Toyama Ryu Kata - Sambon Me (#3)

Sambon Me (三本目) Hidari No Teki (左の敵)

#3 Enemy to the left

Change to starting position of kata by turning and stepping backwards to the left with the left 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 left. 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 should turn to track the opponent at the end of the first step. The second step is taken without performing any other action. The katana is drawn on the third step as the body is rotated 45 degrees towards the opponent. During this step it is important to place the right foot so the proper stance will be achieved after the turn. The right hand should be at the hip and the katana should be inclined upwards with the blade horizontal and the edge to the right. A tsuki (thrust) is executed with the katana left horizontal so it will slip between the ribs. The target of the tsuki is the heart and the body is rotated at the beginning of the tsuki to provide more energy. The katana is pulled back out following the same angle of the tsuki. An overhead block is then 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. Step back with the left foot while bringing the katana into an overhead position. Execute a Hidari Kesa Giri (downward diagonal cut to the left). 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 both hands to the original starting position.

IMPORTANT stabbing into solar plexus (heart)
Opponent if always same height as you
Target is the heart
Make sure hibaki is overhead – no enough power to hold block – block right above hibaki.
Block is always nice and strong
Blade is always flat on stab (to go between rib cage)
Make sure blade is up-away from head-use side of blade to block
Don’t drop back leg too far back-always check for proper stance
Back leg should be 1 ½ foot back (the size of your own foot) and same distance apart as shoulders

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