Waza

Waza are the different techniques performed in Kendo. Techniques can divided into *shikake-waza* (to initiate a strike) and *ōji-waza* (a response to an attempted strike).[22]  *Kendōka* who wish to use such techniques during practice or competitions, often practice each technique with a *motodachi*. This is a process that requires patience. First practice slowly and then as familiarity and confidence builds, the *kendoka* and *motodachi* increase the speed to match and competition level.

## Shikake-waza

These attack techniques are used to create *suki* in an opponent by initiating an attack, or strike boldly when your opponent has created a *suki*. Such techniques include:

### *Tobikomi-waza*

This is a technique used when one's opponent has weak *kisei* (spirit, vigour) or when they yield a *suki* under pressure. Always hold *kisei* and strike quickly.

### *Hikibana-waza*

Body and *shinai* will lose balance as you strike or when being attacked. This technique takes advantage of this to help execute a strike. A good example is *Hikibana-kote*, when a strike is made to an opponent's *kote* as they feel threatened and raise their *kensen* as you push forward.

### *Katsugi-waza*

This provides a surprise attack, by lifting the *shinai* over your shoulder before striking. Here a skillful use of the *kensen* and spirited attack is crucial for effective *katsugi waza* or luring your opponent into breaking his/her posture.

### *Nidan-waza*

There are two types. The first is for moving to the next *waza* after a failed first strike, and the second holds your opponent's attention and posture to create the *suki* for a second strike. The former requires a continuous rhythm of correct strikes. The latter requires continuous execution of *waza*, to take advantage of your opponent's *suki*.

### *Harai-waza*

This can be used if one's opponent's *kamae* has no *suki* when your opponent tries to attack. Your opponent's *shinai* is either knocked down from above or swept up from below with a resulting strike just when his/her *kamae* is broken.

### *Debana-waza*

This technique involves striking your opponent as you realize s/he is about to strike. This is because their concentration will be on striking and their posture will have no flexibility to respond. Thus *debana waza* is ideal. This can be to any part of your opponent's body, with valid strikes being: *debana men*, *debana kote*, and *debana tsuki*.

## Oji-waza

These counter-attack techniques are performed by executing a strike after responding or avoiding an attempted strike by your opponent. This can also be achieved by inducing the opponent to attack, then employing one of the *oji waza*.

### *Nuki-waza*

Avoiding an attack from another, then instantly responding. Here, timing has to be correct. A response that is too slow or fast may not be effective. Therefore, close attention to an opponent's every move is required.

### *Suriage-waza*

If struck by an opponent's *shinai*, this technique sweeps up their *shinai* in a rising-slide motion, with the right (*ura*) or left (*omote*) side of the *shinai*. Then strike in the direction of their *shinai*, or at the *suki* resulting from their composure's collapse. This technique needs to be smooth. That is, don't separate the rising-slide motion and the upward-sweeping motion or it will not be successful. Valid strikes include: *men-suriage-men*, *kote-suriage-men*, *men-suriage-do*, *kote-suriage-kote*, and *tsuki-suriage-men*.

### *Uchiotoshi-waza*

This *waza* knocks an opponent's *shinai* to the right or left. This neutralizes a potential strike and gives the ideal chance to strike as an opponent is off-balance. For success, an opponent's *maai* has to be correctly perceived and then one knocks down their *shinai* before their arm fully extends. Valid examples are: *do-uchiotoshi-men* and *tsuki-uchiotoshi-men*.

### *Kaeshi-waza*

This technique is a response. As an opponent strikes, you parry their *shinai* with yours. Then flip over (turn over your hands) and strike their opposite side. Valid strikes include: *men-kaeshi-men*, *men-kaeshi-kote*, *men-kaeshi-do*, *kote-kaeshi-men*, *kote-kaeshi-kote*, and *do-kaeshi-men*.

### *Debana-waza*

***Debana-waza*** (n.) Counter-attack techniques delivered at the moment of *debana*. i.e. *debana men, debana kote, debana tsuki.*

## References

1. ↑ Japanese-English Kendo Dictionary, KENDO America