Initiative

The three initiatives - In kumdo(kendo) it is of paramount importance to suppress the opponent's move at the moment it begins. It may be said that the competition to take initiative decides the match. There are said to be three initiatives. These three can be summarized as follows:

	When the opponent sees a weakness or opening and initiates an attack, winning by first striking down the opponent's sword or parrying, then attacking strongly when the opponent has become discouraged.
	When the opponent sees a weakness or opening and initiates an attack, winning by striking in turn before the opponent's strike is successful.
	When facing an opponent in a match, having the keen insight to quickly recognize the opponent's start, and then attack immediately, thus forestalling the opponent's move. This act of attacking faster than the opponent's initiative is the most important in kumdo(kendo).