OUTLINE FOR SHIHONAGE FROM THE EIGHT SUBURI

The eight basic sword forms are a set that provide a frame work that can be translated for empty hand.  In this regard, the sword forms are concepts that inform the empty hand techniques, specifically shihonage. Form 1. Gyakuhanmi katatedori, step back – bone lockForm 2. Gyakuhanmi katatedori, step forward – bone lockForm 3. GyakuhanmiContinue reading “OUTLINE FOR SHIHONAGE FROM THE EIGHT SUBURI”

PERCEPTUAL SPEED

As I grow older, I worry that my vision will continue to degrade. During my last eye exam, my optometrist asked me my age, 50, I answered. “Ah, your eyes will continue to go to shit until about 65 and then it will level out.” Candid, but not reassuring. Eyesight is very important to meContinue reading “PERCEPTUAL SPEED”

SUEMONOGIRI

Tameshigiri, test cutting, is typically done using rolled straw mats that have been soaked in water to add density. The term “tameshi-giri” emphasizes the test of a blade’s sharpness – tameshi “to test” + giri “cut.” The older form was suemonogiri which focuses on the target; suemono “fixed/still object” + giri “cut.” A good explorationContinue reading “SUEMONOGIRI”