Hitatsu No Tachi of the Itto Ryu--Part two
by Philip Scudieri, Delaware Budokan San Sai Dojo
The two swordsmen moved carefully towards each other, each staring into the other’s eyes. The sun had risen well into the sky and the field that smelled so sweet with morning dew and the sent of flowers, was now hot, stifling and permeated with the odor of death.
Watching from the edge of the field was Itosai Kagehisa, founder of the Itto Ryu. His top two students would fight to the death to see who would inherit its leadership. Suddenly it was over.
After gaining composure,
Migogami Tenzen walked over to pick up the scroll of mysteries and the fan
left by his Sensei, who had already left the field.
It is believed that Itosai then entered the priesthood and lived until the
age of 94.
Tenzen became Ono Tadaaki; founder of the Ono Ha Itto Ryu.He and his sons would be honored to instruct the family of the Tokugawa Shogunate. In swordsmanship, Tadaaki would be often compared to the great masters.
This school produced master swordsmen up until the late Edo period (mid 1800s) such as Chiba Shusaku and Yamoka Tesshu.
Uchi-otoshi
or striking downward
Both uchi and shitach are in chudan or middle position. (Photo 1) |
Uchitachi steps forward with his left foot raising his bokken to jo-dan or upper position. Shitachi steps back slightly so his right foot is at 2 o’ clock or thirty degrees. Also in jo dan (2) |
Uchitachi steps forward with a downward cut (kiri-oroshi)
Shitachi throws his left foot back while cutting quickly, ending up about 45 degrees off of uchi’s sword. (3) |
The ha or edge strikes the mune or back of the sword. The katana bounces off and strikes uchi in the throat. (4) |
This is not a one – two rhythm. It must be one strike and cut altogether.
Proper angle at time of contact (5)
Practice tips:
Kenjutsu strategy is pretty much timeless and can be used in modern day confrontations with empty hand, ancient or modern weaponry.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Thanks to David Ciemniewski and Walter Orth for demonstrating.
(Please, visit the web site of Scudieri sensei at the Delaware Budokan San Sai Dojo)
