Attacking after sonkyo in ji-geiko

[iand]

Hi all
I'm looking for your comments here because I've heard different things from different sensei around the world so a few more opinions won't hurt.

When is it acceptable to commence an attack after the initial sonkyo in ji-geiko? Or to think of it another way, when is it unnacceptable/too early? I've seen players attack almost before they've stood completely up in chudan no kamae while others (most) return to chudan and wait a few moments before doing anything thus missing a good opportunity to immediately apply pressure to their opponent.

Looking forward to your thoughts and observations.

[ratdeau]

In shiai, the shimpan says hajime when you are in sonkyo. That's the start signal. Before the new rules, there was only a cross on the shiaijo's center and it was really easy to launch an attack from sonkyo. Now there are lines appart the cross, the shiai start is in toma. It's more difficult to attack from this position.
In gi-geiko I still sometimes attack people directly from sonkyo. It's good to remeber that the fight begin when you bow to your partner, not when you stand up from sonkyo...

[Andoru]

Hi Ian,

Have a look at this comprehensive thread on this topic:

http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5307

Hope that helps!

[Optomitrist]

also when in sonkyo you sometimes are out of reach anyway for someone to lunge. When they say begin its on. But making sure you are spaced corectly will hinder you and your opponent from making lunge attacks to early.

[Dave Fowler]

I was told that one of the reasons for this change was older people were attacking from sonkyo to often and injuring themselves. So they moved the distance apart to try and stop them from doing it.

[kendokamax]

I heard they changed it so that it's not a contest of who is jumping the fastest first to get men.

So more chances for people who are less atletic.

[iand]

Hi all
There have been some great comments so far, thanks and keep them coming.

One key point that was raised (by Ratdeau, thanks) was that the initial bow signals the start of the fight - something which is often forgotten.

Another raised by several of you was that, as always, attention to distance is critical if you intend to use this tactic or prevent an opponent using it against you.

These are the things our sensei teach us from the very beginning, and they apply no matter how far we progress...

[GoldenShinai]

my friend tryed a Kote on me straight from sonkyu, it missed and he stumbled. I hit him with a clean Men and our match was over in seconds. that was my first experience with attacking from sonkyu so ive tried to avoid it.