Video: Kendo Techniques : Hikiwaza - The Kendo Show by KendoStar - The Kendo Show. Not affiliated with MatRecap; their version may differ from this drill.
Technique recap
Hiki-waza are strikes made while stepping backward out of tsubazeriai (close guard contact). Hiki-men, hiki-kote and hiki-do score as you create distance.
3 key details
- Unbalance the opponent with a small push first.
- Step back sharply with the left foot as you cut.
- Show zanshin as you retreat into kamae.
Your 10-minute home drill
- 2:00Tsubazeriai posture
- 3:00Hiki-men pattern
- 3:00Hiki-do and hiki-kote
- 2:00Shoulder stretch
Safety
Clear space behind you; look before stepping back.
Instructor disclaimer
Follow your instructor's version. Schools and styles teach this technique differently. This page is general education, not a substitute for qualified instruction.
