A Closer Look at Maai: Understanding Distance in Kendo

maai -distance-kendo -Helsinki
Tō-ma (遠間) – long distance

Also referred to as toi-maai refers to a long-range distance, where neither you nor your opponent is within striking range. You are outside issoku-itto-no-maai, meaning that both need to close the gap between each other to attack. This distance is typically used to read the opponent’s movements and apply pressure (seme) while maintaining a safer distance. The tips of your shinai are not touching at this point.

Tō-ma (遠間) - Long Distance
Shokujin-no-maai (触刃の間合い) – kensaki-touching distance

Shokujin means “touching blades.” In this distance, the tips of your shinai and your opponent’s are touching. It’s a subtle zone where the balance of power can quickly shift as either player maneuvers for a better position. Moving closer from this point transitions into koujin-no-maai.

Shokujin no Maai (触刃の間合い)
Issoku-itto-no-maai (一足一刀の間合い) – one step, one strike distance

“Issoku itto no maai” refers to a fundamental concept in kendo that describes the optimal distance between two opponents. It translates to “one step, one strike distance.” In this position, the opponent is within range of a single step and a corresponding strike, making it the ideal spacing to initiate or respond to an attack effectively.

As in kendo, “maai” refers to the overall distance and spacing between opponents, and “issoku itto no maai” is a crucial variation of this concept, positioning it between the long-distance (to-ma) and short-distance (chika-ma). Mastery of this distance allows a practitioner to control the flow of combat effectively​.

It is good to keep in mind that we all have different bodies and abilities, which naturally has an impact on the distance from which a person can effectively “reach” their opponent one when attacking.

Issoku Itto no Maai (一足一刀の間合い)
Chikai maai (近い間合い) – Close Distance

Also known as close distance, chikai maai is when you’re closer than issoku itto no maai. At this range, both you and your opponent can strike each other with little to no movement, making the timing and speed of your actions critical. This proximity heightens the tension and demands sharp reflexes.

Chikai Maai (近い間合い) - Close Distance
Tsubazeriai (鍔迫り合い) – “handguard fight

This is the closest distance, where the sword guards (tsuba) of both opponents touch. It often occurs after an initial exchange when neither opponent has succeeded in landing a strike.

In tsuba-zeriai, both kenshi use their swords and bodies to jockey for position and control. From here, kendoka can attempt quick strikes (hiki-waza – see post about waza) or break away to reset the distance. According to the currently valid rules of kendo shiai, competitors are only allowed to be in tsubazeriai for the period of three seconds.

Unlike other maai, tsubazeriai is about grappling and control, rather than maintaining space for striking.

Tsuba-zeriai (鍔迫り合い) - Sword Guard Contact Distance

Each distance requires a different approach and set of skills, from launching attacks at issoku-itto-no-maai, to maintaining pressure shokujin-no-maai, to grappling for control in tsubazeriai. By understanding and practicing these distances, you can improve your ability to control the match and strike at the right moment.

Train regularly and be mindful of how maai affects your movements. Over time, you will develop the ability to control not only the physical distance but also the flow of the match, making you a more effective and strategic kenshi. You will be better in understanding the distance that is comfortable for you, as well as the distance you need in order to

perform different waza.

more on maai and external references:
https://www.kendo-guide.com/different-distances-in-kendo.html

https://kenshi247.net/blog/2018/05/28/maai-is-willpower

https://www.kendo-guide.com/difference-between-maai-and-ma.html

https://kendoinfo.wordpress.com/2010/07/08/thoughts-on-maai-prompted-by-chiba-sensei%e2%80%99s%c2%a0teaching/

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