maai
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{{Infobox Chinese
| pic = EigaKamae-wiki.jpg
| piccap = Brandon {{lang|ja-Latn|Harada (Sho-Tokyo Dojo)|italic=no}} in transition from {{lang|ja-Latn|Itto-ma}} to {{lang|ja-Latn|Chikama}} against {{lang|ja-Latn|Eiga Naoki|italic=no}} in {{lang|ja-Latn|chūdan-no-kamae}} (on the right). Demonstration at {{lang|ja-Latn|Mori Hai|italic=no}} Memorial Tournament, Jan 29, 2006, Norwalk, California.
| picsize =
| kanji = 間合い
| hiragana = まあい
| revhep = maai
}}
{{Nihongo|Maai|間合い}}, translating simply "interval", is a Japanese martial arts term referring to the space between two opponents in combat; formally, the "engagement distance".
The concept of {{lang|ja-Latn|maai}} incorporates not just the distance between opponents, but also the time taken to cross the distance and the angle and rhythm of attack; collectively, these all factor in to the exact position from which one opponent can strike other – e.g., a faster opponent's {{lang|ja-Latn|maai}} is farther away than a slower opponent.
It is ideal for one opponent to maintain {{lang|ja-Latn|maai}} while preventing the other from doing so,{{cite journal
| last = Jones
| first = Todd D
| title = Angular Attack Theory: An Aikido Perspective
| journal = Aikido Journal
| url = http://members.aikidojournal.com/public/angular-attack-theory-an-aikido-perspective/
}} meaning that they can strike before the opponent can, rather than both striking simultaneously, or being struck without being able to strike back.
Types
In kendo, {{lang|ja-Latn|maai}} has a more specific interpretation. In physical terms, it pertains to the distance maintained between two opponents. When {{lang|ja-Latn|maai}} is interpreted as the actual distance between opponents, there are three types:[https://books.google.com/books?id=aRQoz5S_OhIC&dq=KENDO%2C+The+Definitive+Guide+by+Hiroshi+Ozawa.+Kodansha+Int.+1991&pg=PR4 KENDO, The Definitive Guide] by Hiroshi Ozawa. Kodansha Int. 1991, pp.38-41Kendo, Elements, Rules, and Philosophy by Jinichi Tokeshi, University of Hawai'i Press 2003, p.97
- {{lang|ja-Latn|Tōma (Tō-ma)}} — long distance
- {{lang|ja-Latn|Issoku ittō-no-maai (Itto-ma)}} — one-foot-one-sword distance, also called {{lang|ja-Latn|chūma}} (middle distance)
- {{lang|ja-Latn|Chikama}} — short distance
{{lang|ja-Latn|Itto-ma}} is the distance equaling one step to make one strike. It measures about two metres between opponents; from which either need advance only one step in order to strike the other. Normally, most techniques are initiated at this distance. {{lang|ja-Latn|Chika-ma}} is the distance narrower than {{lang|ja-Latn|Itto-ma}} (short/close distance), and {{lang|ja-Latn|Tō-ma}} is greater (long/far distance). At {{lang|ja-Latn|Tō-ma}}, there is a small margin of time to allow for a reaction to be made against an opponent's attack. But at {{lang|ja-Latn|Issoku itto-no-ma}} there exists almost no margin at all, so that at this distance one's attention has to remain constantly alert and unbroken.
Timing
In terms of time, {{lang|ja-Latn|maai}} pertains to the momentary lapses of awareness that are manifested in the opponent's mind. Extended further, it also embraces the concept of {{lang|ja-Latn|Kyo-jitsu}} (emptiness-fullness of {{lang|ja-Latn|Ki}}). These momentary lapses of mind, and {{lang|ja-Latn|Kyo-jitsu}}, are known as the {{lang|ja-Latn|kokoro-no-maai}} (mental interval). The implication of {{lang|ja-Latn|kokoro-no-maai}} is that although the physical distance between opponents may be mutually advantageous, the mental interval possessed by individuals will determine who will have the decisive advantage.[http://kendo.union.rpi.edu/Kendo%20Reader%20(Noma%20Hisashi).pdf The Kendo Reader] by Noma Hisashi, Kyoshi (1910-1939) transl. by Norges Kendôforbund 2003 (PDF)
References
External links
- [http://kendo.union.rpi.edu/Kendo%20Reader%20(Noma%20Hisashi).pdf The Kendo Reader] (PDF)
{{Aikido}}
{{Japanese martial arts}}
Category:Japanese words and phrases