Go No Sen, Sen, Sen Sen No Sen


Attack is the best form of defence. When facing an opponent there are three patterns of attack initiative.

Sen Sen No Sen -

(Superior initiatory)

In this situation both you and your opponent are ready and willing to attack. Your attack must be made first in a spilt second between the time your opponent mentally commits to the attack and the moment he begins his actual movement. His commitment to attack will prevent him responding with a defence.

Sen -

(Initiatory)

In Sen you and your opponent begin to move simultaneously. Your awareness of his intention to attack allows you to attack just slightly faster, making your strike just before his.

Go No Sen -

(Initiatory of defence)

You must remain calm and watch your opponent very carefully. Your block should be an automatic response to his attack and you should attack him before he is able to recover from his initial movement.

 

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Last Updated 28th March 1999 by Mark Thomas