Video: Kirikaeshi Part 1: The Set Up and First Strike | Kendo Lesson by KendoStar - The Kendo Show. Not affiliated with MatRecap; their version may differ from this drill.
Technique recap
Kirikaeshi combines a center men strike with continuous left-right sayu-men while moving forward and back. It's kendo's fundamental conditioning and cutting drill.
3 key details
- Make big, correct cuts even when tired.
- Keep the left hand on the centerline.
- Use a strong, sustained kiai.
Your 10-minute home drill
- 2:00Sayu-men warm-up
- 3:00Kirikaeshi forward
- 3:00Kirikaeshi forward and back
- 2:00Breathing recovery
Safety
Pace yourself; stop if lightheaded from long kiai.
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.
