Timing of co-ordination

The initial action is for the novice to raise his Shinai before stepping forward since the arms normally lag behind the feet when untrained. The second phase is when the Shinai is raised as the step is made, giving less warning to the opponent. As the timing sense grows finer the lifting action can be delayed still further as necessary.In diagram 11 the action will appear almost the same for diagonal cuts except that the blade will cant over on the downstroke. By raising each time to the direct high centre position, the minimum of warning is given.