SANBON-ME - HIDARI SITUATION AND INTENTION. An opponent who is sitting on your right side shows harmful intention. Turning 90 degrees to the right and take horizontal Nukitsukeat the opponent. Position yourself in relation to the opponent. A In this case the opponent is sitting facing you. This position is Henka-waza/KaeWaza (alternative technique). The original siuation, with the opponent sitting on the same line as yourself. Both you are facing left from Shomen.

MOVEMENTS

The same as you the opponent is sitting facing left of Shomen.

In conceiving the opponent’s harmful intention use the left knee as a centre pivot.

Turn the both feet forward to touch the floor.

Start to draw the sword.

Start turning to the right with a full spirit.

Take Nukitsuke action just before the whole body comes to face the front. The right foot moves forward.

Swing the sword in a continual movement upwards to take Jodan posture, then take Kirioroshi action.

Hold Zanshin after completion of the above movements. Take Chiburui and Noto action which are in almost the same manner as Ippon-me and Nihon-me.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR POINTS.

TURNING TO THE RIGHT.

This is the reverse action to Nihon-me, however technically it is almost the same apart from the movement of the feet and directional body turn. As the body and the sword draw are both to the right, this movement is easier than Ippon-me and Nihon-me. For this reason this action can be performed, too fast. Therefore the earlier Jo, Ha, Kyu rule should be kept in mind.

OTHER TECHNICAL MOVEMENTS

Are the same as in Nihon-me. The back foot meeting the front is the same as Ippon-me. On Nukitsuke the first foot movement should make a sharp stamping sound.

Details of the turning movement are;

As explained in Nihon-me and (2) Movement.

TECHNICAL POINTS ON THE RIGHT TURNING MOVEMENT

As stated the right turning action is not so difficult and could be performed too easily. The same as in Nihon-me, turning, Nukitsuke, must be done in a dignified manner with full spirit.

Also because of the rather easy movement, the sword could be drawn with the edge at an angle that is too flat. It is important to draw in the same manner as Ippon-me.

As repeatedly stated; Easier forms must be practice and performed with special care.

YONHON-ME. USHIRO SITUATION AND INTENTION. The opponent is sitting directly behind you on the same line. When he shows harmful intent, turn 180 degrees to the left using the right knee as a pivot and take Nukitsuke action. 1, Both of you are sitting on the same line with your back to shomen. 2, You are both sitting in Seiza. Conceiving the opponents harmful intention, turn to the left with the same technique as Nihon-me Migi. Thus difference being the turn is 108 degrees instead of 90 degrees 3, Take one step forward with the right foot just before the body squarely faces Shomen. Then take Nukitsuke action.

MOVEMENT

Swing the sword up into Jodan posture and take Kirioroshi action.

Take Chiburui and Noto action with Zanshin and spirit as in Nihon-me.

EXPLANATION OF THE MAJOR POINTS

TURNING AROUND LEFT TO THE REAR

Basically this turn is very similar to Nihon-me. However because a turn through 180 degrees is required, full commitment is imperative. The way to do this is to concentrate power into the body. In turning 180 degrees it is very difficult to maintain body balance. Therefore the upper body tends to lean forward. To stop this reaction the Tanden power must be strong to push the body forward and encompass the target at the correct distance.

There are two main points of advice; As turning 180 degrees to the left is very difficult, one point is to reserve the intention of turning even further. Secondly it is important to understand the relationship between the turn and drawing the sword. The sword draw must start to leave the Saya during the body turn. If the draw is too soon it will interrupt the body turn.

The ideal speed is;

Just a little before the beginning of the turn.

Gradually draw more.

Just before Nukitsukethe blade is drawn almost out to the Kissaki.

NUKITSUKE.

At the moment of Nukitsukethe body must be in adjusted to a straight upright posture. Don’t draw the sword with the hand and arm. Draw with Hara (Tanden) is the advice.

TURNING.

Must not be done only for the sake of the form. The fighting spirit must be strong to push towards the opponent and reach the target within the correct distance.

GOHONME

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