Kirikaeshi: the basic of basics
Kirikaeshi (切返) is the drill that ties suburi to partner practice. A centre men, tai-atari, sayu-men going forward, sayu-men coming back, and a final men with zanshin. Hong Kong dojos use it from the first months in bogu through grading. The count and the side you start on follow your sensei, not a website.
A standard sequence
From issoku-itto, cut shomen. Move into tai-atari without dropping the tip. Four sayu-men forward, five back, is a common teaching count — your dojo may use another. Finish with centre men, turn, and show zanshin. Then the roles can switch.
Why it matters
It shows whether footwork, tenouchi, kiai, and breath can survive more than one cut. Examiners who have watched your kihon will still look at kirikaeshi, because sloppy repetition is harder to hide than one careful men.
Local habits
Some clubs start sayu-men on the right, some on the left. Some expect a kiai on every cut, some on the centre men only. Learn the version your motodachi was taught. Do not argue a count you saw online in the middle of the line.
Beginner errors
Hitting the air beside the men, bouncing off tai-atari, and sprinting backwards. The sayu-men still aim at the men, just from the side. If you are out of breath and the cuts rise to the shoulders, stop and reset rather than finishing ugly.
Frequently asked questions
- How many sayu-men?
- A common pattern is four forward and five back. Use your dojo’s count.
- When do beginners start?
- When the sensei puts you in bogu and gives you a motodachi. Not on the first visit.