A friend teaches me Kenjutsu.

[Punk Hazard]

*Awaits Akihiko-san in desired location.*

 

[Adachi]

First off, do you have a sword? O_O
If you do, proceed to describe for me the impact of its weight, the width, and its general qualities.

 

[Punk Hazard]

Uh, no I do not.

A sword is generally able to cut things. That is the most basic ability and use of a sword. It's weight, length and width can determine how fast a swordsman can use his sword and how much maneurvibility(spelling) he has access to.

 

[Adachi]

Okay...*tosses you a Bokuto* This is a basic wooden sword, I hope you find the weight and the handle suitable to your needs.

So, now, what do you know of stances in Kenjutsu?

 

[Punk Hazard]

Not much. However, I do know that stances in any form of close combat is important because if you have a poor stance, you can be off balanced and be easily knocked down.

 

[Adachi]

Hm, alright. I see. Well, I shall teach you now then...form these stances with your bokuto.
The first stance is called the "Ox" stance. Hold your sword up next to your head so that the blade is pointing straight ahead.

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What might be the purpose of such a stance?

 

[Punk Hazard]

I think that stance would be used to prepare a stabbing technique.

 

[Adachi]

Perform it for me then, and think a little bit harder.

 

[Punk Hazard]

*I grasp the wooden sword with my right hand. I hold the sword up and position it so the blade points straight forward and the handle lines up with just above my forehead. At the same time as doing this, I space my legs apart.*

Since the sword is high up, this stance would be ideal to allow the wielder to stab the opponent in the face and throat.

 

[Adachi]

Excellent. You are correct about the strike. Remember that the hilt of your sword (or handle), must be near your temple while your thumb is beneath the blade, NOT on top of it.
This position, although not as stable as others, protects well, allows a direct threat with its straight thrust, turn to cut diagonally downward, or pull back to cut from underneath.
Now, proceed to lower your sword down beneath you like a standard way of the grasping the sword.

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What might this be used for?

 

[Punk Hazard]

*I hold onto the sword's handle with both hands. I use my right hand to grab the handle in the area right below the blade. I use my left to grab the bottom of the handle. I then position the sword so it points forward, but in a diagonal line, causing the handle to go past up to my waist. I then move body a bit to the sword or my head, which looks in the same direction as the blade is pointing. This results in the handle going from my stomach to my left thigh diagonally, completing the stance.*

Based on the info you gave me, I'd say this stance is ideal for blocking and defense because of the maneuverbility this stance gives.

 

[Adachi]

Not necessarily as easy to maneuver due to the fact that your body weight is completely shifted upwards, but you are correct about being able to defend with it. Upon a thread, you can turn this into a straight thrust, turn to cut diagonally downward, or pull back to cut from underneath.

So what do you know of body weight in Kenjutsu? Why is this so important?

 

[Punk Hazard]

I think body weight can influence how fast someone can move their sword. If someone is overweight, they won't be able to move properly and thus, won't be able to wield their sword properly.
Someone who has lots of bodyweight due to muscle might be able to make stronger slices and cuts.

 

[Adachi]

Eh, okay, not exactly your body weight, as in a general term, but as in when you punch forward, you place all your body weight into that one punch.
So, to emphasize, say you rushed at someone with the means to body slam them.
What happens if you miss and why does that happen?

 

[Punk Hazard]

Well, if you miss and hit something hard, you can be badly damaged. This happens because the momentum causes your bodyweight to increase impact, which is a fast muscular person like A has such devastating blows.

 

[Adachi]

Good. You're basically putting all your body weight into that move, so it's extremely dangerous.
Next stance then, known as the Alber stance.

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Lower your hand upon the sword's hilt, pointing the blade down. You can lead with either one of your legs.
What might this be used for?

 

[Punk Hazard]

I think this stance is is used for defense. Since the opponent, is so exposed, someone will attack, and you can quickly raise the sword to counter blows.

 

[Adachi]

You're correct about being exposed...how might this stance be considered a feint though?

 

[Punk Hazard]

Because it looks like the user is poorly standing and is open to attack when in actuality, he can defend well.

 

[Adachi]

Perfect - it seems that you're leaving your chest wide open for an attack, but in fact, that stance allows you to bring your sword up and easily block any moves with just a simple move. Quick counters would be the correct word.
Alright, so we've learned the Ox, Plow, and Fool stances. The last main one is called an Oberhut (from the roof) stance, which is a stance that easily allows you transfer into any other stance.
The stance is almost like you're about to strike down, but you're not. Raise your weapon up around your shoulders, at a 45 degree angle.

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What might such a stance be used for?