Start Attacking

1. Uchi-Seme: attack pressure created through uchi komu (repeated multiple thrusts and strikes) – Uchikomi keiko.

An example method, rensoku waza, multi-hit pursuit drill – attacker takes center with strong step in from tip to tip into their uchima performing shibori (to wring out the towel) as they enter in past issoku-itto no maai (if necessary). Receiver retreats from repeated continuous attacks to kote, kote-men, and men (it is also possible to do migi doh) depending on the skill level of the attacker. Doing suri ashi the receiver transitions to far side of the dojo blocking all but the last strike. Attacker and receiver both need to be aware of their spatial relationship and the impending wall. The attacker must not drive the receiver into the wall hurting your partner (this may seem obvious but experience has shown it is not). The attacker can see the distance to the far wall and must stop before the receiver reaches danger. Trust must be built between both parties so the drill functions with sincerity and seriousness.

This drill will build uchi-seme (especially in adult Kyu and juniors) and renzoku waza. The drill builds the correct mind-set to make more than one strike and builds the receivers skill through blocking based on kirikaeshi.

Keep Moving

2. Ashi-Seme: creating pressure and chance through the use of footwork and rhythm.

Put your breath in your left leg and feel the opponents breath through their shinai. The attacker can use a push-pull-strike by stepping in and doing shibori (to wrap your shinai around the opponents) creating center pressure then draw to to-ma just beyond tip to tip (beyond the aite uchi-ma) then when the partner tries to step in and fill the void (irimi) the attacker is already set and launches an attack of kote, men or doh. It may be necessary to repeat the footwork several times before the rhythm is right to create a chance.

Always be ready to receive an attack when you step back, never let your left heel touch down but load the push off leg ready to go into the attack. This means it could be the right leg if you setup an oji waza instead of shikake. You have to analyze the aite and perceive how they react to your footwork and rhythm.

Stay Focused

3. Kizeme-Seme: using your spirit, projecting through the tanden, and perceiving when the opponent’s ki drops and then striking.

In enzan-no metsuke – mentally attack, win, and then cut.  You see the aite both physically and mentally, so you perceive their intention. Do not let your mind get stopped by the movement of their shinai nor especially the kensen. Instead, view and watch the aite from nose to toes, because until their body moves they cannot cross the void to strike you. Observe how they move and when they move so you can forestall them at the start. If you perceive they settle then this is the chance, be mindful of their breathing and rhythm. Start the process by just stepping in and suppressing their shinai when they decide to attack. Once their mind has gone into attack mode they have to shift back to defense mode if you move first. This shift opens a window for much like a revolving door where you can wedge in and gain the initiative.

Start with people that are of slightly lower skill than yourself, usually about the 2-1 Kyu level or even higher depending on where you are in the food chain. As you build this skill you move higher up the food chain, and start striking rather than suppressing the opponent. Tsuki to the mune is also a method that can be employed.