Toyama Ryu Kata - Yonhon Me (#4)

Yonhon Me (四本目) Ushiro No Teki (後の敵)

#4 Enemy to the rear

Change to starting position of kata by stepping forward four steps ending with the feet together. Move the right foot back and to the left. Rotate to the rear on the balls feet and pull the right foot back to be even with the left. 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 behind you. 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 rotate to the right to see the enemy. Turn to face the opponent on the second step. The katana is drawn to an overhead position while turning. The left hand is left on the saya. Execute a one handed Migi Kesa (downward diagonal cut to the right) while stepping backwards with the right foot. Bring the sword overhead with a large circular motion while stepping backwards with the left foot and execute a Hidari Kesa (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 it back on the right thigh. Take three steps back to the starting position. Move the left hand back down to the original position.

Batto, turn, cut
Kisaki not beyond outside of foot or inside of foot (always stop over big toe)
Cut to knee height
Cut inside frame of body

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