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Cutting with a Samurai Sword

TE NO UCI - Cutting Technique

The objective of kirioroshi, and all other cutting techniques, is to make the blade slice - not hit - the target, so the blade must travel straight and cut completely through the target. A samurai cannot afford to get his sword wedged in an opponents body. The time it takes to work it free might easily cost him his life!

The first was to to ensure a straight cut is to be certain the blade does not wiggle as it swings downward. This is called hasugi o tosu. Proper tsuka no nigiri kata is is one important way to keep the sword traveling straight. A correct grip as previously described, with the hands close together and tightening inward as the sword swings downward, reduces the degree to which the blade can waggle from side to side. To completely eliminate shimmy in the sword, be certain both hands swing in exactly the same line.

In addition to proper grip and straight alignment of the hands while swinging the sword, the key to cutting technique is enshin-ryoku, or centripetal force. The Japanese katana is, without question, the finest sword ever produced by human hands. It was painstakingly designed to slice perfectly if swung correctly, so it is only necessary to guide the sword to the target and let it do the job for which it was designed!

By snapping the arms and wrists forward so they reach full extension just above the target, the cutting section (mono-uchi) of the sword reaches a high velocity just before impact (figure 7-5a). From there, the weight of the sword and its natural path of follow-through will cause it to slice effortlessly downward.

A simple exercise for practicing correct cutting techniques to swing the sword in a half cut, stopping at the point shown in figure 7-5a, then raising the sword overhead again and make a full cut, finishing as shown in figure 7-5b

By repeating this half-swing/full-swing, you will develop a habit of reaching full extension just above the target and allowing you arms to fall naturally to the finishing position.

Shimabukuro M, Pellma L J, Flashing Steel Mastering Eishin-Ryu Swordmanship. California: Frog Ltd.; 1995. 87 p.

This excerpt can be found in Flashing Steel. Flashing steel is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn the Japanese Katana or collectors with an appreciation of the techniques and skill involved in using the samurai sword correctly. Flashing steel is an excellent introduction to the art of iaijutsu well covering the complete system of Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu in terms of technique. $22.95 CAD +Basket