| Maai | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 BrandonHarada (Sho-Tokyo Dojo) in transition fromItto-ma toChikama againstEiga Naoki inchūdan-no-kamae (on the right). Demonstration atMori Hai Memorial Tournament, Jan 29, 2006, Norwalk, California. | |||||
| Japanese name | |||||
| Kanji | 間合い | ||||
| Hiragana | まあい | ||||
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Maai (間合い), translating simply to "interval", is aJapanese martial arts term referring to the space between two opponents in combat; formally, the "engagement distance".
The concept ofmaai 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 the other. For example, a faster opponent'smaai is further away than a slower opponent.
It is ideal for one opponent to maintainmaai while preventing the other from doing so,[2] meaning that they can strike before the opponent can, rather than both striking simultaneously, or being struck without the ability to strike back.
Inkendo,maai has a more specific interpretation. In physical terms, it pertains to the distance maintained between two opponents. Whenmaai is interpreted as the actual distance between opponents, there are three types:[3][4]
Itto-ma is the distance equaling a single step to make one strike. It measures about two metres between opponents and either one of them only needs to advance a single step in order to strike the other. Normally, most techniques are initiated at this distance.Chika-ma is the distance narrower thanItto-ma (short/close distance), andTō-ma is greater (long/far distance). AtTō-ma, there is a small margin of time to allow for a reaction to be made against an opponent's attack. However, atIssoku itto-no-ma, there exists almost no margin at all, so that at this distance one's attention must remain constantly alert and unbroken.
In terms of time,maai pertains to the momentary lapses ofawareness that are manifested in the opponent's mind. Extended further, it also embraces the concept ofKyo-jitsu (emptiness-fullness ofKi). These momentary lapses of mind, andKyo-jitsu, are known as thekokoro-no-maai (mental interval). The implication ofkokoro-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.[5]
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