure) — shikake waza fails without the preparatory pressure that breaks the opponent's guard / Using only direct attacks without combinations — harai, nidan (two-step), and renzoku (continuous) attacks add deception / Telegraphing the shikake technique — the attack must be sudden; preparation should be invisible / Not reading the opponent before attacking — shikake waza must target real openings, not assumed ones.

What are other names for the Shikake Waza?

The Shikake Waza is also known as Initiative Technique, Offensive Waza, Attack Technique — Kendo.

shikake waza weapon sword long blade japanese sword kenjutsu kendo kendo waza kendo initiative technique offensive waza attack technique kendo