Technique of the month
KATATE SUKUI KIRI (One handed
cut to the leg)
This technique is one of the cuts practiced
in Kenjutsukai of Serbian Budo Council. It is a favorite technique amongst
beginners. Too long opponent's postures and inappropriate guards enable
applying of this cut. Sukui kiri is used as a "punishment" for stiff guard,
punishment for inappropriate distance (Maai) and a quick score -
technique in Kenjutsukai semi-contact shiai. Demonstrators are Nenad Zivic
and Veljko Spasic, advanced ju jutsu and kenjutsu practitioners in Serbian
Budo Council.
1. Starting position. Swords
are touching with the left sides of blades. Pushing opponent's sword to
the left keeps him far away from your right (front) hand. This is a "passive
position", used before each attack. "Active position" means crossed blades
touching with right sides, when there's an open way to the opponent's right
(front) hand.
2. Harai waza - "Warding-off
technique", "replacing the sides" of swords. This is bouncing push of the
opponent's sword to the right, similar to the Musashi's "stepping on to
the sword" (like kiri otoshi). This introduction is made with the okuri
ashi, short sliding step forward. Opponent usually jumps back, "forgetting"
his front (right) leg.
3. Katate sukui kiri - After
moving right foot forward (sliding), deshi assumes low position, similar
to karate zenkutsu dachi. Short and quick horizontal (suihei) cut follows.
Katate guard allows long distance while cutting (striking). Although this
photo may confuse beginners and look like a shomen uchi, or "shin choku
kiri",
cut - strike to the head...),
opponent's sword is quite far back, after being pushed away with harai
waza. When performed well timed, this whole technique is very safe. Course,
you must step back immediately after a cut.
This technique
is forbidden in kendo. However, this is my tokui in our kenjutsu kumite.
Respectfully,
Dr. Ivica Zdravkovic, kenjutsu
sandan