Saber Lesson 2
Here you will learn the ways of the saber in the style of Kenjutsu
Last week we learned about the bokken parts, stances, and one basic strike exercise. Remember; use a bokken stick or practice weapon! This week we will learn the basic strikes, and the sphere/circle theory.
I also have a more advanced list of bokken/sword parts, you don't need to know them all, only the kissaki, tsuka, and tsuba:
Kissaki: the tip.
Mune: the back of the blade.
Monouchi: the cutting portion of the edge, the 1/3 closest to the kissaki.
Chu-o: the middle third of the blade.
Tsuba moto: the third of the blade closest the handle.
Tsuba: the guard, not present on most Aikido bokuto.
Tsuka: the handle.
Shinogi: the ridge between the mune and the edge.
Shinogi-ji: the flat plane between the mune and the shinogi
Jigane: the flat plane between the shinogi and the temper line (edge).
Ha: the edge
Tsuka gashira: strictly the pommel fitting, butt end of the bokuto.
Basic Strikes/Suburi
Shomen Uchi (Cutting Down)
Raise the bokken up from Chudan Kamae position and bring it straight down, cutting with the tip of the bokken. The end of your strike should have the tip of the bokken slightly lower then your belly button. Shomen Uchi is one of the most fundamental techniques of swordsmanship.
Naname Giri (Cutting the Angle)
From Hasso Kamae position, push the bokken out and down at a 45 degree angle, cutting with the tip of the bokken. The end of your strike should place the tip of the bokken at midlevel of your body, at an angle, extending outwards not much more then the width of your shoulders.
Yokomen Uchi (Cutting around the Blade)
From Hasso Kamae position, step out at a 45-degree angle from your partner’s direct line to you, and describe a circle for the bokken to trace in the air. You will turn and strike, moving to the side of your partners bokken and coming around it, defeating a block or parry. The end of your strike should place the tip of the bokken at your waist level, lower then in Naname Giri, angled slightly down towards the training hall floor.
Yoko Uchi (Side Strike, or felling the Tree)
From Waki Kamae, slide your bokken horizontally across in a plane, starting at beyond your own shoulder width and ending on the opposite side, again slightly beyond shoulder width. This is a lateral cut at the midsection.
Munetsuki (Thrusting)
Thrusting, or Tsuki, cuts are made to the upper or middle positions. From Chudan Kamae, push your bokken straight forward towards your partner, taking a step forward to finish the strike. From any Hammi, you may continue the movement by turning the blade of the bokken to face the outside opening of your Hammi when you are half way through Munetsuki. This prepares you for a change in direction, another strike, or Chudan / Waki Kamae positions- which are the basis for Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques).
Circle Theory:
A basic concept in many styles of Iaido and Kenjutsu is the Circle of Life (MAAI or the concept of distance) that surrounds us. You are the center of your circle. Hold your long sword (daito, iaito or katana) in both hands with the butt of the sword handle (tsukagashira) even with your waist and one fist away from your body. Point the sword tip of the blade (kissaki) at an imaginary opponent's throat. Slowly rotate your body 360° without leaving the spot where you are standing. Keep an eye on the kissaki as you move and you'll find your circle. It's the outer perimeter of your defense. Sword masters teach that your circle is the most important thing you'll ever learn about Iaido or Kenjutsu. That's because as soon as an opponent enters your circle with the tip of his sword, you can cut him down. It's sometimes called the circle of life, because your life is in danger when someone attacks you within your circle.