#sonkyo

Sonkyo

Nuke-tô, the act of drawing your sword, or in this case, shinai is a subject I would like to reflect on, and for which I would ask your opinion about as well. 

I’ve been taught two conflicting ways of doing nuke-tô :

Taking it out as it you shinai had a saya : 1/3 of the movement with the tsukagashira (pommel) towards your opponent’s chest in a resolute, earnest fashion

Taking it out gently, making it rotate into kamae position as soon as your right hand grabs it

I’ve been told by some people (but not my sensei) that the first option it is seen as rude and too agressive, while my sensei, for my 3rd dan grading encouraged me to do it. “Show you’re here to do kendo, from the first step you take. Take out your shinai in this manner will show the panel that you’re serious about your practice”.

During my shinsa, I have followed the advice and I can remember here some voices in the attendance mumbling in a way that seemed to be a reaction to my way of taking sonkyo. I might be connected dots in a far fetched manner here but I believe it is one of these questions that have different answers depending on how you envision kendo.

The thing is, my sensei is not someone who favours a unhealthy “domination of the other” or competition aspect, but more of a correct / earnest one. Also he’s 7th dan and often on my country’s panels but has a very humble attitude, often citing his own (8th dan) sensei. “That’s the kendo I’ve been taught”. 

Since I’ve been 3rd dan I’ve completely changed my way of performing the salute, without guilt. I believe than when I get into sonkyo now, I’m non-verbally saying something like “I’m here, I’m eager, let’s practice together”.