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Post by Deleted on Jun 7, 2009 9:45:37 GMT
Here's mine.
Advice is much appreciated. I've found it rather hard to find info on just how to do this. Shared videos help too!
This video represents the way I must swing to cut bottles. It seems that I have to draw pretty far to the left, then swing right to actually cut bottles with this. I don't know if going so far left is right or not or if it's one of those things that depends on the ryu.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 7, 2009 20:18:52 GMT
It may sound a little rude and harsh, but it's easier for me to list things. So no hard feelings.
First: the angle of the saya dictates the line of the cut. When you cut yoko (horizontal) the saya also should be horizontal (90 degrees twist to the left), otherwise you're doing to movements that collide with each other. Second: when you draw, also take the saya backwards. It's shorter time that way. Third: time your step and cut to be simultaneous. It's important. Forth: I was taught not to hunch over like that, but to keep a straight back.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 8, 2009 2:40:28 GMT
No hard feelings at all. Constructive criticism is great. Sensei didn't sugarcoat it. I will work on those, especially on 3. I don't know about 4, but it makes sense. I was using what was basically neko dachi from karate, but this is quite different. I'm now thinking that the weight should be on the front foot instead of the back (seems your weight's always forward in JSA) and keeping my back straight. I see people lean forward for nukitsuke often, but probably without hunching. Just drawing the hips back a bit. The main goal being to coil like a snake about to strike. Thanks.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 8, 2009 11:28:06 GMT
I agree with everything said except number 3. I think this is style specific. Some schools have that the step should be finished and stable before the cut but the hips should be coiled like a snake before the cut unleashes. This is a slight variation but a big one from another perspective, a difference in dynamics, yet both get the job done. Ryu specific and important in that context, but always be open to other styles and their reasons. Raven
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Post by Deleted on Jun 8, 2009 12:44:24 GMT
Ah. I will experiment then.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 8, 2009 13:21:14 GMT
As for the weight forward, it also seems to be style and stance specific. In taijiquan if I'm cutting from a T stance (back stance - cat stance) my weight is supposed to 100% on my rear leg with the waist movement from the empty passing step providing the power. If I'm cutting in a Bow Stance (front stance) my weight is primarily in the front leg and the power is provided by the waist movement from a weight shift with or without step.
But since you practice JSA, I'm not sure how much of those movement principles you would follow. The only thing I really see in common here is the emphasis on keeping the back straight, which for the prevention of muscle strain and injury. Just my $0.02
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Post by Deleted on Jun 8, 2009 15:01:26 GMT
Have to agree with what has been stated so far. First of all sageo into the pocket is not the correct way though I am not sure how to put it into words. The best I can suggest is to flick the sageo back and then pull it down slightly so that it locks in against the saya on the other side. Drawing the saya back as far as you can as you draw the blade. Your strike should coincide with your foot stamping the ground. When you resheath pull the saya up the blade uptil it is a little over halfway and then push the blade into the saya. Seat the blade into the saya with the left hand on the bottom of the tsuka with a firm push. Always keep your back straight.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2009 21:22:28 GMT
I'd like to offer my own critique as well - from the mindset of Muso Shinden Ryu, Omori-Ryu, as instructed to me by my sensei. And as you know even those who practice the same ryu will have differences based on teachers. But first of all... RE: sageo in pocket. Definitely not. The whole point of the sageo being tied is so that your saya - and quite possibly the sword itself - do not come all the way out of your obi without your intending for that to happen. In the days of the Samurai, it was primarily to prevent the saya from being lost during a battle. Today, it is primarily about reishiki. But regardless, please tie it to your belt. First, tying the sageo to the kurigata: Before you tighten it up, make sure both lengths are even at the ends. Next (using a belt around my thigh to simulate the himo of a hakama) tying the sageo to your belt: I hope that helps. As to your form, remember there are a lot of nuances that I hope I can explain so that you understand. First, as has been mentioned, don't slouch forward. You are not a snake coiled to strike, you are a swordsman who is aware of his surroundings, ready to act at any moment. As such, hips forward, back straight, knees ever-so-slightly bent. As you begin to step forward (sliding toes first, not heel first), your right hand grasps the tsuka and your left thumb breaks the habaki free. Your step should be about half-way finished (right knee bent, and left leg straight, heel pushing up) as you pull the sword straight out as far as you can. You should notice that you cannot unsheathe the sword completely this way, thus you need to finish the nukitsuke with sayabiki. Sayabiki is where you pull back on the saya, your left hand wrapped around the koiguchi with thumb and index finger touching, and keeping it close to your body, you pull it back off the end of the blade and around your side. Also, you will twist the saya (and sword) 90 degrees so that it is horizontal if that is the cut you are preforming. At the end, your blade will be free and looking front on, someone should see your saya sticking out level behind your right hip. Please do this slowly at first - even with a dull sword, you can easily split your saya (and even your hand) wide open until you have this technique down. Now at the same time that you are preforming sayabiki, the blade (which is now horizontal) will be moving in the other direction (the drawing of the sword and the action of sayabiki, along with your forward momentum as you finish the step all adding power to the cut). You finish with your right arm outstretched, elbow locked, knuckles up, hand just even with your shoulder, ha (blade edge) tilted slightly up, and kissaki (tip) pointed at your target. Whew! I hope that makes sense. I really need a video camera. My recommendation would be to take it slow for the purposes of showing others what you are doing. So that we may see your form at various stages. As far as Noto goes, wrap that left hand around the koiguchi with thumb and index finger tips touching. The mune (back of the blade) rests on the webbing between your thumb and fingers. The blade does not go into the saya, the saya goes onto the blade - subtle difference, but crucial. Move the saya about to put it on the end of the sword - do not move the sword about trying to put it into the saya. Good luck!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2009 1:57:05 GMT
Ok, my main question was about whether or not I should have to draw the sword out to my left to actually cut something when I swing to my right.
As for putting the sageo in my pocket, I don't really care where it goes as long as it's out of my way. I've read some arguments about it and it seemed like no one could come to an agreement on what it's actually for and that not all ryu tie it to their belts. I'm not so concerned, but it is nice to have something to do with it.
I perform sayabiki well enough to not damage my saya. Nuff said.
Roo, that was a wonderful explanation, I will try to keep it in mind as I practice.
I'm now successfully cutting bottles most of the time with this cut, so I'm pretty satisfied. I'm aware that it is not pretty and needs quite a bit of polishing to look serviceable, but I'm glad it does the job it should. I will practice every part of this, but for the moment, I'm just glad it cuts.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2009 11:49:24 GMT
Ok, my main question was about whether or not I should have to draw the sword out to my left to actually cut something when I swing to my right.
my answer to that would be a no.
hey steeve sign into youtube & accept the invite, ive got a video to share with you.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 21, 2009 20:17:53 GMT
Ok, my main question was about whether or not I should have to draw the sword out to my left to actually cut something when I swing to my right. The short answer is no. The long answer is, not surprisingly, a no as well - at least not with with nukitsuke. But it is really difficult to explain. Easier to demonstrate - of course, I'll have to leave that to those with the means to do so. I perform sayabiki well enough to not damage my saya. Nuff said. It is more your hand I was thinking about... Roo, that was a wonderful explanation, I will try to keep it in mind as I practice. You're welcome. I'm now successfully cutting bottles most of the time with this cut, so I'm pretty satisfied. Nice!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2009 0:55:10 GMT
Sorry if I seemed short.
So, the sword comes out straight forward and then moves right?
I'm cutting bottles, but apparently not the right way (which will probably be so easy once I figure it out...)
I've also received some answers in PM suggesting my supposition was correct to a degree, such as a 45 degrees to the left draw.
EDIT: This may show what I'm doing slightly better.
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