Uchikomi Geiko: Why Is It Important?

Uchikomi geiko brings the basic strikes together. The purpose is not just to keep striking. It is to keep our basics correct as we move from one strike to the next.

What does the receiver do?

The motodachi, or receiver, opens targets for the kakarite, or striker. This gives the striker opportunities to practise big basic strikes. Show your appreciation by striking the targets properly with nice, big strikes.

Keep the strikes big

Uchikomi geiko must be practised with big strikes. Keep them smooth and correct, even when you want to challenge yourself.

If you want more of a challenge, increase your speed as you pass through and keep striking on one breath for as long as you can. But don't push yourself until you pass out!

Devote yourself to the basics

Uchikomi geiko builds a solid foundation of kihon-based kendo, so do it right. The same goes for kirikaeshi.

When I was young and trained at Shubukan, we called kirikaeshi “uchikomi kirikaeshi”. My guess is that they used to combine uchikomi geiko and kirikaeshi. But that is only my guess.

What I want us to remember is that uchikomu, the verb form of uchikomi, means “to devote yourself to something”. In this practice, we need to devote ourselves to nice, big, kihon-based strikes.

Why I recommend practising hiki-waza separately

When I was a kid, we didn't include much hiki-waza in uchikomi geiko. That is not the case now.

I personally recommend keeping uchikomi geiko for nice, big, kihon-based strikes and practising hiki-waza separately. Include hiki-waza in kakari geiko.

Why? I want to keep this drill focused on striking, passing through and taking zanshin, rather than adding more things to it.

This foundation leads towards kakari geiko, where you keep striking wherever you think there is an opening. Keep your basic strikes correct as you develop that practice.

Review before partner practice

Use this page to review the purpose of uchikomi geiko. Practise with your instructor's supervision and follow the instructions given at your dōjō.

Need to review partner training first? Go to Pair Work in Kendo.