Introduction: Shikake and Oji Waza Foundation
Kendo fundamentally divides into two categories: Shikake Waza (initiating attacks) and Oji Waza (responding to attacks). This guide addresses why mastering Shikake Waza is essential for developing effective Oji Waza, and provides practical methods to transition between these complementary techniques.
Why Shikake Waza Precedes Oji Waza
Shikake Waza should be established before advancing to Oji Waza, not because it is simpler, but because it teaches the foundational elements necessary for anticipating opponent reactions. Through Shikake practice, practitioners learn to recognize openings, execute strikes at the correct moment, and develop the timing required for successful Oji Waza.
Maintaining Forward Pressure During Approach
During Shikake practice, practitioners must avoid committing to techniques blindly or waiting passively for the opponent to open. Instead, maintain continuous forward pressure after the initial step, engaging the back leg and keeping the body in motion. This controlled advancement teaches practitioners to keep intention forward without rushing into premature techniques.
Skill One: Constant Opponent Pressure
The foundation of great Oji Waza is maintaining consistent pressure on the opponent while remaining observant of their reactions. Practitioners should keep forward intention and strike only when the opening presents itself—not before or after. This pressure allows practitioners to read the opponent's shinai contact and anticipate their movements rather than reacting to them.
Degashira Men Drill: Progressive Training Stages
The first stage involves attacking as the opponent approaches from an engaged kamae, focusing on anticipating their movement decision rather than their actual motion. Progression includes stepping toward the opponent while they advance, requiring the practitioner to time the attack with incoming movement. The final stage introduces the opponent executing their own technique during the approach, requiring realistic speed, distance adjustment, and proper target alignment.
Distance and Timing Refinement Against Active Opponents
When facing an opponent executing their own technique, practitioners must adjust their stepping distance significantly shorter than standard approach distances. As opponent speed increases, step length decreases further, requiring practitioners to understand proper shinai contact point and target placement. Partners should vary timing and distance to challenge the practitioner's ability to execute proper technique under realistic conditions while maintaining controlled forward pressure.
Shikake vs Oji Waza: Kendo tips to stop getting hit
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction: Shikake and Oji Waza Foundation
- •Why Shikake Waza Precedes Oji Waza
- •Maintaining Forward Pressure During Approach
- •Skill One: Constant Opponent Pressure
#kendo #剣道 #samurai When doing Oji waza in kendo many people become reactive and this is why they often get hit. Here you will learn to use shikake waza (attacking) to stop getting hit when countering and improve your timing in Kendo. I go over some Basic and advance Kendo concepts within Debana Men (shikake Waza) to help you understand and Improve your Oji Waza. Increase your chances of performing a successful counter attack in Kendo Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7PQA301fEMmOuBUjjGYZw/join =================================================================== Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/zB4YuHcfam If you want to support this channel: https://merch.streamelements.com/kendotips https://streamelements.com/kendotips/tip =================================================================== This is my favorite kendo book: https://amzn.to/3aVk54R Now you can get shinai with Amazon Price: https://amzn.to/3jr9wZM =================================================================== Kendo Basics Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGpbTT0SLh2rH2U4kV3To1y9W6ZEVCz9W =================================================================== About the music: Dance With Me by Ehrling @ehrling Music provided by Free Music for Vlogs youtu.be/pLKxkhtyqN8 =========================================================== stream beats from Harris Heller
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about shikake waza?
This video covers introduction: shikake and oji waza foundation, why shikake waza precedes oji waza, maintaining forward pressure during approach. It provides detailed instruction from Kendo Tips.
How long does it take to learn shikake waza?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 6-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing shikake waza?
The first stage involves attacking as the opponent approaches from an engaged kamae, focusing on anticipating their movement decision rather than their actual motion. Progression includes stepping toward the opponent while they advance, requiring the practitioner to time the attack with incoming movement. The final stage introduces the opponent executing their own technique during the approach, requiring realistic speed, distance adjustment, and proper target alignment.
