- by Lin
- March 12, 2024
- Katana info
Grip of the Katana Handle
Similar to gripping a bamboo katana, grip the katana slightly below the guard without touching the right index finger. Leave a space of about two or three fingers horizontally between the two fists (right in front, left in back). Then, tightly grip with the little and ring fingers while loosely gripping with the remaining fingers.
Gaze
When sitting or standing upright, gaze at the floor about 4-5 meters ahead without focusing on a single point. Use the technique of looking at distant mountains with the eyes half open. However, during the movements, often stare at the opponent and continue staring at the opponent even when they have been cut down. Just avoid lowering the head and looking down too much.
Breathing (Touna)
Adopt a calm, slow, and abdominal breathing. After completing each form and returning to the original sitting position, slowly take two abdominal breaths to regulate. Start the movement around the time of inhaling the third breath. Moreover, do not exhale from inhaling the third breath until completing the form. Only exhale lightly after sheathing the katana. If performing a long form that requires breathing in between, do so without letting the opponent notice. The technique varies depending on each person’s training.
Kiriko no Kiritsuke (Pushing the Katana Tip to Part the Scabbard Mouth)
Calmly and slowly move the right hand up from under the katana handle, supporting it with the thumb and index finger. The left thumb slightly pushes the katana tip to the right diagonal front, gently and imperceptibly.
Battou (Drawing Cut)
The initial horizontal cut at the moment the blade leaves the scabbard (kiriko) is the essence of Iaido. The drawing speed starts calmly and slowly, speeds up in the middle, and becomes lightning fast near the tip leaving the kiriko, following the sequence of “slow, break, urgent”. The key is to seize the initiative and deliver a lethal first strike.
Kirisage (Cutting Down)
The complete cutting down stroke to finish the opponent hit by the horizontal strike. Perform a powerful downward cut from above the opponent’s head, drawing a large arc from the upper level down to the suigetsu (chest level). When kneeling, the katana tip should be about 15-20 cm from the floor. When standing, maintain the angle of the blade when cutting down.
Zanshin
The state of remaining alert to the opponent even after defeating them, to immediately respond if the fallen enemy attacks again. From shaking off blood until sheathing the katana, maintain a mindset of always being ready to react to the fallen opponent.
Noutou (Sheathing the Katana)
While fully demonstrating zanshin, calmly and slowly sheath the katana from the base with the feeling of putting it away at the hip. Avoid hasty, fancy, or hand-only sheathing. Coordinate the right hand holding the katana and the left hand gripping the scabbard mouth with the proper timing.