3rd KUMITACHI

This article is designed to follow the same explanatory framework as the others in the kumitachi series, as well as the jo v bokken. I have discussed San-no-tachi (3rd Kumitachi) in earlier articles. Initial Conditions Both in migi-hanmi, chūdan, proper maai. Uchidachi initiates with kiri-kaeshi, entering not as a circular action but as a directContinue reading “3rd KUMITACHI”

4th KUMITACHI

This is aiki-ken. It assumes coherence: both players recognize initiative, distance, and line. Real encounters do not grant that clarity. Entries will be broken, timing will be stolen, and the first mistake will often be the last. The 4th kumitachi teaches a specific response to a thrust. A straight thrust can be decisive, but itContinue reading “4th KUMITACHI”

JO v BOKKEN

Cautionary Reminder This is aiki-weapons theory. It is designed to teach harmonious action, ki-musubi, not the full spectrum of combat efficacity. The emphasis on sequential action and clean initiative exchange presumes an encounter between near-equals, where both partners participate in the developmental logic of the drill. Actual combat is rarely so orderly. Real engagements fractureContinue reading “JO v BOKKEN”