…In the words of the famous Greek poet, Heisod. The timing of kata is go no sen. The cause and react nature of kihon waza technique allows us to learn how to move our body with the proper form. The next step in training advances the timing of interaction. The timing of anticipation is sen no sen. Sen sen no sen is the highest form of anticipatory interaction and borders on the perception of intent as the trigger to action.

These three concepts of timing exist in traditional Japanese martial arts, including Aikido. Timing is critical to proper aikido movement and a student of Aikido must understand proper timing (deai). Aikido is distance and timing.