Giho 59 Koden Haizaho Nukiuchi no koto II/ 古伝佩坐法 抜刀ノ事 弐
Koden Haizahou Nukiuchi no Koto II
In Tenshinryuu the techniques that suppose a lifestyle or armoured sword fighting from before the Edo period such as from the Muromachi or Azuchi-Momoyama period are called 古伝 (koden – “old tradition/legend”) or 古式 (koshiki – “old style/ceremony”).
With the 古伝・古式 (koden/koshiki) techniques represented by 新陰流 (shinkageryuu) as the groundwork, the ones that were revised in the Edo lifestyle have become the standard techniques of Tenshinryuu.
However, the former lifestyle remained in the etiquette of the 武家 (buke – “military/samurai family or class”) society, also, one was to always be prepared for battle, therefore it is necessary in Tenshinryuu to study those 古伝・古式 (koden/koshiki) techniques even as a beginner.
In 古伝 (koden), techniques used when sitting in 胡坐 (koza) while wearing a tachi or a pair of long and short uchigatana are called 佩坐法 (haizahou).
胡坐 (koza) or cross-legged sitting nowadays is considered casual, but up until the early days of the Edo period or right before those it used to be a formal way of sitting.
It’s even harder to move from this position than from 扇坐 (ougiza), but it’s extremely important for, among others, the purpose of practising self-restraint and learning free body control.
Important point #1
About the legs’ movement when raising the body
So, let’s get to the explanation of some important points.
First of all, about the moment you get up.
As you can see here, right now my left lower leg is resting on my right heel.
Whether the right or the left foot is placed in front depends on the 上手 (kamite – “upper hand”) and 下手 (shimote – “lower hand”).
This time we’ll do explanation with the right foot in front.
If you try to get up from this posture, moving your body in one go is rather difficult as your legs are crossed and hurt as a result.
So, how do we go about this?
When standing up, first put down your left lower leg on the floor.
Doing so will enable you to raise your body in one go.
Please have a look from behind and pay special attention to the legs’ movement.
Left lower leg onto the ground, then cut with the sword straight down.
At this moment, we would like you to pay extra attention to putting both feet together.
Since many or prone to separating their feet like this, please be sure to always put them together.
Important point #2
About the orientation of the battou
Next, an important point about the moment you draw your sword.
If you try to draw your sword upwards from the very beginning, the kojiri will hit the ground like this.
Therefore draw the sword to the front first.
Then, halfway through bend your body backwards and at the same time raise your right hand.
Important point #3
About bending the body when cutting down
Now and important point about the moment you cut down with your sword.
When you cut down, please properly bend your body backwards.
If you don’t do so properly, your kissaki will end up hitting the ground. Also, you won’t be able to transfer your full slashing power to your sword.
As such, when cutting down, please make sure not to forget about bending your body backwards during your practice.
Important point #4
About the right hand’s positioning during the noutou
Next I’m going to explain an important point about the noutou.
Lower your kissaki and pull the sword towards your body. Then just before the tsukagashira is about to touch your body, open up your right knee and turn it into a tray.
At this time, please place your right fist fully onto your right knee.
With the wakizashi we told you to let one piece of paper fit in between, but in case of the long sword, as your blade is rather heavy, fully place your right fist atop your knee.
Then perform the chiburui and place the back of your sword onto your ribs.
Please make sure that there is no gap between the back of your sword and your ribs.
Important point #5
About pulling your right hand straight backwards
From here I’ll pull my sword straight backwards.
Many are prone to moving around their right hand like this.
Please be careful during your practice to avoid that and definitely pull your sword straight backwards.
Pull the sword straight backwards, in the moment the kissaki is entering switch from one knee to the other and slowly sheathe your blade.
Important point #6
About the form of the right hand
Please pay attention to my right hand during the noutou as you watch.
Place the back of your sword onto your ribs and pull your sword straight backwards, but if you grip the tsuka at this time, you won’t be able to properly pull it backwards and as a result, you’ll be prone to swinging around your right hand like this to do the noutou.
Please be sure to avoid that and instead, after placing the back of your sword onto your ribs, do not grip the tsuka, or better yet loosen your grip.
Please practise the noutou while keeping this in mind.
This has been the explanation for 古伝 佩坐法 抜刀 (koden haizahou nukiuchi).
As there are various differences and difficulties when compared to the battou with a wakizashi, please take your time and make sure to practise it cleanly.
Demonstration with the sousho 離 (ri)