Black Tiger Shotokan

Sen is a fighting strategy initiative derived from Judo.  Jigoro Kano is credited with devising this strategy.  There are three levels of combative initiative (sen): basic Sen strategies, which can be loosely translated as ‘counter technique’.

While derived specifically for Judo, these strategies can be applied successfully for all fighting styles.

• Sen no sen: Seizing the initiative earlier; attacking at the same moment your opponent attacks.
• Go no sen: Seizing the initiative later; Allowing your opponent to attack first so as to open up target for counter-attacks.
• Sen sen no sen: Seizing the opponent’s sen no sen; Attacking before your opponent attacks-a preemptive attack.

 

Jigoro Kano - 10/28/1860 - 05/04/1938