Principals within Technique

It is not to say Principle is more important than technique, but rather, the principle is the basis of all techniques. One cannot fully understand the proper method of executing a technique without understanding their principles, yet one does not have a proper outlet of executing their principles without the learning of techniques to apply them to.

This must be looked into during Kendo. For example, the most common feature of a waza (Technique) is the study of "center". There are many meanings to "Center" and is applied in most if not all Kendo waza. The purpose of "Harai Waza" is to remove the opponents center as we attack, thus creating an opening. In this scenario, we believe that by removing one's "center", or in a deeper meaning, "balance", the opponent is open to a precise, calm and "centered" attack.

This may not be the only example of center. There are more meanings to center and throughout your journey in Kendo you'll understand more and more interpretations of it.

In the end, it is probably more advantageous to learn the principles of each technique, and draw your conclusion to the similarities between them and in the end find out for yourself the true principles that can be found not just in Kendo, but other martial arts as well!



-Yazin