Kendo Essay
Horii Tatsuya
1 Dan
Torrance Kendo Dojo
Ki Ken Tai Icchi
In the art of kendo, ki ken tai icchi is a very important concept. This Japanese terminology, 気剣体一, describes the conditions when all essential elements are unified to carry out a perfect swing to score a point in shiai. The resulting strike, called the yuko datotsu (有効打突), should be what all kenshi should strive for.
There are many representations and meanings to each kanji in the term ki ken tai icchi.
Ki, 気, represents spirit and the mind of Kendoka. A kenshi should have mental assertiveness and focus to each point they strike. This can be achieved through kiai and zanshin.
Ken, 剣, means the sword in Japanese and represents the shinai and bokuto we use today. With the ken, one must dedicate himself to understanding his/her weapon and to be able to properly strike an opponent.
Tai, 体, means the body, which one must execute his strike with proper form. Zanshin, posture, and ashi sabaki must all be incorporated by the person.
Icchi, 一, means the synchronization of all the elements listed above. A kenshi must execute all of the aspects, spirit, sword, and body, in order for his/her strike to be
considered yuko datotsu. Without even one of these important elements, a strike can not be considered valid.
1 Dan
Torrance Kendo Dojo
Ki Ken Tai Icchi
In the art of kendo, ki ken tai icchi is a very important concept. This Japanese terminology, 気剣体一, describes the conditions when all essential elements are unified to carry out a perfect swing to score a point in shiai. The resulting strike, called the yuko datotsu (有効打突), should be what all kenshi should strive for.
There are many representations and meanings to each kanji in the term ki ken tai icchi.
Ki, 気, represents spirit and the mind of Kendoka. A kenshi should have mental assertiveness and focus to each point they strike. This can be achieved through kiai and zanshin.
Ken, 剣, means the sword in Japanese and represents the shinai and bokuto we use today. With the ken, one must dedicate himself to understanding his/her weapon and to be able to properly strike an opponent.
Tai, 体, means the body, which one must execute his strike with proper form. Zanshin, posture, and ashi sabaki must all be incorporated by the person.
Icchi, 一, means the synchronization of all the elements listed above. A kenshi must execute all of the aspects, spirit, sword, and body, in order for his/her strike to be
considered yuko datotsu. Without even one of these important elements, a strike can not be considered valid.