Video: Ikkyodō Men Strike and Kote Strike - Kendo Guide for Beginners by Kendo Guide (Hiro). Not affiliated with MatRecap; their version may differ from this drill.
Technique recap
Kote-men is kendo's classic two-strike combination: cut the wrist, and as the opponent reacts, cut the head.
3 key details
- Make the kote cut small and sharp.
- Raise immediately for men without pausing.
- Keep the footwork continuous.
Your 10-minute home drill
- 2:00Kote cuts
- 2:00Men cuts
- 3:00Kote-men combinations
- 2:00Combinations at speed
- 1:00Wrist stretch
Safety
Check overhead clearance.
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.
