Toyama Ryu Kata - Nanahon Me (#7)

Nanahon Me (七本目) Hidari Migi Mae No Teki (左右前の敵)

#7 Enemies left, right, and front

Stand with both feet even and the hands down at the sides and slightly forward. The knees should be slightly bent, the back straight, and the body relaxed. There are three enemies to the front. One is on the right, one on the left, and one in the center. As the right foot comes forward for the first step, the right hand should move the grasp the tsuka (handle) and the left hand should move to the top of the saya. The katana should be loosened from the saya by pushing on the tsuba with the thumb of the left hand. The katana should be drawn to an overhead position by the end of the second step. The left hand is left on the saya. The first opponent is 45 degrees to the right. The body is turn to that opponent and a one handed Migi Kesa (downward diagonal cut to the right) is performed. The next opponent is now directly to the left. A step is made in the original direction of the kata while bringing the katana to an overhead position. The body should now be turned towards the second opponent 45 degrees to the left of the original path. A Hidari Kesa (downward diagonal cut to the left) is then performed. The body is rotated back to the original direction as the katana is raised into Chudan no Kamae (middle guard with point of sword level with throat). A Tsuki (thrust) is performed while stepping with the right foot. The right foot was already forward and this is a longer shuffle step with the left foot being dragged forward after the right foot is planted to regain proper stance. The katana is pulled back and down while shuffle stepping back with the left foot. Step forward with the left foot while raising the katana to Jōdan no Kamae (Upper guard with point of sword pointed up and slightly back). Step back with the left foot while lowering the katana to Chudan no Kamae (middle guard with point of sword level with throat).

Chuburi (fling blood off of sword) finishing with kissaki (sword point) in front of right knee and the left hand at the obi over the saya. The kissaki should be at a height between the knee and the waist. Bring the left hand to the koiguchi (mouth of scabbard) and position the saya (scabbard) for the noto. Begin the noto by bringing the habaki (blade collar) to the koiguchi (mouth of scabbard) with the blade held horizontal. Push the katana forward running the mune (back of sword) on the left hand at the koiguchi (mouth of scabbard). Let the kissaki (sword point) drop in the saya (scabbard) and snap the saya forward to align it to the mune (back) of the katana. The katana is slipped slowly into the saya keeping the mune pressed against the saya. Bring the left foot forward making it even with the right foot as the katana is seated in the saya. The left hand is left at the top of the saya (scabbard) with the thumb holding the tsuba (guard) to keep the katana in place. Run the right hand along the top of the tsuka (sword handle) and then place it back on the right thigh. Take five steps back to the starting position. Move the left hand back down to the original position.

Feet face forward-cuts at 45* (body changes direction)
Stab is to your V (top of breast bone-base of throat)
Kesa to knee
Pull straight out (no down)
After 1st cut-shortest distance to top of head (you move forward, blade stays still and comes up)
45* right-cut to knee
45* left
Straight ahead (no block before) shortest and most efficient distance
Only body changes direction-feet stay forward (always)
Ski- 40% in and 60% out (same distance with foot movement)
Always make big cuts
Make sure you always make big cuts-don’t just place the sword-no matter what speed you do kata
After 2-3 dan you can create your own speed

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