I began class with 六法 Roppō. We made sure everyone had the initial angle and distance correct. Subtle shifts one way or another separate life and death.
To begin class I showed 足拂浮舟 ashi barai ukibune with the tachi. You may have seen this kata in Kashima-Shinryū tachi kihon, but it is not the same as our Bujinkan version. Our opponent cuts in, we receive with jodan uke. Then using 撚り型 yorigata, cut down to the leg.
I began class with a 掬上 sukuiage using tachi. But the starting kamae was unique in the manner I studied with Hatsumi Soke. We started in 音無しの構 Otonashi no kamae.
I began class with 太刀討 Tachi Uchi or 太刀討之位 Tachi Uchi no kurai. In this kata you destroy your opponent's tachi. Or break the form of his sword attack. But it happens at a specific position in the kukan.
I began class by using 撚り型 yorigata with a tachi. As our opponent cuts in from hasso, you receive muto dori style, then shield using 十字 juuji. When the yorigata occurs, you press forward at this angle. Not only does this move your opponent's weapon from its' threatening position, but your own sword now lies across his chest/neck.
I started the class by asking everyone to review basic 手解 tehodoki. With something as basic as tehodoki, there is a LOT of kuden. It is surprising how something so simple can only be taught in person, through direct experience.
Now I began class with a kamae I am sure 95 percent of the Bujinkan does not know or has not studied. It is 陣中の平の構 jinchu no hira no kamae. This kamae is wonderful for the study of this year's themes of muto dori and tsurugi.
a student demonstrated the kata 斬上 kiriage. Then I shared my version of this which uses the whole body to drive the cut. What looks like two cuts should be made one. It is a powerful blow that drives through the attacker's body. Even if he had armor on it should move him completely so he is vulnerable. Remember most sword cuts in the Bujinkan are really oshigiri.
11/14/13 We warmed up with ukemi partner drills. Your partner pushes, pulls, or strikes at different angles. From in front or behind. And you learn to receive. Then we added a knife. There were questions about using intent for the attacker or masking intent. People mistakenly think that the giver of the godan test is...