Kirikaeshi - Variations

Variations

There are several variations on the standard kirikaeshi.

Dō Kirikaeshi

Though this variation starts exactly the same, the naname uchi is replaced with alternating dō cuts, beginning with reverse (or gyaku) dō. The receiver maintains a jōdan-no-kamae while receiving the dō cuts. This is known as a more difficult variation for having a small margin of error.

Alternating Kirikaeshi

This variation alternates between naname uchi to the men and to the dō every two cuts.

Double Kirikaeshi

This variation has both attacker and receiver performing the naname uchi. Much like blocking the attacker's shinai in the standard kirikaeshi, the receiver's naname uchi will hit the attacker's naname uchi causing them to bounce off each other, making way for the next cut. The same as the standard kirikaeshi, the target is the yokomen for both sides. Footwork is optional.

Continuous Kirikaeshi

This variation is a standard naname ushi to the men, but instead of the standard 9 strikes (4 forwards, 5 backwards), either an alternate number (50 and 100 are relatively common) or distance ("From here to the other side of the dojo", for example) is utilized. As opposed to standard Kirikaeshi, this variation of the drill builds endurance and stamina rather than improving precision.

Kirikaeshi may be practiced differently depending on which tradition or federation the student belongs to. This article describes the common form of kirikaeshi as taught by the All Japan Kendo Federation.