Saber Combat 101

Here you will learn the ways of the Jedi's Weapon in the Style of Kenjutsu

I recommend using a bokken, and you may be concerned with techniques like Tachtori(Disarming Bokken Attack)but it will come later.

In this weeks lesson you will learn the parts of the bokken, and the basic stances. Remember, if you don't know what something is, see the glossary.

Bokken Parts

Tsuka

handle of the bokken

Kissaki

tip of the bokken

Tsuba

handguard that is sometimes slipped over the bokken

Bokken/Saber Stances

Right off the bat, I would like to tell you what hanmi means, and it means a ready stance with either left or right foot forward. I encourage you to find the most comfortable position.

Stances:

Seigan-no-kamae / Chudan-no-kamae

Right hanmi with the bokken in both hands directly in front and on the centerline of the body. Weight is centered evenly over both feet and both hands are near the level of your navel. The left hand is on the butt end of the bokken about one fist width away from your body. The blade is tilted slightly to the right to take advantage of the natural curvature of the blade. The kissaki is at your opponent's throat. Look directly to the front.

Jodan-no-kamae

Stand in right or left hanmi and raise your arms until your left hand is in front of your forehead. Your hands are above your eyes and your elbows are out to afford vision to the front. The kissaki is directly above your head to protect those behind you. Your weight is slightly forward.

Gedan-no-kamae

Lower the kissaki from chudan-no-kamae, but be ready to raise it at any time. This provides an opening for your opponent to attack. Be ready to step off the line of attack by keeping your weight evenly distributed on both feet.

Hasso-no-kamae

Stand in left hanmi, eyes to the front, weight evenly distributed. The bokken is raised vertically with the hands at the levels of your left chest and left shoulder. The tsubo is at the level of your mouth.

Waki-no-kamae

Left hanmi bokken lowered on the right hand side and kissaki is facing behind you, the bokken must be slightly lower than horizontal.

Here I have one strike you should practice going to from all the stances:

Shomenuchi

The sword is raised overhead as you step back with the right foot. The sword is brought down in exactly a vertical line. Strike to the head with good focus, and then slowly subside to chudan-no-kamae.

Glossary

Bokken: Light wooden sword. Wood katana.

Bokuto: Same as Bokken.

Katana: Metal Japanese Samurai Sword.

Kissaki: Tip or point of sword.

Seigan-no-kamae: Middle stance again. See Chudan-no-kamae.

Tachi-tori: Disarming Bokken Attack.

Tsuka: Handle of sword.

Wakizashi: Short sword.