Toyama Ryu Kata - Gohon Me (#5)

Gohon Me (五本目) Chokuzen No Teki (直前の敵)

#5 Enemies just in 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. The katana should be loosened from the saya by pushing on the tsuba with the thumb of the left hand. The sword is drawn and placed in Jōdan no Kamae (Upper guard with point of sword pointed up and slightly back). The left hand is left on the saya.
Three steps are made with a Hidari Kesa (downward diagonal cut to the left) being executed on the third. The left hand is raised to grasp the tsuka (handle) as the steps are being made. The kissaki should not drop down before the cut is executed. The katana is raised back overhead and a Migi Kesa (downward diagonal cut to the right) is executed on the fourth step. The katana is raised back overhead and a Hidari Kesa (downward diagonal cut to the left) is executed on the fifth step. Shuffle step forward as the katana is raised into 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 seven steps back to the starting position. Move the left hand back down to the original position.

Different rhythm (for higher rank)
1-2-3
1,2-3
1,2,3

Samurai Swords   Iaito (Practice Swords)   Shinken (Cutting Swords)
Wakizashi (Short Swords)   Tanto (Daggers)   Japanese Weapons   Maintenance
Uniforms   Sharpening   Sword Repair   Sword Customization Tatami Targets