Giho 12 Ryueba-Hazushi/ 柳枝葉外

This is a beginner’s 体捌き (taisabaki) training method mainly used in 点抜 (ten’nuki).
This is extremely important for learning the right angle and the right direction when bending the knee etc.

This time we would like to briefly explain the training method 柳枝葉外 (ryuuebahazushi).
For this training method you can hold a bokken or anything with a cylindrical shape under your armpits. If you don’t have any of that, you may also just put both hands on your hips. The form stays the same.

柳枝葉外 (ryuuebahazushi) can be divided into three types base on where we put our balance. Simply put, for each of those different balance placements we either twist our body to 陰 (in) or 陽 (you), in other words to the right or to the left.

Let’s start with our balance in the centre.
Please go into 馬上立 (bajoudachi) with your legs.
From there, twist your body like this. Don’t turn your knee in- or outward too much, but bend it into the direction where you would slash/cut.
Twist your body until your side is pointing to your opponent.
It’s important to twist your body properly.

We will use the same movement, but we can alter our balance.
First, shift your balance to 陰 (in), i.e. to the right. Then twist your body to the left or to the right.
Twist your body together with shifting your balance.

Same movement on the left side. While shifting your balance to 陽 (you), i.e. to the left, twist your body to the left or right.
In shifting your balance and twisting your body at the same time, you can learn and practise the footwork for various different techniques.

Please have a look from behind. Please especially observe where to place your heels and your feet.
First, we’ll do it with our balance in the centre.
Slightly raise your heel. This is essential.
Do not raise it too much. Also, if you don’t raise it at all, that will end up burdening your knee
Raise your heels in the same manner also with your balance on the left or on the right.
We would like you to adequately repeat these movements without stressing out your knees.

As for important points you have to pay attention to, (1) do not turn your knee inward too much, (2) do not make a bow leg, and (3) while raising your sole adequately, turn your body to the side. Always keep your face frontward. Do not turn your head to the side.

This movement is called 柳枝葉外 (ryuuebahazushi).
The name 柳枝葉外 (ryuuebahazushi – the four kanji mean “willow”, “branch”, “leaf” and “outside”) stands for moving one’s body freely like the branches and leaves of a willow tree.
Since this taisabaki is used for various different techniques, this is a good training method. Please feel free to try it out!