Reach Disadvantage: Sizing Opponents

by Dennis

I'm only 5'6" and when facing an opponent 6'1" I think I would have a reach disadvantage. I love Kendo and I'm still just working on the basics but what would a shorter player use toward the taller player?

Answer: Common techniques used against tall people are “men nuki do” and “men kaeshi do” since tall people tend to be good at men strikes.

In kendo physical disadvantages are not a big issue like other martial arts because we do not have direct physical contacts. We are two shinai away from each other.

Most of the time, those who control the distance and other winning factors such as timing (when you strike and so on) and opponent’s psychological state of mind win. This is the beauty of kendo.

Related Article: Size Doesn't Matter