SECTION 1
AN EXPLANATION OF
IAIDO QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
The questions in this section were drafted by the 20th Master Kono
Hyakuren in 1928. The answers were written by the 18th Master Hokiyama
Namio.
In studying the way of Oh-e Sensei, there are many technical points
to consider. Any additional explanations are submitted by myself
(Iwata Norikazu).
Question 1. Height of the right fist when making the Nukitsuke
movement in the Seiza section?
Answer. The height of the right fist is the same level as both
the left and right shoulders.
Addition : Keeping ones power/strength in the abdomen and waist
during action. The fist cannot be over elevated. Oh-e Sensei told
us, Aim for the neck.
Question 2. Position of the right fist after completion of the
Nukitsuke movement?
Answer. The right fist should stop forward right of the right
shoulder. If the right arm is opened out too much, the action becomes
Hiki-giri (a pulling cut) rather than Nukitsuke.
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Addition : a) The ideal fist position is about 20 cms from the horizontal
shoulder line, the arm to be kept about 30 degrees to the front, Diagram
(1). When my teacher Yamamoto Takuji was still a beginner Oh-e Sensei
had told him to practice as in Diagram (2). He thought this was rather
unusual and asked why.
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Oh-e Sensei replied, Because your body posture
is not correct yet. So, do it this way until the time is right.
Oh-e Sensei had a strong character, however,
he was quite flexible in teaching individual students.
Addition: b) The fundamentals of pushing the spirit, body and sword
forward involve:
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1, Pushing the abdomen and waist a little forward at the same time.
2, Also push the right hand thumb a little forward at the same time.
If we keep the above two points in mind during practice, it is possible
to make the transition from Diagram (2) to Diagram (1).
Question 3. Is the Kissaki position the same level as the fist?
Answer, Yes, this is quite correct. However, it is acceptable if the
Kissaki is slightly lower than that of the fist.
Addition : In Nukitsuke,, the grip height was kept level with the right
shoulder and the back of the hand was kept horizontal. The Kissaki should
automatically be slightly lower than the fist. Obviously a great deal
of practice with important detail is essential.
Question 4. The angle of the sword arm?
Answer. As stated in Answer 2. I do not think is necessary to re-explain
at this point. Look at Diagrams (1) and (2) and compare the difference
between them.
Addition : As in Question 2.
Question 5. The position of the right fist in Seiza-Noto.
Answer. Is the case of teaching ;
1) Beginners -- After finishing Chiburui, push the fist slightly forward
to the right when bringing the Mune back to the Koikuchi (edge upward).
At a beginners level this action will seem to be a little unnatural, but
it will improve in time.
2) Advanced students -- Without pushing the fist forward, take Noto
action using Sayabiki technique (Seiza, Tatehiza, Oku Iai are all the
same).
Addition : The fist movement after Chiburui is very important. It is
difficult to give a literary explanation. However the 18th Master Hokiyama
Namio described this action as being done like Rubbing
the bottom of a saucepan with the Kissaki.
My interpretation regarding this explanation is ;
a) Do Noto in one without stopping.
b) Whilst turning the blade edge to point upward, keep pushing the Kissaki
forward very slightly with the intention of attacking the opponent.
c) Bring the Mune onto the Koikuchi in a continuous smooth movement.
Question 6. Forward movement of Nukitsuke footwork?
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Answer. When placing the right foot forward, the inside angle of
the knee should be a little less than 90 degrees.
The upper body must be kept vertical with a feeling of pushing forward.
As a result of this, the body may appear to be slightly bent forward.
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Addition : The important points of foot movement and position are shown
below in diagram (B). My teacher taught me to aim for diagram (A), because
using this method, it is easier to adopt a correct posture and spirit.
Please try to reason out both and decide for yourself.
Question 7. How about Chiburui in the Tatehiza section?
Answer Chiburui is towards the right-front of the body. Also The Kissaki
finishes lower than the fist.
Addition : In traditional Eishin Ryu (Tatehiza), the right fist and
the Kissaki are on the same straight line. With exception to shaking real
blood of a sword, the Kissaki would practically end up a little outside
the fist line. Hokiyama Sensei approved of this concept. Another actuality
is that, when Nakayama Hakudo Sensei taught Omori- Ryu at the Toyama Army
School in 1922 , he said that in Yaegaki (In-yo- Shintai in Shinden Ryu),
Chiburui should be done as the arm, wrist and sword are brought to the
right side of the body, Edge of the blade pointing right-hand downward.
Nakayama Hakudo is respected as great Master and creator.
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