Toyama Kumitachi Gohon Me (#5)

Hidari Hasso Kesa - Migi Kesa

Uchidachi (Attacker): The Uchidachi sets up by stepping forward with the left foot and raising the sword into Hasso no Kamae (bring the tsuba of his sword equal height to your ear, with a semi-relaxed grip, keep the sword’s Kissaki not pointing straight up but leaning backwards slightly at an angle). Pause before beginning Kumitachi. Take three steps (right foot first) and continue to kesa giri to the left on the last step. Now the Shidachi should have already stepped backwards and counter attacked on your exposed right hand side. As the Shidachi steps towards his right hand side to re-center his or herself, take two small steps backwards starting with your left foot as the Shidachi moves back to the center meanwhile raising your kissaki to cross your opponent’s sword (carefully raise your sword from underneath the Shidachi’s own to avoid any contact with your Sword). Maintain equal height to the Shidachi’s sword while you both lower your swords to knee height. As the sword reaches below your waist, it should be turned clock-wise at 45 degrees.

Shidachi (Defender): The Shidachi begins this in a regular Chudan Kamae or forward stance, as the Uchidachi begins to come forward, take two steps forward, right, and left. Then on the third step on the right only proceed half way, in preparations to counterattack. As the Attack comes down towards you, step back on your left foot while sliding your right foot along in front of you (toes down without raising your feet off of the ground) so that you remained balanced. As you’re stepping back, raise your sword overhead in a straight line. Step forward and to the left with your left foot while cutting in a Kesa from the left hand side. While you’re simultaneously stepping forward on the left foot, you should be sliding your right foot behind you to maintain a strong stance. Follow through with your cut drawing a line from the throat to the neck. The Shidachi should take a half step back with the left foot and a half step forward with the right foot so the forward foot is switched but your position remains unchanged. As these steps are taken the kissaki should remain at the height of your opponent’s throat and you should finish in Chudan Kamae. Pause and then lower your sword slowly (count to three) allowing the Uchidachi to match your movement. As the sword reaches below your waist, it should be turned clock-wise at 45 degrees.

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