Hanshi - The path to 8th dan:Kato Koji Hanshi

Hanshi: The path to 8th dan Kato Koji Hanshi

"Even without making a single strike, if their atmosphere is appropriate I will pass them."

In the process of training to pass a high dan examination, I have heard the phrase "competitive kendo" used.
This term is used to describe a style of kendo that focuses on winning matches and uses a lot of defensive postures and strikes.
This style may be a part of kendo training, but in order to pass a high dan examination, this style may need to be changed.
"When I was watching the 8th dan examination, I noticed that some of the examiners were watching the opponent's movements before striking. It's too late for them to be watching their opponents before striking, they need to be ready to throw themselves away the moment their opponents start to strike." Kato said to me.
Kato also pointed out a shortcomings of the modern style of kendo, "In the old days, kendo was offensive, but today's kendo starts with defense, so even in the examination, the left hand is off the midline and strays from the real use of the sword."
He also pointed out the shortcomings of the modern kendo style, saying, "Kendo is not about defending or avoiding the opponent's strike, but about responding with techniques."
In order for the examinee to improve from "competitive kendo" to "correct kendo", he or she must always practice with an attack in mind, not defending, but responding to the opponent's strike.
Practicing with the awareness of responding to the opponent's strikes will bring you closer to passing a high dan examination.

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