Good kendo builds upon fundamental kendo techniques. The beginning student must concentrate on the basics; letting the basics lapse or jumping too quickly into advanced techniques will lead to bad habits which may be extremely difficult to correct. The advanced student must also constantly review the fundamentals, in order to be able to properly execute the advanced techniques.

This section provides a checklist for learning. Again, ask your instructors for guidance.

Basics

1. Kamae (stance): The five basic stances are:
   • chuudan no kamae (middle)
   • joudan no kamae (over the head)
   • gedan no kamae (pointing down)
   • hasso no kamae (at the right shoulder)
   • wakigamae (at the right hip)
2. Ashi sabaki (footwork): The basic categories of footwork are:
   • okuri ashi (the right foot always in front)
   • ayumi ashi (the right and left feet alternate in front)
   • hiraki ashi (side to side)
3. Suburi (basic exercise repeatedly striking the air, usually simulating strikes to the men ten times per set). The common forms of suburi are:
   • nikyodo (two count)
   • ikkyodo (one count)
   • haya suburi (fast)
   • jougeburi (large motion, touching the back and swinging down towards the floor)
4. Kirikaeshi (basic exercise repeatedly striking your partner's men)
5. Tai atari: hitting with the body