Video: Kendo Basics : Kendo Suburi (Practice Swings) - The Kendo Show by KendoStar - The Kendo Show. Not affiliated with MatRecap; their version may differ from this drill.
Technique recap
Suburi is solo swing practice for kendo. With a shinai or a light stick, it builds form, rhythm and concentration.
3 key details
- Your left hand drives the swing; the right guides.
- Step forward as the cut lands.
- Stop the cut at head height with control.
Your 10-minute home drill
- 1:00Grip and posture
- 3:00Large swings, slow
- 3:00Small swings with step
- 2:00Quick swings, count aloud
- 1:00Breathing and bow
Safety
Check overhead clearance and surroundings before swinging anything.
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.
