17: REGARDING HAYANUKI - August 1935

Hayanuki and Bangai (Kaewaza/Henkawaza) are not the right path to follow. This does not mean that they are detrimental. Consequently these practices should be done in ones own time to achieve smooth and continuous movement. They must not be done in public as a demonstration.

Addition 1, There are two methods of doing Hayanuki.

a, Morote Nuki (both hands)

b, Katate Nuki (single handed) apart from Hikitate action. This Hayanuki was created for Tatehiza moving in four directions. Action starts and finishes facing Shomen. The main training objective is smooth continuous movement. It usually finishes with Ukenagashi. To end with this form it would be appropriate to sit facing a little diagonal to Shomen. Consequently at the end of Ukenagashi action the body will be facing Shomen.

2, In generations past elderly people were against Hayanuki being performed in public. However younger generations don’t seem to be concerned about this. It could be the result of time, place and occasion.

18: ADMONITIONS

1, When handling the sword ones attitude should be respectful and polite.

2, The left thumb always covers the Tsuba to stop the blade sliding out unintentionally.

3, Before practice of demonstration, always check all sword parts especially the Mekugi.

Addition 1, Modesty towards the sword is one of the basic requirements, and the way of handling it must be gentle and careful. It is an entirely matter concerning sports and the way equipment is handled.

2, This is why Torei is taken before and after performances, carefully, gently, gracefully. Also it should arouse the opponents heart.

Yamamoto Sensei used to say to me, When you have finished bowing to the opponent, examine the sword situation with your own eyes. The sword is the essence of our life. Therefore we have to treat is respectfully for the bottom of our hearts.

19: SIZE OF KATANA AND TSUBA - August 1935

I have noticed that there are many people who are using a sword that is too long with a Tsuba that is too small. To possess an unsuitable weapon is unnatural in any kind of business. It is not at all advisable. The length and weight should be proportionate to the owner. Normally the Tsuba is supplied by the swordsmith when it has been made. So it is unnecessary to change to a smaller one. The length of the blade can be decided by the person who orders it. However a standard length was attested and introduced some time ago. There are two elements;

1, Body height minus 3 feet or, 2. Holding the sword with one hand the Kissaki just touches the ground.

Addition : The length of a sword, its curve, weight, length and shape of the Boshi etc. are deeply connected with Iai performance. The length is as stated. The Sori (Zori) - shape or curves are;

TORIIZORI - An even curvature.

KOSHIZORI - A nearside curvature.

SAKIZORI - A top curvature

Torii (shrine gate) zori and Koshizori are suitable for Iai, but Sakizori is not recommendable as it cuts the fingers very easily.

The weight of the sword should be determined by the body weight and power of the user. An over weight sword could damage the arm muscles, agitate body balance or create all kinds of habits. Also the shape of the Boshi is related to Noto. A short Boshi creates no problems. A Boshi which is too long or too big produces difficulties when the Kissaki meets the Koikuchi. With regards to the size of the Tsuba; A small Tsuba is rather convenient in controlling the right wrist. One too large will interfere just as much as a blade that is too long. To use ones common sense in choosing an Iaito, I would recommend the following points; a, Weight b, Length c, Sori as in (A) or (B)

20: REGARDING THE HI OF THE SWORD - August 1936

A Katana which had a Hi on both sides of the blade was appraised as unlikable, because it creates extra noise in cutting which shows one’s position to the opponent. The Hi was originally developed to stop the sword getting easily bent or control the weight balance. In some cases it was a kind of accessory Some people say that the extra noise interferes with concentration. But I think this is a personal evaluation. It would be advantageous for beginners to use a blade with a hi to check the Hasuji/Tachisuji (angle of the edge). If the Hasuji is wrong, No sword can make a cutting sound.

Addition : A wider deeper Hi makes a louder noise. It is very useful for beginners to check the angle of the edge.

A classical blade. With this it is not so easy to make a cutting sound

A blade with a hi makes a sound

Even without a Hi, a narrow Mune with a wide shinogi can easily make a cutting sound. In olden days a sound that was too loud was avoided. Compared with this a Soehi (double line) blade was respected because it creates a graceful sound. Unfortunately we do not see these blades so often nowadays.

Next Page