Uke nagashi

This kata must be practiced very slowly until the correct movements and timing are established. Move continuously and do not stop at any point.

Turn right between 10*-90* and sit in seiza.

Move your eyes slightly left and up to the opponent coming from shyomen.

Put both hands on the sword and step up left with your left foot.

At the same time, open the koiguchi.

Draw the sword slightly from the saya and wait. Keep the tsuka level.

Keep looking at the opponent.

Stand up straight, pivot your left hip to the right, as you draw the sword fully straight out and up to just over your forehead, and bring your left hand with the saya in and down.

Keep your head and back straight during this draw and block.

Swing your right hip and leg around in a large circle to the right. Lower your body.

Deeply bend your right leg at the knee.

Arch your body backwards at the waist and bring the sword overhead and behind you in preparation to cut.

Keep your right hand centered and straight.

Lift your left leg high from the knee in order to use your whole body to cut.

Stamp your left foot down, followed by the right foot.

As the right foot hits the floor, the right hand brings the sword overhead to cut the opponent’s neck at the shoulder. The left hand grabs the tsuka just before the ending of the cut. Be sure not to grab the tsuka too early! Right foot and sword at the same time.

Both knees should be very bent and wide and your body should be leaning forward.

The rhythm of these movements is very critical to a good cut and should follow left foot as “tonnn” and the right foot at “TONNN”!

Adjustments as to maai may be made with the left leg after it raises. If the opponent is close to you, put your left foot down close to your body. If the opponent is farther away, adjust the placement of the left foot.

Quickly shift your body back and bring the sword immediately to just above your right knee.
This keeps focus on the opponent and allows no stopping places. The angle here is slightly back and naname. Keep seme toward the opponent.

Use the pinkie of your right hand to turn the sword for noto. Push the sword slightly down and away from your body.

As you sheathe the sword half-way, begin to go down on your knee.