The Oji-waza

or reply techniques are often designated as Go-no-senno-waza or techniques
'after-before', since they occur after the crucial time. The above techniques of Sen-Sen, Dehana and Senno-waza are regarded as the most important since they illustrate the real heart and spirit of Kendo. 'As your opponent attacks ... you attack' this is often said and no thought of defence should occur if Kendo is to be understood fully. In olden times it was necessary to dispose of the enemy and the loss of one's own life was regarded as a fair bargain if no other alternative was possible.