In the overhead cuts performed in standing kata or practice does the blade cut through and rest at the level of my navel? I think I am swinging past that which leads to some unbalancing and possibly arm/shoulder strain.. In watching traditional Japanese kata (the standing ones #5 to 12(?), for the most part overhead cuts along diagonal or directly overhead appear to come to rest with a parallel blade at the level of the navel, while other upward motion cuts more or less rest a little over one’s head. I’m sure this is flexible in actual combat where levels are dictated by how large the opponent is and what part of the anatomy you hope to render inoperable.

I watched a video session from March addressing the 3rd Kenjutsu Kata.. I couldn’t tell from the video angles whether the move from a low position addressing an attacker coming with a straight thrust up the center line actually touches the attackers bokken as the spiral movement unfolds or if it is meant to come under the attack while releasing the left hip backwards which shifts shoulders and flank out of the line of attack? The revolution of our sword in the spiral while maintaining the position of the right hand low near the right hip looks like it bypasses the attack?

In terms of practical application, I was wondering about how to apply principles when an attacker is able to grab both your collars or both arms from the front. Most of what I have seen deals with grabs of one arm by the opponents corresponding arm (i.e. right to right, left to left). I can imagine how this could unfold by changing the relationship of the attackers position to mine, but have not seen yet an example in video of classes (apologies if I missed it or have not come upon it as I work through the classes from Dec to May).

Hi Sensei, I just finished watching video on wearing hakama. Very helpful. I have been tying the front a bit differently ( shocker lol) so I will have to watch a few more times to get it down right. I really thought the hakama was supposed to start just below the obi. Is the reason it covers the obi completely etiquette, better for holding weapons or preference? Thanks!

I'm excited to announce a new section with links to purchase the best bokken and bo-tanto you can find for Nami Ryu kenjutsu and tanto-jutsu. Check out the section called "Training Weapons & Order Links" in the Kenjutsu Basics section.