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一足一刀 (いっそくいっとう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

一いっ足そく一いっ刀とう

Meanings

1

expression, noun

one-step, one-strike distance

martial arts

In kendo and other sword arts, the distance where taking one more step forward allows you to strike your opponent. Often used in the phrase 一足一刀の間合い.

一いっ足そく一いっ刀とうの間ま合あいから面めんを打うつ。
Strike the men from the one-step, one-strike distance.

Kanji

一one, one radical (no.1)
足leg, foot, be sufficient
刀sword, saber, knife

Similar words

間ま合あい
間合い is the general term for distancing or timing in martial arts; 一足一刀 specifies the exact distance where one step leads to a strike.

Etymology

Compound of 一足 (one step) and 一刀 (one sword/strike), literally 'one step, one sword'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is firmly established in kendo terminology.