tsubazeriai

[hnicholsh]

So can you guys explain the mechanics of tsubazeriai to me as basically and clearly as possible? I have only a vague idea of what happens here. I'm talking super basics - where should my hands be, how should I be moving, when is it best to go for a strike, what advantages are there to be being here and if possible, what can I do to stop being hit everytime? And anything else you think I should know.

My Sensei was talking to me today about tsubazeriai, but I don't know Japanese very well so there was a lot of guess work going on.

[Anime12478]

If you know someone there that can translate for you, then that would be the best option.

I was taught that your arms should be about chest height and that you shouldn't put too much resistance while you are close.

[sainueng]

So can you guys explain the mechanics of tsubazeriai to me as basically and clearly as possible? I have only a vague idea of what happens here. I'm talking super basics - where should my hands be, how should I be moving, when is it best to go for a strike, what advantages are there to be being here and if possible, what can I do to stop being hit everytime? And anything else you think I should know.

My Sensei was talking to me today about tsubazeriai, but I don't know Japanese very well so there was a lot of guess work going on.

If you just started kendo recently, don't worry too much about tsubazeriai. You shouldn't be there too long anyways. ;)

Make sure your posture is correct and don't panic. What that means (to me) is that your hands are slightly lower than chest lvl, your center of gravity low, do NOT push w/ your hands and arms, hold your ground by pressuring forward from your hips, keep your back straight, and keep your shinai straight in front of you, not swinging left and right like a windshield wiper. Your hands should not be touching the blade of your opponent. Again, this is difficult to explain w/o being there in person. My suggestion is listen and watch how others do it.

As a beginner I wouldn't do anything fancier in tsubazeriai than back away straight and attempt a hiki men or maybe hiki kote. Get the basics down before worrying too much about when to strike and different footwork for different angles. You'll also pick up on these things while practicing the basics. ;)

[剣、ビールおよび女の子]

One hint might be to use the Kihon no kata to work on tsubazeriai - i.e. no. 4.

It is the perfect opportunity to look at how it works - keeping good posture, using your body rather than your arms, making sure you are in centre etc etc.

As already stated - as a beginner, don't stay there too long in keiko - get out, get to issoku itto and start building up your next attack

[stuartwilson]

Arm/fist height needs to match your opponent. So, there is a battle for control of position, as one may try to alter it in setting up for hiki-men or hiki-do. Also, if there is a significant height difference, it is hansoku for the taller person to place fists above the shorter person's.

Try to avoid making it a pushing contest. Focus instead on kiai and reading your opponent. If your opponent pushes hard, just side step. Don't let the opponent back you up, and don't shove back hard. The former may get you outside the court, the latter will put you off balance.

[nodachi]

And another thing about tsubazeriai...

As a beginner, not much good happens in tsubazeriai. When beginners try hikiwaza, it is usually messy and won't be ippon anyway. So practice taiatari and being in tsubazeriai and hikiwaza, but don't waste too much time there because as a beginner you want to focus more on things happening at issoku itto no maai. People hang around in tsubazeriai because they are afraid of being hit, but don't stay in it too long because it takes time away from when you could be learning more important things and in tournaments it probably won't get you ippon anyway as a beginner. Remember, you want to work primarily on timing and proper hitting from a good distance, not spending too much time sumo ing it in tsubazeriai.

[Thunder]

The worst part of tsubazeriai is getting out of it safely...

When you are in the middle of it...keep you arms low, don't open your do. Keep space between your kote and do...and float. Don't try to "overpower" them...they will use your mass/fight against you. When you go into Tsubazeriai..don't be afraid to REALLY body-check them. Use your mass in the first hit to knock them off their center...but you have to attack instantly afterwards if you do manage to knock them off their center of gravity...you only get one shot at it..they will be ready next time.

To get out...
Try rotating away from their center, at the same time that you are taking a full step away while dropping your shinai to their tsuki. then another step back to chudan....all of this had to be done very quickly. If they advance, or attack..TSUKI! or close distance back into Tsubazeriai. (Of course I don't know anything.)