Sword Form Four – (“Strike with the Hilt”)
- Assume the tatehiza position. (Modified seiza position utilized commonly when wearing armor that would make rising from a seiza position difficult).
- There is an enemy in front and one behind. Rotate the Tsuka counterclockwise as you rise with your right leg (the leg already knelt in a fairly upright position in the tatehiza position). This motion can do two primary things, first it can break an attempt to grab your blade by knocking the opponents hands away, and two it can come on top of their hands or Tsuka and stop their drawing of their blade. In either case the motion should be strong and forceful.
- Without freeing the sword from the scabbard extend the sword forcefully forward striking the opponent in the chest with the butt of the sword (the kashira cap). As you do this your weight will shift and the right leg will complete the small step. Your left knee is still kneeling.
- With your left hand slide the saya back, and extend the sword forward until the blade is free.
- Turning your shoulders your rear shoulder to the left until they are horizontal with the left side of the room (remember the lesson the front is always the front, etc.) This shoulder turn is important. It is not uncommon for practitioners to neglect this part, with disastrous results (impaling themselves with their own swords.) One of my instructors (who is one of the best martial artists I have ever known) made this mistake in a form and pierced his side.)
- With the left hand on the saya, thrust the sword behind you stiking the opponent to the rear with a sword thrust impaling them.
- The opponent to the front is recovering, so you most raise the hilt of the sword above your head, grasping with both hands, lunge forward for a downward vertical cut finishing them off.
- Without standing, perform chiburi by thrusting your right hand out to the right side, turning the blade edge out to the front and right. Note, the tip of the sword (kisake) will remain in its position only turning as your wrist turns the blade.
- Peform noto, sliding the right leg back to the tatehiza position.