'Ma-ai' refers to the interval or distance between you and your opponent. Ma-ai is one of the most important concepts in Kendo, yetmany kendoists do not spend an adequate amount of time practicing ma-ai. If your ma-ai is incorrect, your Imetsuke' and resultantaction will have been wasted. A cut too shallow or too deep isineffective and null. Not only do you have to accurately observeyour opponent (metsuke), you have to accurately judge the distancebetween you (ma-ai) in order to execute an effective cut.

Issoku-itto-no-ma-ai

'Issoku-itto-no-ma-ai' has been des-cribed as the "one step-one cut"distance. At this interval your shinai and that of your opponent cross at a point approximately 4 inches from the tips. From this distance, you are able to strike your opponent by taking one step forward. This distance also allows you to evade your opponent's strike by taking one step to the rear. This distance is also called luchi- mal or the strike interval. At this distance either kendoist can strike. The moment to attack or evade is something that cannot be taught. The kendoist must learn this him- self through trial and error.

Toii-ma-ai

Toii-ma-ai', or 'to-ma' refers to the distant interval or a distance greater than that of 'issoku-itto- no-ma-ai'. At this interval the shinai do not cross. Normally, neither opponent can administer or receive a strike in this interval. However, tall kendoists with a long reach can strike from this distance.! You should not relax your focus or concentration or lull yourself into thinking that 'to-ma' is a "safe-zone".

To strike from this distance, you must first move into 'issoku-itto-ma-ai'. This is also true for your opponent. When your opponent moves forward, you have an opportunity to strike, using Idebana-wazal (striking the opponent just as he begins his strike or attack).

Beginners should practice striking from 'to-ma'. This encourages the use of correct footwork, cultivates an ability to become less self-conscious, and developes the leg muscles required for a strong "kick".

Chikai-ma-ai

'Chikai-ma-ail , or Ichika-ma' refers to the close interval or a distance closer than lissoku-itto-no-ma-ail. At this interval the sh'inai cross deeply. I call this distance the "danger-zone" or "kill-zone". At this distance either opponent can strike with very little effort or warning. From this distance it is a matter of "whoever strikes first or strikes faster". Avoid Ichika-mal at all costs, espe-cially if it is your opponent who is trying to close distance. There are 'waza" (techniques) and strategies that can be used from this distance, but it is best to master the "basics" first.

Tsuba-zeri-ai

'Tsuba-zeri-ail , or Itsuba-zeril refers to an extremely close interval in which the shinai are "tangled". At this interval the shinai are crossed at a very sharp angle with the 'tsuba' (guards) locked together.

'Tsuba-zeri' is not a "resting" posture or position. Some kendoists think that when in this interval, their opponent cannot mount an attack. They are lulled into feeling that they are "safe" and can use tsuba-zeri to "catch their breath".

Other kendoists think that tsuba-zeri is an ideal position from which to "grapple' with or "push and shove" their opponent out of bounds.

Both of these concepts are totally wrong!

If your opponent senses that you are "resting" or are not focused, he can launch an attack against you using various 'waza' or strategies, such as 'hiki-waza' (stepping back technique) or 'tai-atari' (body checking).

"Grappling" with or "pushing and shoving" your opponent not only exhibits poor sportsmanship, but can sometimes result in a warning or penalty in a tournament situation.

When attempting 'waza' from tsuba-zeri, precise timing and correct footwork are crucial.

CARY YOSHIO MIZOBE
Head Instructor
Westside Kendo Dojo