Maai

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Maai
EigaKamae-wiki.jpg
Brandon Harada (Sho-Tokyo Dojo) in transition from Itto-ma to Chikama against Eiga Naoki in chūdan-no-kamae (on the right). Demonstration at Mori Hai Memorial Tournament, Jan 29, 2006, Norwalk, California.
Japanese name
Kanji間合い
Hiraganaまあい

Maai (間合い), translating simply "interval", is a Japanese martial arts term referring to the space between two opponents in combat; formally, the "engagement distance".

The concept of maai incorporates not just the distance between opponents, but also the time taken to cross the distance and the angle and rhythm of attack; collectively, these all factor in to the exact position from which one opponent can strike other – e.g., a faster opponent's maai is farther away than a slower opponent.

It is ideal for one opponent to maintain maai while preventing the other from doing so,[2] meaning that they can strike before the opponent can, rather than both striking simultaneously, or being struck without being able to strike back.

Types[]

In kendo, maai has a more specific interpretation. In physical terms, it pertains to the distance maintained between two opponents. When maai is interpreted as the actual distance between opponents, there are three types:[3][4]

  1. Tōma (Tō-ma) — long distance
  2. Issoku ittō-no-maai (Itto-ma) — one-foot-one-sword distance, also called chūma (middle distance)
  3. Chikama — short distance

Itto-ma is the distance equaling one step to make one strike. It measures about two metres between opponents; from which either need advance only one step in order to strike the other. Normally, most techniques are initiated at this distance. Chika-ma is the distance narrower than Itto-ma (short/close distance), and Tō-ma is greater (long/far distance). At Tō-ma, there is a small margin of time to allow for a reaction to be made against an opponent's attack. But at Issoku itto-no-ma there exists almost no margin at all, so that at this distance one's attention has to remain constantly alert and unbroken.

Timing[]

In terms of time, maai pertains to the momentary lapses of awareness that are manifested in the opponent's mind. Extended further, it also embraces the concept of Kyo-jitsu (emptiness-fullness of Ki). These momentary lapses of mind, and Kyo-jitsu, are known as the kokoro-no-maai (mental interval). The implication of kokoro-no-maai is that although the physical distance between opponents may be mutually advantageous, the mental interval possessed by individuals will determine who will have the decisive advantage.[5]

References[]

  1. ^ AI can predict your future behaviour with powerful new simulations
  2. ^ Jones, Todd D. "Angular Attack Theory: An Aikido Perspective". Aikido Journal.
  3. ^ KENDO, The Definitive Guide by Hiroshi Ozawa. Kodansha Int. 1991, pp.38-41
  4. ^ Kendo, Elements, Rules, and Philosophy by Jinichi Tokeshi, University of Hawai'i Press 2003, p.97
  5. ^ The Kendo Reader by Noma Hisashi, Kyoshi (1910-1939) transl. by Norges Kendôforbund 2003 (PDF)

External links[]

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