Hachidan Ryūtō

[Bushido01]

Dear All,

 

I thought you'd enjoy watching this short video of the performance of nine Hachidan masters showing ryūtō from Musō Shinden Ryū Iai.

 

Apparently, every year nine Hachidans are selected for this Hachidan's competition (Hakone Taikai).

 

Regards,

 

[Jean]

Thanks Rod for sharing : Fascinating

[Stever]

Very interesting to see the differences in interpretation between high-level exponents of the same ryuha. From austere to flashy, and straightforward to intricate. The control, concentration and intent are obvious.

 

cheers,

/steve

[Jean]

I am not a specialist but it seems that some of them had a slight hesitation at the end of the drawing, as if the blade was rubbing the saya before coming out (I am not Clint Eastwood but rather Stumpy in Rio Bravo)

 

What is the length of an average blade? I have herad that Kanbun blades suguta were in vogue because of its feeble sori?

[Bushido01]

I am not a specialist but it seems that some of them had a slight hesitation at the end of the drawing, as if the blade was rubbing the saya before coming out (I am not Clint Eastwood but rather Stumpy in Rio Bravo)

 

What is the length of an average blade? I have herad that Kanbun blades suguta were in vogue because of its feeble sori?

 

Hi Jean,

This particular kata has kind of slow draw at the beginning against a Jodan attack and then a fast block, reflecting the opponent‘s attack and cut the opponents’ lower body in one motion. The stance at the final cut is very unusual, heels are together and off the floor, toes are apart with body weight on them while knees are bent.

As far as the blades' length, it depends on the practitioner’s height and sometimes ego.

Regards,

[Jean]

Thanks Rod, I am going to watch it again keeping in mind what you said