Toyama Ryu Kata - Nihon Me (#2)

Nihon Me (二本目) Migi No Teki (右の敵)

#2 Enemy to the right

Change to starting position of kata by turning and stepping backwards to the right with the right foot. Take two more steps ending with both feet together. When moving, the left hand should move to the top of the saya (scabbard) with the thumb holding the tsuba (guard) to keep the katana in place. The thumb should be offset from the ha (edge). Stand relaxed with both feet even and the hands down at the sides and slightly forward. The knees should be slightly bent.

The enemy is to the right. As the right foot comes forward, 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, but the katana should not be drawn. The head should turn to track the opponent at the end of the first step. The second step with the left leg should cross to the right and the foot should be at 45 degrees. The sword and hands should not change for this step. A Batto Suihei (horizontal cut to the right made as the katana leaves the saya) is executed on the third step as the body is turned towards the opponent. The katana is raised overhead on the fourth step and a Migi kesa (downward diagonal cut to the right) is made. The right foot is brought 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 five steps back to the starting position. Move the left hand back down to the original position.

Always stop in front of belly button

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