Nihon Kendo Kata

Nihon Kendo Kata

by Paul Budden Sumi-ryu: The essence of Sumi-ryu is Kata-geiko – as a training method is understanding the cause and effect of each movement. Differs from grading Kata. The following are key aspects in the study and practise of Kata: Riai  ‘Format’ – how it...
Seme in Kendo Kata

Seme in Kendo Kata

by Paul Budden Even in the formal, pre-arranged movements of Kendo no Kata, seme — the pressure of intent — is ever-present. Unlike in free practice (jigeiko), where seme is expressed dynamically through attack and reaction, in kata it manifests subtly...