Toyama Ryu Kata - Roppon Me (#6)

Roppon Me (六本目) Ushiro Mae No Teki (後前の敵)

#6 Enemies to rear 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 enemies to the front and rear. 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, but the katana should not be drawn. The head is rotated to left to see the enemy to the rear on the second step. The right foot crosses to the left on the third step. The katana is drawn while turning to the rear and an overhead block is performed. The kissaki (sword tip) is rotated up at the beginning of the block. The block should be performed so that the katana is left above and slightly forward of the head with the right hand to the right of the head. A step to the rear with the left foot is made while bringing the left hand to the tsuka (handle) and rotating the kissaki (sword tip) to the rear. The left foot should be placed to the right with the legs crossed. A Hidari Kesa (downward diagonal cut to the left) is then performed. The body is rotated around to face the other opponent while bringing the katana back to an overhead position. A Gedon Giri (Low vertical cut with the kissaki ending level with knee) is then performed. 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 six steps back to the starting position. Move the left hand back down to the original position.

Make proper step over-far enough to have right foot back in correct place without needing to correct
One enemy in front and back – make sure you stay in proper space.
If offline OK-opponent will still go for head
Make sure you make block and cut-not just place sword
The 2nd step is half way back
The 3rd step is ¾ back for proper stance in cut

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