Senno-waza

Sen means 'before' and these techniques apply to attacks made just before the opponent's stroke is delivered. In Kendo it is impossible to cut without exposing the body to attack, since the act of lifting the Shinai opens the attack line.

Men-senno-do is to attack the Do as the opponent strikes down to the Men, this normally takes the form of Nuki Do (drawing Do) and the side-step avoids the cut as the counter attack is made.