Toyama Kumitachi Ippon Me (#1)

(Suihei - Hidari Kesa)

Uchidachi (Attacker): With sword sheathed in saya, begin kumitachi with a bow in unison to the Shidachi. Initiating the action, the Uchidachi takes three steps forward starting with the right foot. On the third step, pause momentarily as the feet become parallel and perform a horizontal batto cut at the Shidachi on the second half of that step (Suihei). The sword cut should end with the sword still pointing forward and not too far to the side. Remember saya-biki on the horizontal cut. As the Shidachi steps back dodging the attack, the Uchidachi freezes, as he is defeated. As the Shidachi lowers his sword to the Uchidachi's throat, the Uchidachi lowers his sword to his right hand side no lower than his knee. The sword is kept pointing forward as it is lowered.

Shidachi (Defender): Walking in sequence with the Uchidachi, the Shidachi should attempt to gauge the Uchidachi’s speed & footwork, closely match it. The third step should not be completed since it would put the Shidachi well within the range of the attack. Pause with your feet roughly parallel and anticipate your opponent’s attack, but do not move until the attack starts. Step backwards with the left foot while drawing from the saya vertically. The right foot should follow and the feet should be roughly parallel. Quickly follow up and step forward with the right foot while striking to the neck simultaneously (Hidari Kesa). This should be a long step with the left foot sliding into the proper stance. Slowly draw a line with the Kissaki from the top right of the neck towards the throat (symbolizing continuation of the cut through the neck) while the opponent lowers his sword, at a similar speed (symbolizing dying).

The Shidachi (Defender) leads the end of the Kumitachi, Uchidachi (Attacker) & Shidachi stepping backwards one step, crossing swords at the Kissaki. Perform Chiburi Noto at an equal rate, carefully not to come in contact with your opponents sword (do not allow the kissaki to move to the left of center).

From this point, all other Kumitachi are begun with swords drawn, fully extended forward, and ending without Chiburi Noto-unless otherwise noted. Ending with five small steps back, stepping at the same speed Uchidachi and the Shidachi should end in unison.

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