[AmfitNom]

Hey fellas -

One of the biggest and physical roadblocks in my kendo training thus far has been grasping the notion of seme, and translating that into what I actually do with my body and shinai. How would all of you explain the concept of seme, as you understand it?

I have come to understand it as an unseen pressure you're exerting on your opponent, projecting your presence into his physical space. More than anything, perhaps, you're trying to push your opponent back, intimidate him, and dominate his space, all through a (mostly) psychological process.

Perhaps more importantly, how would you actually "perform" seme on your opponent? Is it as simple as pushing his shinai down? I doubt it. How do you cast your presence unto the opponent through mere shinai motion?

Is it more difficult to do with people whom you practice with frequently, since they are probably more familiar with your style of play and less "scared" of you?

Please advise...