Diagram (1) is using only the hand only to do Noto. Diagram (2)is describing an oval line with the right hand to make a mild circular movement of Noto. Sayabiki has to be done sharply and clearly. Diagram (2) has one good point in displaying Zanshin towards the opponent with the Tsuka-gashira. To effect this the movement of the right hand must not stop during Noto action. A smooth continuous movement is a requisite. NOTO POSTURE. Good posture in Noto is combination work of positive foot position, settled hips and the twisting and turning action of both arms.

Balancing both hands and steady control produce successful results.

After Chiburui action when pulling the right foot backward one pace slightly towards the right one must maintain a steady balance. The front knee is slightly bent and the back leg is almost straight. The waist sinks a little and the Tanden is alert and full of energy.

It is not so easy to twist the waist and hold this posture but it is a crucial part of the technique that some people seem to be able to do and others can’t. One pointer is keep both heels firmly on the ground and put the body weight on the heels instead of the toes.

There are several occasions when one uses a waist twisting movement in Iaido. However this twist must only be done horizontally. It is inhibitive to move the waist up and down during action, because it interferes with sharp movement forwards or backwards. Also it is difficult to take continuous movements.

In Iaido once one has begun a sitting or standing posture one must keep an invisible contact on the opponent until returning to the original position.

Whilst the right hand is moving forward, The Saya-te (left hand) pulls the Koikuchi backwards. When Kissaki reaches the Koikuchi lift the Kojiri to align the Saya and the blade. Then bring the right fist back to the Koikuchi. The right knee smoothly descends to the ground and the left thumb secures the Tsuba against the Koikuchi. Standing up bring the back foot forward to meet with the front foot. Noto technique finishes at this point, but body posture is still in Iai-goshi and Metsuke is on the fallen opponent. Finally release the right hand from the Tsuka, straighten up the body and disengage Metsuke.

There are two reasons the left thumb touches the Tsuba.

• One is to move the Tsuba secured against the Saya.

• The other is to make sure they are firmly secured together. These are the two major reasons. Place the middle joint of the thumb softly on top of the Tsuba to enable one to make a sudden movement.

The timing of touching the right (back) knee on the floor and securing the Tsuba and Koikuchi together must be at the same time.

If one is not careful the right knee will touch the ground before Noto is complete. Technically it is better to delay the back knee bend until half of the length of the blade is in the Saya. The posture at the end of Noto is very similar to the posture just before Nukitsuke action.

The rising movement after completion of Noto: This should be done in a dignified manner. It means showing correct Metsuke, posture, confidence and satisfaction. Push the Tsuka downward a little with the right hand before releasing it.

OBSERVATIONS ON NOTO MOVEMENTS.

Teachers and instructors often say to students, When you do Noto do not put back the sword in the chest, put it into the left hip. These words refer to the control of the left hand when taking Noto action. In other words, to bring the left hand forward and lift in Noto action. If the Koikuchi is lifted when the Mune meets with the Koikuchi at chest height it is described as Noto into the chest which is a rather disrespectful movement within our school. To put the sword back in the hip. The left hand must be pulled back as far as possible. At this instant the Kumogata (Note) is almost digging into the Obi.

Note: Kumogata; Cloud-shape, referring to the Sageo knot which keeps it evenly doubled through the hole in the Kurigata.

At this time a combination of right and left handwork produce a smooth and natural Noto. If the Saya-te (Saya hand) is too high the Tsuka-te (Tsuka-hand) is automatically too high to take Noto.

Most of the direct students of Oe Sensei have followed this method. There is one exception, which is Noto in Oku-Iai Tachiwaza No 9 Kabezoe.

Is it not necessary to intentionally push the Tsuka downward too much. However the Tsuka-gashira is held no higher than hip level. The Saya-te must be efficient of moving the Saya upward, downward, to the left or right at any required time.

REGARDING OTOZASHI.

The Otozashi technique is a style of Noto when the Tsuka-te is raised above the head to connect the Kissaki with the Koikuchi. Our Oe Sensei did not teach this method. He usually pushed down the Saya for Noto.

In one sense it might seem natural that the Kojiri drops as it is usually worn in a Kaku Obi (stiff sash). However if Metsuke and Zanshin spirit is alert, the Tsuka-gashira should also be inclined towards the fallen opponent to be specific. I am concerned with this element when I do Noto. In my opinion it is wrong to make excuses because an Obi is too stiff. Every one should an Obi that is suitable for ones individual requirement. Also there is more than one way to wear an Obi. If it is difficult to find a suitable Obi or one has difficulty in tying one.

• Try and reason it out yourself.

• If not seek the advice of a teacher or senior. What kind of Obi to choose and how to wear it is very careful precise individual study. After this comes the determination of which is the most suitable method of Noto.

There is a very close connection between the height of the Tsuka-te and the finish of Chiburui and Noto. If the Tsuka-te is high, Chiburui will end up high. If the Tsuka-te is low, Noto will finish low. This is very curious however every time we perform, the results with manifest this connection. I cannot explain why, perhaps some kind of sense or feeling might be involved.

Begin with these points of view;

The correct result in Chiburui will not be attained if the right fist is too high because blood will be spread all over the place.

If the hand is too high in Noto it does not fit in with Jikiden method as the posture does not show Zanshin. Also it is difficult to take emergency action from this position. It is illogical. Therefore there are a few different methods of Noto. As far as I am concerned, I think it is best to follow the path of Oh-e Sensei.

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