Sen-senno-waza

This literally means 'before-before' and whilst this may sound strange it forms the best opportunity in Kendo. Sen-senno-waza means the attack is made just in the instant before a movement is made. This is done just before the opponent's point stirs and whilst his mind is occupied with the decision to attack. In this split second he can neither defend, nor perceive our own attack.

In my own experience with high ranking teachers nothing will happen until the student decides to attack. But as the thought arises it is suddenly too late, since the teacher has just stepped forward and struck. As with most Kendo the observer will note nothing other than one side has struck. But to those concerned a very definite and skilful technique has been employed. Whilst the lower Dan grade students may catch this timing occasionally it is a permanent factor with skilled teachers and is again a question of sense and intuition. There are said to be such techniques as Sen-Sen-Senno Waza but I must confess this is beyond me at present!