Kenjutsu Kumitachi nihonme- No. 2 (Nagashi- Yokomen uchi)

Now we we will continue Kumitachi of the grading syllabus 3 Kyu Sankyu Nihon Kobudo/Kobujutsu.

Kenjutsu Kumitachi is a paired sword practice. Here we will walk through Nihonme.

With kumitachi you will learn:

the correct fighting distance (maai)
to control the centerline (seichusen)
the correct Taisabaki, to avoid and counter an attack at the right time (timing)

The two sides are named Uchidachi and Shidachi. It can be confusing at first, if you are used to Uke and Tori:

Uchidachi in this case compares to Uke, uchidachi is the teacher/senior side
Shidachi in this case compares to Tori, shidachi is the student side

Uchidachi (uchitachi, “uke”) draws his sword (nuki) and performs kiri, the cut.

Shidachi (shitachi, ”tori”) starts from Seigan no Kamae or Sankaku dai, responding with taisabaki and counter attack.

KENJUTSU KUMITACHI NIHONME:

2. Nagashi- Yokomen uchi

Attack: Right step back to Jodan no Kamae, right step forward Shomen uchi
Defence: Left cross-step to the right corner with Nagashi, cut right Yokomen uchi

Explanation:

• Uke (Uchidachi) take right step forward to Seigan no Kamae, Tori (Shidachi) stays in Sankaku Dai (Musubi dachi)

• Uke: Right step back to Jodan no Kamae

• Uke: Right step forward, cut Shomen uchi

• Tori: Starts from Sankakudai, crosses over with a left step to the right corner. It becomes a left Irimi to the right with a simultaneous Uke nagashi (parade), You are now standing to the side of the Seichusen