Kirikaeshi (切り返し) is a kendo exercise, combining the practice of attacking and receiving strikes and is meant to develop physical strength, spirit, and vigor. It is a drill done with a partner that involves a succession of strikes to the head (men, in Japanese). Kirikaeshi was established as a basic exercise around the end of the Meiji era (1868-1912). The exercise typically begins with a strike to the center of the head, followed by a series of alternating strikes to the left and right sides of the head (yokomen). Though the exact method of kirikaeshi can vary among dojo, the most common scheme involves a single strike to the center of the head, followed by four lateral strikes going forward (starting on the receiver's left side), and five strokes going backward. Kirikaeshi practice is the staple of kendo training. It teaches a number of important principles including proper distance and timing, accuracy, rhythm, and smoothness. Kendo Kendo (剣道 Kendō) , which is the modern martial art of Japanese fencing, developed from traditional techniques of Japanese swordsmanship known as kenjutsu. ... History of Japan Paleolithic Jomon Yayoi Yamato period ---Kofun period ---Asuka period Nara period Heian period Kamakura period Muromachi period Azuchi-Momoyama period ---Nanban period Edo period Meiji period Taisho period Showa period ---Japanese expansionism ---Occupied Japan ---Post-Occupation Japan Heisei The Meiji period (Japanese: Meiji Jidai 明治時代 ) (1868–1912... A dojo is a term used in Japanese martial arts that refers to a formal training hall. ... Kendo Kendo (剣道 Kendō) , which is the modern martial art of Japanese fencing, developed from traditional techniques of Japanese swordsmanship known as kenjutsu. ...

When kirikaeshi is executed properly, the two players involved will benefit from the practice of precision attacking and the quick reaction/perception in receiving such an attack. The one who receives the kirikaeshi leads the attacker thus controlling the pace and maai (fighting distance) of the training. The receiver may allow hits to the head but must also demonstrate tenouchi (balance strength) while gripping the shinai. The attacker must make strong, precise and timed strikes while retaining relaxed shoulders and steady breathing. This will result in increased stamina. A shinai (Japanese: 竹刀) is a practice sword used primarilly in Kendo or Kumdo (Korean Kendo). ...

For both the attacker and receiver, posture must be kept proper and footwork and movement should be smooth for this practice to facilitate the weeding out of bad habits. If kirikaeshi is practiced regularly, the application will benefit the practitioner from the improvement of basic skills to the perfect execution in combat.

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Kirikaeshi Method

After taiatari (body check, only if both Kendoka are wearing armour), swing the shinai up in a large movement, and beginning with left men, strike alternate left and right men 9 times (4 forward and 5 back). Then move quickly from tōma to chūdan, and boldly strike immediately. This process should then be repeated. Taiatari, in Kendo, literally means to hit (ataru) with body (tai). ... A shinai (Japanese: 竹刀) is a practice sword used primarilly in Kendo or Kumdo (Korean Kendo). ... To-ma - long distance;MA-AI: It means the distance / time that separates two things. ...

· Strike left and right men correctly, while shouting “men, men, men” in a loud voice.

· Raise your shinai high over your head each time in a large and fully extended movement. A shinai (Japanese: 竹刀) is a practice sword used primarilly in Kendo or Kumdo (Korean Kendo). ...

· If you try to perform this too quickly, you will fail to execute a correct strike.

· After the strike, your right kobushi should not diverge from a centred straight line.

Receiving Kirikaeshi

Beginners should allow themselves to be struck on the left and right men as shown above. It is important to think of Kirikaeshi as being the striking of left and right men, not as the striking of your partner’s shinai. A shinai (Japanese: 竹刀) is a practice sword used primarilly in Kendo or Kumdo (Korean Kendo). ...

When receiving Kirikaeshi with the shinai, you should hold the shinai vertically in front of your left and men alternately, and use tenouchi to shield against you partner’s shinai. A shinai (Japanese: 竹刀) is a practice sword used primarilly in Kendo or Kumdo (Korean Kendo). ... A shinai (Japanese: 竹刀) is a practice sword used primarilly in Kendo or Kumdo (Korean Kendo). ... A shinai (Japanese: 竹刀) is a practice sword used primarilly in Kendo or Kumdo (Korean Kendo). ...

· Beginners should receive in such a way that Kirikaeshi can be carried out without obstruction (do not receive with the shinai). A shinai (Japanese: 竹刀) is a practice sword used primarilly in Kendo or Kumdo (Korean Kendo). ...

· Ayumi-ashi is the appropriate ashi-sabaki (footwork).

· Kirikaeshi always led by the player receiving the strikes.