Maki-kaeshi is also advanced technique. The mechanism of this technique is very useful to acquire the way we use wrists flexibly.
Both uchitachi and shitachi should pay extra attention to the distance.
Uchitachi should be aware of the distance when both executing a men cut. Shitachi should perform hiraki-ashi well so he/she can cut uchitachi’s men with the correct monouchi part.
| Uchitachi | Shitachi |
1 | Take a step forwards with the left foot and takes hasso (tsuba at mouth level.) | Shitachi takes a step backwards with the right foot and take wakigamae. |
2 | Take three big steps forwards from front foot. Both=Lt.,rt.,lt. | Take three big steps forwards from front foot. Both=Lt.,rt.,lt. |
3 | Bring the sword above the head with the body facing square with shitachi. | Bring the sword above the head with the body facing square with shitachi. |
4 | Stepping in on to the right foot, strike shomen of shitachi. | Stepping in on to the right foot, strike shomen of uchitachi. |
5 | Lower the sword to the chudan level fighting to take the centre. While lowering the sword, take a slight step backwards on to the right foot to adjust the distance. | Lower the sword to the chudan level fighting to take the centre. |
6 | Step forwards onto the right foot and execute a fully committed thrust at shitachi's right lung with the sword turning to the right (the blade faces the right). Shout “YAH!” when thrusting. Lean forwards a bit with kensaki slightly down. | Parry by stepping diagonally forward to the left onto the left foot, while lifting the left hand above the head (Technique is called maki-kaeshi). While moving the right foot behind the left foot, strike shomen. Shouts "TOH!".
The footwork is called hiraki-ashi. Parrying and striking should be one motion. |
7 | Go back to the centre onto the left foot recovering from the tsuki position. | Showing zanshin, go back to the centre onto the right foot while lowering the sword to the chudan. |
8 | Lower the sword turning to the right so the blade is diagonally facing down slightly to the left. The kensaki of the sword should be pointing lower than the left knee of your opponent. | Lower the sword turning to the right so the blade is diagonally facing down slightly to the left. The kensaki of the sword is approximately 3cm to 6cm lower than the left knee of your opponent. |
9 | Take five small steps backwards onto the left foot followed by the right foot. (you can cross your legs). | Take five small steps backwards onto the left foot followed by the right foot. (you can cross your legs). |
10 | After the five steps, take chudan and ready for Kata No.5 | After the five steps, take chudan and ready for Kata No.5 |
The article is contributed by Ed, edited by Hiro Imafuji.
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