Learn the basic cutting concept that most sword styles have in common. The technique is pretty much the same whether you are striking different variations of angles, grips and body positions. The proper angle of your wrists in line behind the handle of the handle gives you precise control of your sword. The last thing you want to happen is to lose control of your sword and risk injuring yourself.
INCORRECT GRIP
PROPER GRIP
There are basic sword cuts sword enthusiasts would want to know.
Do (abdomen cut)
This cut is done when facing your opponent. The cut runs from left to right across the abdomen just above the hip bones. This cut aims to avoid hitting neither the hip bone nor the rib cage but instead directed to cut the vital organs in between.
Kesa giri (”monk’s robe” cut)
Monk’s robe cut simply means a cut based on the lines of the robes of a monk. The path of this cut is a downward diagonal cut from the top of the shoulder to the opposite hip. It is noted that there are different angle variations of different sword schools may have different angle variations, but the Kesa giri is fairly universal.
Kiriage (upward cut)
Kiriage is the total opposite of Kesa giri cut. It follows a diagonal line from the top of the hip to the opposite shoulder and follow through several inches pass the target.
Kote (wrist cut)
You can deliver this cut only when your enemy is facing you holding his sword. The Kote cut is delivered s a straight down cut to the wrist area. This cut permanently leaves the opponent disabled specifically the wrist to hand part.
Men (straight down head cut)
This fatal cut is a straight down cut to the top of the skull. When practicing in the air, you should follow through to about abdomen level although some styles follow through well past the groin. It’s highly unlikely that you would ever bury the sword deeper than the skull, but the mental intent of cutting further down will strengthen you cut immensely.
Tsuki (straight thrust)
You have to grip the sword with both hands. Some styles use one handed techniques when making a tsuki cut. The Tsuki strike targets are: straight into the eyes, throat, belly, or ribcage. When striking to the ribcage, turn the blade sideways as you thrust in and push out the side in one fluid motion. You’ll slide in between the ribs, and exit out the side. When striking to the throat, do these movements then turn the blade sideways and thrust it. Lastly, push out the side to free your blade.