新体道剣術 / 実践組太刀
Applications of Kyukajo – Beyond Kyukajo
ITO Fugaku – MINAGAWA Masashi
General Recommendations
- Three steps learning process :
- Shokyu (beginner) : Block attack firmly and continue with distinct movements (noise is possible – Oto ari)
- Chukyu (intermediate) : Instead of a solid reception, slide sword as if to sharpen them. Use continuous slow motion movements (less noise).
- Jokyu (advanced) : Flow of movement anticipating the attack so as not to make noise (Oto nashi). In japanese “oto” means “noise” and “otona” means “adult”. Therefore the wordplay associating “Oto nashi”(soundless) and “Otonashi” (mature) : soundlessness assessing the real-time movement of a mature,quiet, effective technique
- After learning each of technique, introduce continuity by using combinations of them, one being the plan B, or even plan C, for another, etc. thus building up your ability to perform in San-nin ichi-retsu and/or Soei kumitachi situations
1. 一の太刀 Ichi no Tachi (Sword of one)
Foundation: Kyukajo #1 (一か条 / Ichi kajo), Uchi-tachi: Daijodan-kiri-oroshi
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: While being cut, go back with Sagari-Irimi, then step forward and finish the cut above the partner’s head.
Special attention / research: Without thinking (in a state of void), simply do Daijodan-kiri-oroshi to partner’s front. Research different variations of timings and distances
2. 怒濤 Dotoh (Crashing wave) – Right technique
Foundation: Kyukajo #2 ( 二 か条 / Ni kajo), Uchi-tachi: Daijodan-kiri-oroshi
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Jodan-kiri-komi right onto the left mid-forearm to manage the attack and help opponent receive the feeling of Ten.
Special attention / research: As a wave crashing into a cliff.
3. 合し撃ち Gasshi-uchi (Joining Strike) – Right technique
Foundation: Dotoh, Uchi-tachi: Dai-jodan Kiri-oroshi
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Omote-irimi. From the Kasumi position (see technique #5) do Sagari-irimi then cut over partner’s wrist to arrive with tip of sword pointing towards opponent’s stomach/solar plexus/hara.
Special attention / research: Especially important to use the three steps learning process : from “noisy” to “soundless”, mature, technique (see General Recommendations)
4. 龍飛 Ryuhi (Flying Dragon) – Left technique
Foundation: Dotoh, Uchi-tachi: Dai-jodan Kiri-oroshi
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Right step (Dotoh timing) while passing left hand behind the sword in Ryuhi reception. Then switching step to sagari-irimi, while putting the sword back in straight position, managing the attack and expressing Tsuki (“Nori-zuki” – riding tsuki) towards opponent’s center/hara with a slight right step back.
Special attention / research: Consider combining or switching techniques between Dotoh, Gasshi-uchi and Ryuhi, according to situations.
5. 霞 Kasumi (Mist)
Foundation: Dotoh, Uchi-tachi: Dai-jodan Kiri-oroshi
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Uchi-irimi – Stepping forward into opponent’s stomach to stomach, start Jodan/Dotoh and move towards Kasumi reception to let sword retreat and disappear behind one’s head then change step to Soto-irimi and Maki-uchi (twisting wrist cut) to partner’s Jodan.
Special attention / research: During Kasumi, let opponent have perception that your sword is disappearing behind your back as you move sword from one side to the next side. Start Dotoh and use footwork to move body from right to left and only be slightly off center line so as to not be hit by opponents sword. Consider also combinations with previous techniques.
6. 巌 Iwao (Old Hard Rock)
Foundation: Eight step exercices #7, Uchi-tachi: Jodan-kiri-harai (wider angle jodan)
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Omote-irimi – Guard in Kasumi then Iwao while entering with Step #7 and finish with Jodan Kiriharai to opponent’s back.
Special attention / research: Deep irimi : Be sure steps are big and second step is straight far into partner’s space. Example of three steps learning process :
- Shokyu (beginner) : Block firmly the attack with Iwao (noise is possible) then Mawashi-uchi
- Chukyu (intermediate) : Instead of a solid reception, produce a roof with Iwao and let the attack slide on the sword then Mawashi-uchi.
- Jokyu (advanced) : While doing Iwao and steps act so as not to produce noise then Mawashi-uchi.
7. 草薙 Kusanagi (Cutting grass or Hunkering down under the storm)
Foundation: Kyukajo #3b (三か条その２ / San-kajo Sono-ni), Uchi-tachi: Jodan-kiri-harai (wider angle jodan)
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Soto-irimi while letting the body sink to get under the sword (roofing with Kasumi), eventually landing in hanmi-han-dachi; then cut partner’s back of knee in sagari (harai) or mae (komi) irimi
Special attention / research: When receiving your partner’s continuous Jodan attack, alternate between receiving Kasumi, Iwao and Kusanagi.
8. 正中剣 Seichu-Ken (The exact center)
Foundation: Kyukajo #4a (四か条その1 / Yon-kajo Sono-ichi), Uchi-tachi: Dai-jodan Kiri-oroshi (komi)
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Start with sword pointing Jodan and lower quickly to chudan level. Start with a soft or “fuzzy” feeling and end with a strong expression of forward energy that extends through and beyond your partner.
Special attention / research: Consider the effect of changing grips on sword handle. Reduce aggressive intention. Ryuhi as plan B if necessary.
9. 自護剣 Jigoken (Self Protection)
Foundation: Kyukajo #4b(四か条その2 / Yon-kajo Sono-ni), Uchi-tachi: Dai-jodan Kiri-oroshi (komi)
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: First step forward pointing sword toward partner’s Jodan then Mae-Irimi or Sagari Irimi, enter under partner’s sword with Jigo-ken by turning sword’s edge upward (adjust with partner while pointing sword to throat ) with Jigo-tai.
Special attention / research: To reach a correct position pay attention to timing, ma-ai, how to hold the sword (difference in right & left waza), body position, koshi, etc. Sword is level at Jodan position (not an angle). Consider introducing uppercut feeling
10. 燕返し (基本) Tsubame-Gaeshi – Kihon (The turning swallow)
Foundation: Kyukajo #5a (五か条その1 / Go-kajo Sono-ichi), Uchi-tachi: Dai-jodan Kiri-oroshi (komi)
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Deep Jodan Kiri-harai (also named Kesa-giri) ending well accross (Ura-irimi) and close to partner
Special attention / research: This technique has its own value and is also essential before moving to next step (# 11)
11. 燕返し (変化) Tsubame-Gaeshi – Henka (variation of #10)
Foundation: Kyukajo #5b (五か条その2 / Go-kajo Sono-ni), Uchi-tachi: Dai-jodan Kiri-oroshi (komi), Eight step exercices #5
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Raise the sword in Dai-jodan then cut jodan-kiri-harai (kesa-giri) with Ura Irimi (#10), brief Ryuhi protection then 180° turn using step #5 to cut Jodan-kiri-harai.
Special attention / research: Beware to keep the koshi at even level (sliding steps). Practice using timing, spacing and flow of energy.
12. 津波 (表) Tsunami – Omote (Tidal Wave)
Foundation: Kyukajo #6 (六か条 / Roku-kajo), Uchi-tachi: Dai-jodan Kiri-oroshi (komi), Ura / Omote vs Uchi / Soto
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Raise sword to dai-jodan then Omote-irimi with gyaku step and chudan kiri-harai. Then turn with cross behind step then step forward cutting partner’s wrist or shoulder depending on spacing and timing.
Special attention / research: For Chudan-kiri-harai, it is necessary to extend arms when performing this technique.
13. 津波 (裏) Tsunami – Ura (Back Side for #12)
Foundation: Kyukajo #6 (六か条 / Roku-kajo), Uchi-tachi: Dai-jodan Kiri-oroshi (komi), Ura / Omote vs Uchi / Soto
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Raise sword to dai-jodan cut across partner with chudan kiri-harai same side step. Continue pivot in place and cut cut partner’s back jodan level (shoulder or wrist).
Special attention / research: For Chudan-kiri-harai, it is necessary to extend arms. This movement is similar to Taisabaki of Aikido’s Shiho-nage (in Shintaido, development of Shinwa-taiso)
14. 虚空剣 Kokuken (Sword of Void)
Foundation: Kyukajo #7 (七か条 / Nana-kajo), Uchi-tachi: Dai-jodan Kiri-oroshi (kiri-komi), Deficiency, voidness, egolessness practices
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Step back offering your shoulder to attract attacker’s intention; change sword position to horizontal (lower); then holding sword next to the body step yoko irimi followed by hook step and cut partner chudan kiri-harai with your koshi; turn and cut partner’s jodan (shoulder or wrist)
Special attention / research: Drop tensions from upper body and, moving without much intention in the sword, share the “void” with your partner. Variations: Using omote or ura body positions with Sagari-irimi, yoko-irimi or ushiro-irimi stepping. 心法 Shin Poh – Spiritual self control method.
15. 八相 (基本) Hasso (Kihon) (Eight Phenomenons)
Foundation: Kyukajo #8 (八か条 / Hachi-kajo)
Uchi-tachi 1: tsuki at jodan or chudan level while stepping in reaching far forward.
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Step back to avoid tsuki and take Hasso position.
Special attention / research: Continue to turn the blade of the sword until it faces backwards.
Uchi-tachi 2: Tenso with big step back to avoid jodan-kiri-harai,
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Then cutting jodan-kiri-harai, step forward and across the partner to hanmi-han-dachi (may also be done in fudo-dachi).
Uchi-tachi-3: then step forward to cut dai-jodan-uchi.
16. 八相 (変化) Hasso (Henka) (Variation of #15)
Foundation: Kyukajo #8 (八か条 / Hachi-kajo)
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: After Hasso kihon: adapting to the retreat/dai jodan-uchi of the attacker, step forward with jodan-kiri-harai and then kiri-komi at gedan level (kusanagi)
Special attention / research: In the hasso position one observes the movement of the partner. If it comes, retreat, if the ma opens, tighten it. This is called the “jizai sword” (adapting freely). Kusanagi variations: Cut your partner back of knee in sagari-irimi (harai) or mae-irimi (komi). According to situation, could be done standing.
17. 合気剣 Aikiken (Sword of Harmony) – Left technique
Foundation: Uchi-tachi: Dai-jodan Kiri-oroshi (kiri-komi); Jodan tsuki
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Step right foot forward, protect with gyaku Kasumi on left side. Let the sword turn dynamically with partner sword movement and cut inner elbow (or wrist) pushing toward left elbow. Use san kaku tobi stepping.
Special attention / research: May be used as left technique of Gasshi-Uchi. Consider variations of final cut.
18. 円月刀 大 Engetsutoh-dai (Sword of Full Moon) – Left technique
Foundation: Uchi-tachi: (dai) Jodan
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Move the sword to jodan turning to the left, making a curve, as you change the sword position and place the left hand on the back of the sword and cut across your partner with chudan-kiri harai (kiri-komi).
Special attention / research: Variations/combinations with Mugen and Kokuken.
19. 円月刀 小 Engetsutoh-sho (Sword of Crescent Moon) – Right technique
Foundation: Uchi-tachi: Gedan tsuki
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Enter Kasumi on the right offering one’s right calf to attract the partner’s tsuki then switch stance in place and block your partner’s sword downward using gedan-barai. Using right-hand gedan, advance the same foot, cutting up and under your partner’s arm pit.
Special attention / research:
20. 無間 Mugen (Endless)
Foundation: Kyukajo # 9 (九か条 – Kyu-kajo), Uchi-tachi: Jodan kiri harai and Chudan kiri harai. See Engetsutoh
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Cutting jodan or chudan, step into the uchi side of your partner. Then move forward several times with shuffle step turning your partner with chudan-kiri-komi cut. For the left side, switch left hand to back of sword.
Special attention / research: With or without touching the partner’s body with the sword. Practice mind reading to find the right moment to push partner out and open the relation again.
21. 夢想剣 Musoken (Sword of Perception)
Foundation: Wakame-taiso, Uchi-tachi: Dai-jodan Kiri-oroshi (kiri-komi), Chudan tsuki
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi: Stand back to partner (mu kamae *). Turning right (or left) by stepping left (right) at an angle to the right (left) and then turning by the right (left) doing Kasumi in front of his partner in (left) cut gedan-kiri harai from left jodan (right) to right (right) gedan.
Special attention / research: * Mu kamae: Hold sword in right hand and just drop the its tip down standing in hachi-ji dachi. Two ways: by entering forward slantwise or backward. For receiving tsuki from behind, it is necessary to receive bias forward slantwise or backward so as not to remain in the line of action of the partner’s sword. Perceptions come first and form second.
22. 天真剣 Tenshin-Ken (Sword of Universal Truth)
Foundation:
Enhanced application technique for Shi-tachi:
Special attention / research:
