curriculum-shoutoujutsuchuuden
Shoutoujutsu Chuuden
Shoutoujutsu (小刀術) is a sub-specialisation of kenjutsu (刀術) focusing on the use of the Japanese short-sword. Shoutoujutsu chuuden is an intermediate module that teaches the more advanced principles and concepts of one handed Japanese swordsmanship. The fundamentals of Shoutoujutsu are split into three levels; shoden, chuuden and jouden or beginner, intermediate and advanced. Shoden focuses on solo drills and techniques, chuuden teaches paired techniques and jouden looks at multiple attacker scenarios.
Shoutoujutsu chuuden is made up of 18 forms split into three categories, drills [keiko] (稽古), unarmed capturing [mutoudori] (無刀捕) and concepts [gainen] (概念). These three areas are called Shoutou Roppou Keiko, Shoutou Roppou Mutoudori and Shoutou Roppou Gainen respectively.
These forms are designed to reinforce muscle memory and practice good martial habits.
Prerequisites for Shoutoujutsu Chuuden are:
- Taihenjutsu Shoden
- Kosshijutsu Shoden
- Shoutoujutsu Shoden
Shoutoujutsu Chuuden Keiko - 小刀術中伝稽古
Keiko (稽古) are drills designed to practice posture, receiving and attacking. Keiko should be fluid and practiced with intent.
[一] Hi no Keiko - 一の稽古 (First Drill): Gedan no kamae. Uke strikes with kiri age from joudan no kamae. Evade to the right or left, kirisage to the uke's forearm.
[三] Mi no Keiko - 三の稽古 (Third Drill): Gedan no kamae. Uke strikes with omote or ura kiri ichimonji from hassou no kamae. Shift back to evade, shift forward cutting up with omote or ura kirisage to the forearm.
[四] Yo no Keiko - 四の稽古 (Fourth Drill): Joudan no kamae. The uke cuts with omote or ura kiri jouhou from kuji no kamae. Shift back to evade, then cut down with omote or ura kiri kesa to the forearm.
[五] I no Keiko - 五の稽古 (Fifth Drill): Joudan no kamae. The uke strikes with omote or ura kiri sage from kuji no kamae. Evade to the right or left and strike down to the nagare of the lead or rear arm, respectively, with omote and ura kiri age.
[六] Mu no Keiko - 六の稽古 (Sixth Drill): Joudan no kamae. The opponent feints with a tsuki to the face. Receive the uke's feint with seigan uke while exposing the legs in a wide squat. As the uke goes to kick shift the leg behind and kick up to the opponents kaku or yaku.
With the shoutou, focus on evasion and counter cutting from a strong position to the forearm or wrist. The shoutou is a short weapon, but much faster than a long sword, which provides benefits and draw backs. When practicing keiko with the shoutou, ensure commitment to the cut, evasion and counter cut to provide the best training outcomes.
Shoutoujutsu Chuuden Mutoudori - 小刀術中伝無刀捕
Mutoudori (無刀捕) are the methods of catching and disarming an opponent who is armed with a weapon. Shoutoujutsu mutoudori or sword capturing techniques are not solely intended for disarming armed attackers, rather they are used to teach a student the strengths and weaknesses of the short sword and proper distance for engaging and disengaging.
[一] Hi no Mutoudori - 一の無刀捕 (First Capture): Shizen no kamae. The uke cuts down with kiriage from joudan no kamae. Evade to the right or left. Place the lead hand on the elbow joint and the rear hand behind the thumb joint.
[二] Fu no Mutoudori - 二の無刀捕 (Second Capture): Shizen no kamae. The uke cuts with omote or ura kiri kesa from joudan no kamae. Shift forward or back. In either case, capture the elbow joint with the lead hand and the back of the thumb joint with the rear hand pulling in the direction of the cut.
[三] Mi no Mutoudori - 三の無刀捕 (Third Capture): Shizen no kamae.
[四] Yo no Mutoudori - 四の無刀捕 (Fourth Capture): Shizen no kamae, rear foot leading. The opponent thrusts in from chuudan no kamae with joudan tsuki. Shift to the side and intercept the thrust with the rear hand. Place hand around the opponent's lead hand. Step in with the lead leg then move the rear leg around to apply omote gyako on the wrist.
[五] I no Mutoudori - 五の無刀捕 (Fifth Capture): Shizen no kamae, rear foot leading. The opponent cuts in with kiri ichimonji from the right side. Jump back to evade. As the opponent raises the blade to cut in from kiri age, jump in and grab the elbow with the rear hand while striking to the kimon with fudou ken. Kick to the chest and jump away.
[六] Mu no Mutoudori - 六の無刀捕 (Sixth Capture): Shizen no kamae, rear foot leading. The opponent cuts in with kiri ichimonji from the left side. Jump back to evade. As the opponent lowers the blade to cut in from kiri sage, jump in and grab the elbow with the lead hand. Catch the wrist with the rear hand and throw with seoi nage.
Mutoudori is a vehicle for learning. Unarmed defense against armed opponents is extremely difficult for even the most experienced practitioner. What this means however is that practicing these techniques will give students a strong understanding of distance, timing and angles. Practice mutoudori with the purpose of learning, rather then applying these techniques in real life.
Mutoudori is a vehicle for learning. Unarmed defense against armed opponents is extremely difficult for even the most experienced practitioner. What this means however is that practicing these techniques will give students a strong understanding of distance, timing and angles. Practice mutoudori with the purpose of learning, rather then applying these techniques in real life.
Shoutoujutsu Chuuden Gainen - 小刀術中伝概念
Gainen (概念) are core combat concepts for the Japanese short-sword. These are basic counter attacks and engaging techniques.
[一] Hi no Gainen - 一の概念 (First Concept): Gedan no kamae. The opponent cuts down from joudan no kamae with kiri age. Shift to the side and thrust into the opponent's throat, while capturing the opponent's wrist.
[二] Fu no Gainen - 二の概念 (Second Concept): Gedan no kamae. The opponent strikes with migi kiri kesa from joudan no kamae. Intercept the opponent's blade on the inside and turn it counter-clockwise, while stepping. Capture the opponent's wrist, then cut through the opponent's kimon.
[三] Mi no Gainen - 三の概念 (Third Concept): Gedan no kamae. The opponent strikes with hidari kiri kesa from joudan no kamae. Intercept the opponent's blade on the outside and turn clock-wise. Capture the opponent's wrist, then cut through the opponent's kimon.
[四] Yo no Gainen - 四の概念 (Fourth Concept): Hassou no kamae. The opponent cuts in with kiri age from joudan no kamae. Drop the blade back and step through cutting the kimon.
These concepts form the very basis of swordsmanship. Practice them consistently to get a feel for the flow and rhythm of the Japanese long sword.