I agree and with everything said above but would like to add my 2 cents. When doing tai atari don't approach it as pushing your aite. Pushing comes from your upper-body, pushing your sholders forward and breaking shisei. Lots of people in shiai i've played with at the nidan and shodan level do it this way. It comes off as very rough and when they lean forward I can step to the side and make them fall. (pushing depends on their being something to push). The best way I've seen tai atari explained is its an extra fumikomi (fumikiri is more accurate) where your right foot doesn't move. Contact point is somewhere between siegetsu (spelling?) and tanden (having a big hara makes it easier). The force should be an impulse with the power being transferred from your left foot pushing into your torso and into the aite's torso. Thinking about it as a pure physics problem it seems easy, however it is a technique I personally struggle a lot with, and it takes plenty of practice with good motodachi.
Mar 17, 2009 Rating
Effective & Correct Taiatari by: John M.
Effective & Correct Taiatari
In addition to Masahiro, I would like to mention a couple of things I have learned in the past.
Your position of your hands and elbows are very important as you make contact. Your left hand should be at the same level as chudan kamae but slightly left of center line.
Consequently your right hand will move slightly off center to the right, with shinai lifted up of course, your right hand will be mid chest or a little lower.
This will help to stop your elbows from crushing into your do and your shinai will be at slight angle rather than straight up also.
Breathing is very important. Do not inhale as you make contact; it helps if you hold your breath, with air in as contact is made; don't expend all your air. Feel that you have strong hara (sort of tense stomach muscles).
Actually we don't do taiatari too often. We do have a special class with practice a couple times a year - but for new students or less then two years of kendo I don't encourage them to do it too often until later in their kendo career.
This should be read along Masahiro's advice.
Kendo-Guide.Com:Exellent description. Thank you for that! I agree with beginners? taiatari. I?d rather teach my beginners going straight towards motodachi (receiver). It is very important for beginners to maintain a good posture after they strike. Taitatari is an advanced technique so they should gradually learn it.
Good advice on breathing. We certainly do not want to inhale especially when receiving taiatari. It does not work.
