Do Strike (胴)

For basic do, step diagonally while rotating hips so the cut stays one motion. For nuki-do, evade the men line with the body and counter-cut do in the same beat. Zanshin requires you to pass behind the opponent with the shinai ready, not turning your back casually.

• Ki-ken-tai-ichi: kiai, furi, and fumikomi arrive together
• Left hand leads tenouchi; right hand supports without squeezing
• Follow-through with sae — sharp, not wild

Sensei often return to the same points, because a small habit shows more clearly when the pace rises. With their permission, a side view of uchikomi can show the difference between what one feels and what the shinai does. The sensei is the person to ask.

• A level swing may still carry the spirit of a cut
• In shiai, confirm with the sensei which side of the do is the target
• After do, the feet continue through with the body

Progress from suburi and kirikaeshi into static uchikomi, then moving uchikomi and kakari-geiko. Pair each drill with a clear kiai and one-step zanshin. Return to the Waza Encyclopedia to see how this strike fits shikake-waza and oji-waza families.

• Slow-motion do uchikomi with partner calling side
• Men-nuki-do in oji-waza practice
• Hiki-do from tsubazeriai exit drills

A valid do meets the side of the do with the datotsu-bu on a diagonal, not the centre of the chest. For migi-do, the shinai passes under the opponent’s right arm as your body shifts off the centre line. It is a sliding cut, about forty-five degrees, not a chop into the armour. Pass and turn back into kamae. Do not stay with your back to the opponent.