Shinto Ryu Kenjutsu

Kasumi Shinto Ryu Kenjutsu

Shinto Ryu Kenjutsu is made of of 12 kata. There are eight O Dachi or long sword kata and four Ko Dachi or short sword kata.

O Dachi Waza – Long Sword Techniques

1. Ai Sui (Sa / Hidari)

Cut from underneath ending up with the hands close to the head, similar position to Kuri Tsuke.

Let the Kissaki drop whilst turning to face Uchi Dachi and cut in a flowing manner I.e. in one continuous movement.

2. Ai Sui (Yu / Migi)

See notes on Sa / Hidari

3. Ju

Kiri Otoshi should be direct and force Uchi Dachi to stop. Kesa Giri stopping directly in front of Uchi Dachi head. See Concept Notes for explanation of Kiri Otoshi.

4. Chi Barai

Once Kiri Otoshi is complete, you must cut Yoko Giri the moment Uchi Dachi starts to move back. Do not hesitate.

As Uchi Dachi cuts Kesa Giri, move back bringing the Ken up to point towards Uchi Dachi's face.

Lower the Kissaki and turn and cut Kesa Giri in a flowing motion towards Uchi Dachi's Kote.

5. Sarin

After Kiri Otoshi, raise the Kissaki up only slightly and cut Kesa Giri towards Uchi Dachi’s Kote.

Keep the armpit closed and the cut should stop when your elbow comes into contact with your ribs.

As Uchi Dachi cuts, step back slightly to the left (L Foot, R Foot) whilst raising the Ken up to your head.

Cut Katate waza towards Uchi Dachi's kote, then as Uchi Dachi tries to escape place your L Hand on the Tsuka and follow.

6. Uke Kaeshi

Uke Kaeshi, should be performed in the same manner as when Uchi Dachi receives Gyakute Uchi in Tachi Otoshi from Omote. I.e with the Kissaki pointing up to receive then turn towards Uchi Dachi to cut.

7. Nito Ai

8. Suri Komi

Ko Dachi Waza – Short Sword Techniques

9. In Chu

Shi Dachi: After Maki Otoshi, ensure to cover the Kissaki for safety reasons in case you slip on entering.

Notes for In Chu & Miuki Dome: The initial movement doesn’t have to be Awase, if Shidachi enters deeply then the Kissaki is brought up directly in front of Uchi Dachi’s face.

10. Uke Nagaeshi

Shi Dachi: Walk forward then pause slightly to entice Uchi Dachi to cut. As Uchi Dachi cuts take a deep step forward to the right with your left foot then quickly bringing the root foot up to finish with the feet together thus avoiding the cut completely. Finally turn and cut down to Uchi Dachi Kasumi.

Note: During the Irimi or entrance, you can either perform Uke Nagaeshi or cut to Uchi Dachi's Kote from underneath as he cuts.

11. Miuki Dome

Uchi Dachi: The beginning is similar to Rai Uchi from Chudan.

Shi Dachi: Receive the cut with the Ko Dachi near the left shoulder and the palm of your right hand facing up on both sides.

After the second cut, clear the Ken with the Tsuba whilst stepping forward with the right foot and controlling Uchi Dachi’s arm with your left hand.

Finally step forward with the left foot and cut to Kasumi.

12. Tsuki Dachi

Shi Dachi: Move in quickly with Ko Dachi pointing towards Uchi Dachi face. This forces Uchi Dachi to cut to Kote, to clear the Ko Dachi.

As Uchi Dachi cuts towards your Kote, move the front foot back whilst raising your right arm straight up.

Cut immediately after the Ken has passed below to Uchi Dachi’s Kote.

As Uchi Dachi tries to move back to escape, change the angle of the Ko Dachi pointing it towards Uchi Dachi’s Sui Getsu. Keep in contact with Uchi Dachi to ensure that you have control.