It is necessary

to make a definite step when cutting, or if the distance does happen to be just correct, then the motion of a step or a stamp is made and co-ordinated precisely with the cut. Cuts to the front are very much easier than cuts made whilst reversing and thus a forward side- step or diagonal will often provide just that little extra space necessary to cut forward rather than backwards. Backward cuts are quite valid if correctly performed but the student should concentrate on forward attacks as much as possible since constant retreating and backward strokes result in a negative style and make it impossible to understand Kendo.