How can martial artists of kendo successfully enact the Shinkageryu philosophy of “waiting” and counter- strike at the very same time? If they realise their opponent is about to move and think, “Now is the time!” it’s too late. But if they don’t think it’s the right moment, how can they act at all? It’s easy for their sensei to say, “You just have to do it!” The question is: how is this possible? This article offers an answer.