Giho 52 Fudo Karame-Dachi/ 不動絡太刀
This time is going to be training by observation for 不動絡太刀 (fudou karame dachi).
It also goes by the name 絡返 (karame gaeshi).
Taking its place as number 11 within the 12 勢法 (kata) of 立合抜刀術 (tachiai battoujutsu), this is a high-level technique.
Demonstration with the kaisho 守 (shu)
Explanation
This time we will conduct the second training by observation for one of the twelve 勢法 (kata) of 立合抜刀術 (tachiai battoujutsu), 絡返 (karame gaeshi), alias 不動絡太刀 (fudou karame dachi).
As we won’t provide too much of a detailed explanation, please watch the video, pay very close attention to the movements and then try to practise them.
So then, let us begin.
Demonstration and explanation
Start walking with your left foot at the beginning of the practice.
As the opponent draws their sword and comes charging at us, draw your own sword and parry with 不動剣 (fudouken – roughly “unmoving/immovable sword”).
attack spots for the attacker
The attacker aims at either the head area (temple or eyes), the neck area (throat or carotid arteries) or the upper arm area (between the shoulder tip and elbow).
The standard is to assume an attack aiming at the upper arm area which is the closest to the enemy.
Twine around and stab them in return.
attack spot
Stab below the enemy’s armpit as if to stick it through their armhole.
Twine around, stab them in return, then lift and cut.
attack spot
forehead
No specifications for the noutou.
不動剣 (fudouken)
As for Tenshinryuu, this is a defensive technique.
You parry the enemy’s longsword holding your sword like the 不動明王像 (fudou myouou zou – the statue of Fudou Myouou (roughly “immovable wise king”) or Acala in Sanskrit).
Back off diagonally, assume 撞木足 (shumoku ashi), bring your tsukagashira in front of your chest, bring your blade to the left and stab, then lift and cut.
We use 捲り切り (makurigiri).
The name stems from the fact that we push and cut as if we were to lift the opponent’s headgear from below.
Turn over the sword from the left.
Support the tsukagashira with your left hand and stab.
急 (kyuu) of the kaisho 守 (shu)