Left handed fumikomi

I am left handed and find it easier to do fumikomi with my left foot. I struggle with timing with my right foot. Any help?

Answer: Thank you for your question! Never had this question before! Very interesting.

The answer is yes and no. It depends on how much kendō basics you have mastered.

Since the main purpose of kendō is not to beat opponents however we feel easiest, we cannot change the basics based on how we feel easiest.

You must study the basics first. And then you should move onto more advanced techniques.

For example, there are no rules on kendō that you have to do fumikomi on the left foot. However, since kendō is based on the application of the principles of the katana, our movements are based on it too.

You should not execute a cut with your left foot forward because it increases a risk of cutting your own leg. That is because the cut with katana is usually diagonal.

So we should not neglect this historical value of kendō.

This is also why we apply hiraki-ashi which is not a mere side step.



A long story short. You should understand and thoroughly study the principles of katana through the basics first. Once you have done it, you will be amazed how flexible kendō can be.

If you are struggling, you should be patient and practice it until you can do it right. It is a part of your training. You are training yourself.

When you struggle with doing something, you have negative feelings such as anger, frustration and irritation.

In kendō we say we should keep ourselves calm, which we call, heijōshin. This certainly needs training to accomplish. So consider it as a part of your training and practice fumikomi with the right foot.

Hope this helps.

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