On how to pass each other in kendo
~ A sensei going through while the senpai is blocked in his strike
This text has been posted by Quique Ortiz Andres on facebook and shared to me by S. Boffa sensei from Meibukan. For posterity, I would like to reference it here:
Thoughts on Ainuke - Aiuchi in Kendo
"If you have not mastered Aiuchi, it is impossible to learn Ainuke."
I really believe that Ainuke (mutual passing) is the greatest feat in Kendo. Ainuke truly manifests the essence of Kendo.
Ainuke (“mutual passing,” a Kendo term that refers to the highest level of the art when two masters confront each other) and felt that it would be a good way to explain the Way to Westerners. Harigaya Sekiun created the term ainuke to describe this condition attained through the sword. It is the world of absolute peace that transcends winning and losing. It is in a different dimension from Aiuchi (mutual killing or hitting). We should consider it a cultural treasure left by a man of ancient times. We must try to adapt this concept to contemporary times and build a peaceful co-existence.
In Zen training if you think everything is dualistic (self and other), there will be tension, and you will never be able to achieve enlightenment. You must transcend dualism and enter the realm of Ainuke. But there is a problem. It is no good just to intellectualise about this realm of ainuke. This is a very important point. If you do not have the background and strength of Aiuchi, you cannot enter the realm of Ainuke.
Your Zen will be empty. If you have not mastered Aiuchi, it is impossible to learn Ainuke.
By putting our whole being into following the Way, the inevitable destruction of aiuchi (mutual killing and mutual striking) is transcended and becomes ainuke (mutual passing), the true swordsmanship stage of "Se Mu I". Having first made that experience our own, it is our duty to share it with the world. Starting from the defensive posture of Aiuchi (mutual killing and mutual striking), let our opponents cut the flesh that embraces nuclear weapons and we in turn will cut their bones. In this way we will be able to live and they will also prosper.
~ A picture of Tesshu who I suppose is referenced in this story
A person once asked Tesshu, “What is the secret of swordsmanship?” Tesshu answered, “It is entrusted to the Asakusa Kannon.” The student at once went to Asakusa, searched everywhere in the temple and came to realize that the sign with the phrase “Se Mu I” (Se—give alms, carry out, conduct; Mu—void; I—fear) must be it.
When he repeated this to Tesshu it is said that Tesshu answered “Kekko,” (very good) and laughed. "Se Mu I" comes from the sutra of the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion (Jpn. Kannon, Chin. Kwan Yin). In the sutra the Bodhisattva Kannon (Kanzeon Bosatsu Makasatsu) gives fearlessness in the midst of calamity of any kind. Consequently people call this bodhisattva "Se Mu I Sha" —the “Giver of Fearlessness.”
* (Zen and Swordsmanship) by Omori Sogen
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I did not know there was a word for this concept but I often refer to it as "Flow"—the ability to move through an opponent rather than stopping on impact. It ties into important kendo ideas and specifically zanshin.
I notice this problem a lot in my club. Since the average age is higher than in many Belgian dojos, our teacher can no longer demonstrate how to properly pass through after striking. Because of this, many members hesitate or stop when they hit, leading to aiuchi - or just a lame block - instead of ainuke. This frustrates me and some of my fellow members because it breaks the natural rhythm of kendo.
Ainuke reminds us that kendo isn’t just about hitting—it's about striking and continuing. Without this, our matches become stiff and stuck instead of fluid and dynamic. It’s something I try to focus on in my own practice: committing to the strike, controlling distance, and always moving forward.