Written Exam for Kendo 3 dan
Describe the elements of "Yuko-datotsu"
Yuko-datotsu is directly translated to an effective strike in English. This term is used to describe the concept of valid strike in kendo. The effectiveness is not as simple as the shinai getting in contact with the partner's body, although it is one of the aspects for the strike to be valid. A strike is valid when the correct contact of shinai is made on the target, with dedicated vigor and posture followed by alertness of unexpectedness, zanshin. In practice, each strike should be aimed to execute this. In competition, the referee gives a flag on the yuko-datotsu, which leads to the score, or ippon.The correct contact involves a few aspects by itself. First, the striking part of shinai, datotsu-bu, should come in contact with the target area, datotsu-bui: front and both sides of the head, forearm, torso, and throat. The striking part of the shinai, monouchi, is from the far end of the shinai, kensaki, to one-third the length of the shinai down, where the leather strap, nakayui, that holds the shinai in one piece is tied. Also the angle of the shinai, hasuji, is another important thing to look at. The blade side of the shinai should be facing the path shinai is moving toward, and should come in contact the datotsu-bui. For example, when performing the strike to the front head, shomen-uchi, the blade side should be facing down; however when performing the strike to the side of the torso, do-uchi, the blade side should be facing to the side and come in contact with datotsu-bui.
The dedicated vigor can be detected more easily by hearing. There should be the shouting, or kiai, that clearly calls out the datotsu-bui: men, kote, do, or tsuki. Also, the "popping sound" can be heard when the strike corrects lands on datotsu-bui. After the contact has been made, the vigor should not be withdrawn, but one has to be alert for the next unexpected events. Showing a balanced posture ready for the next actions, zanshin, shows this.
There are a few more subtle aspects that make the strike to be considered yuko-datotsu, which are not centralized rules. It is usually learned through experience of attending the referee seminars or competitions. In kendo, it is considered as yuko-datotsu when everyone, especially the referees in competitions, agrees that the strike was successful.