Leg work, the foundation of Kenjutsu
Part 1
By Phil Scudieri, KIAI president
How many times while watching a sporting match, especially in something like boxing have you commented, ”his legs are stating to go” and sure enough in a round or two it’s hello canvas mat. We all know what happens to a house that is built on a poor foundation and gets hit with a serious water storm. With this in mind let’s apply this concept to Kenjutsu.
To apply a strong cut, block, an evasion waza (technique) or jumping up from seiza and cutting, etc, your body must have strong legs to move you from disadvantage to advantage. Anyone who has done Tameshigeri will also tell you how important it is to be centered and balanced when cutting through straw mats. Here are a few waza to help develop a strong hara (center)
First: The Wall Sit: Sit with your back against the wall, knees bent and see how long you can hold this position. Then develop longer time limits. Add a nice heavy subarito to work the upper body also.
Next: The Lunge: Feet together, take a long step forward with your right leg,
Step back so feet are together. Keep hands slightly to the rear above the kidneys. This helps keep your body up and balanced
Step forward with your left leg.
Drill
Shitachi sits in sankyo with his bokken parallel to the floor. Uchi tachi is (defender) in migi Jo dan (upper position, right foot slightly forward.)
Uchi strikes at Shitachi and he applies ukenagashi or flowing block.
Uchitachi raises his bokkuto to Jo dan and Shitachi strikes him on the right side.
Uchitachi strikes at Shitachi and Shitachi apply s flowing block, to the opposite side
Uchi tachi raises his bokken again and Shitachi strikes Uchitachi on his left side.
Be sure to be sitting with your heels up
Practice, practice, practice
Thanks to Kyoshi and KIAI member Celinda Ellsworth, Lon Montouri and Mark Dungan