Kirikaeshi
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Kirikaeshi (切り返し:きりかえし), literally meaning "counter-cutting," is a kendo exercise, combining the practice of attacking and receiving strikes and is meant to develop physical strength, spirit, and vigor. It is a drill done with a partner that involves a succession of strikes to the head (men, in Japanese). Kirikaeshi was established as a basic exercise toward the end of the Meiji era (1868-1912).[citation needed] The exercise typically begins with a strike to the center of the head, followed by a series of alternating strikes to the left and right sides of the head (yokomen). Though the exact method of kirikaeshi can vary among dojo, the most common scheme involves a single strike to the center of the head, followed by four lateral strikes going forward (starting on the receiver's left side), and five strokes going backward. Kirikaeshi practice is the staple of kendo training. It teaches a number of important principles including proper distance and timing, accuracy, rhythm, and smoothness.
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[edit] Overview
When kirikaeshi is executed properly, the two players involved will benefit from the practice of precision attacking and the quick reaction/perception in receiving such an attack. The one who receives the kirikaeshi leads the attacker thus controlling the pace and maai (fighting distance) of the training. The receiver may allow hits to the head but when receiving with the shinai, must also demonstrate tenouchi (tightening the grip at the moment of impact). The attacker must make strong, precise and timed strikes while retaining relaxed shoulders and steady breathing. This will result in increased stamina.
For both the attacker and receiver, posture must be kept proper and footwork and movement should be smooth for this practice to facilitate the weeding out of bad habits. If kirikaeshi is practiced regularly, the application will benefit the practitioner from the improvement of basic skills to the perfect execution in combat.
[edit] Kirikaeshi Method
After taiatari (body check, only if both kendōka are wearing armour), swing the shinai up in a large movement, and beginning with left men, strike alternate left and right men 9 times (4 forward and 5 back). Then move quickly from tōma to issoku-ito-no-ma (one-step striking distance), and boldly strike immediately. This process should then be repeated.
- Strike left and right men correctly, while shouting “men, men, men” in a loud voice.
- Raise your shinai high over your head each time in a large and fully extended movement.
- If you try to perform this too quickly, you will fail to execute a correct strike.
- After the strike, your right kobushi should not diverge from a centred straight line.
[edit] Receiving Kirikaeshi
Beginners should allow themselves to be struck on the left and right men as shown above. It is important to think of kirikaeshi as being the striking of left and right men, not as the striking of your partner’s shinai.
When receiving Kirikaeshi with the shinai, you should hold the shinai in a hasso gamae stance, alternating between left and right, and use tenouchi to shield against you partner’s shinai.
- Beginners should receive in such a way that kirikaeshi can be carried out without obstruction (do not receive with the shinai).
- Ayumi-ashi (or crossing footwork) is the appropriate ashi-sabaki.
[edit] Variations
There are several variations on the standard kirikaeshi.
[edit] Dō Kirikaeshi
Though this variation starts exactly the same, the nanami uchi is replaced with alternating dō cuts, beginning with reverse (or gyaku) dō. The receiver maintains a jōdan-gamae while receiving the dō cuts. This is known as a more difficult variation for having a small margin of error.
[edit] Alternating Kirikaeshi
This variation alternates between nanami uchi to the men and to the dō every two cuts.
[edit] Double Kirikaeshi
This variation has both attacker and receiver performing the nanami uchi. Much like blocking the attacker's shinai in the standard kirikaeshi, the receiver's nanami uchi will hit the attacker's nanami uchi causing them to bounce off each other, making way for the next cut. The same as the standard kirikaeshi, the target is the yokomen for both sides. Footwork is optional.
