Ma-ai
間合い
The distance between opponents from which one can strike or evade. It is not only meters but also the time an attack needs to cross the distance.
Quick Facts
Word breakdown
Definition
Ma-ai (間合い) is made up of ma (interval, gap) and ai (meeting). It means the distance between two opponents. It is not only space: what matters is also the length of the arms, legs or weapon and how quickly each can cross the distance. Whoever masters ma-ai attacks from a distance at which the opponent cannot react in time, while standing outside his reach. Kendo distinguishes three distances. Issoku itto no ma-ai is the distance of one step and one sword cut, from which one can attack with a single step. To-ma is the longer distance, chika-ma the shorter. Distance is handled similarly in karate, aikido and judo.
Relations to other terms
See also
Guard and ready stance in the Japanese martial arts. In kendo, five basic kamae are distinguished, from chudan to waki.
Bunkai分解Analysis of a kata: finding and practising the fighting use of its movements with a partner. Literally “disassembly”, the techniques used are called oyo.
Sen-no-sen先の先Striking the opponent at the moment they begin to attack. One of three ways of taking the initiative, whose exact interpretation differs between schools.
Tai sabaki体捌きWhole-body movement that takes a fighter out of the line of attack into an advantageous position. It combines footwork with turning the hips.