Episode 14: Anatomy of the perfect menu-uchi

This text is a transcript of a Kendo instructional video that presents detailed instructions on the head strike, or menuuchi, technique, both in its large and small versions. The instructor, Kurita Waichiro, 8th Dan, places strong emphasis on footwork (ashi), explaining how the advancement should be guided by the toes of the left foot while the right foot executes a decisive step (fumikomi ashi). A crucial point is the rapid recall of the left foot immediately after the thrust, maintaining an accelerated and unified rhythm, ideally completed within a tenth of a second (ichibyo-yon). The attack technique requires the coordinated use of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist to concentrate power on the target, ensuring that the hand does not anticipate the body's movement. The importance of circular motion (en-undō), even in short strikes, and the execution of a rapid shuffling step (suriashi) to ensure zanshin (vigilance) after impact is also emphasized.