The stroke

is very rapid and normally made during the first few years with a wide and full swing to loosen the joints and to develop a free and easy style. When we cut we either stop the action dead, at head level if exercising alone, or strike to just below the surface of an imaginary target area. The effect of merely chopping downwards makes the action difficult to control, especially if the student attempts to directly oppose the arc of the stroke. By flinging forward at the final moment the Shinai is easy to halt and the right arm acts rather as the tall- chain on a lorry since the major downward force has been redirected forward. A well controlled blow lands sharply and cleanly, with a crisp snap, and follows through smoothly and easily.