Kenjutsu with the man Kiritsugu
- Thread starter drxdroopy
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Well, sensei.....Kenjutsu is actually one of my favorite arts as well.arts as well. I love the ideaology of a samurai. And believe that I have the mentality and potential to become one of the greatest samurai/shinobi there has ever been. I believe that in battle one should not use the sword as a weapon, yet as an extension of they're own body. Maybe even an extension to they're soul and mind. One would have to use this art in close to mid range depending on the length of they're blade or if they possess the ability to fuse chakra with the blade or it has an affinity type power.
Was thatgood Sensei Kiritsugu?
Was thatgood Sensei Kiritsugu?
Excellent! I love that response! You are precisely correct - the sword is your companion - it is to be treasured like nothing else, especially if you walk the samurai route.
Alright, do you happen to have a sword on you? O:
Alright, do you happen to have a sword on you? O:
Here is what my kendo sword or shinai resembles:
It is light in weight and I feel as if it is about the weight of a large book. It's length is about as long as my arm give or take a few inches. As it is made from bamboo it is sturdy and can inflict heavy damge, albeit not fatal but I'm sure I could blugdeon someone to death if I were to try.
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It is light in weight and I feel as if it is about the weight of a large book. It's length is about as long as my arm give or take a few inches. As it is made from bamboo it is sturdy and can inflict heavy damge, albeit not fatal but I'm sure I could blugdeon someone to death if I were to try.
Oh, it's made of bamboo? Hm, that won't do for some of the exercises that we're going through. >.> A lot of Kenjutsu utilizes slashes, usually with a thin, sharp-bladed sword - I'd say a bamboo sword would be more useful, as you said, in inflicting heavy, sturdy damage.
Erm, borrow mine for now. o_o' It's a practice sword, should be lightweight enough for us to learn the basics...
Deriving off that though, what kind of stances would a Kenjutsu user take and why?
Erm, borrow mine for now. o_o' It's a practice sword, should be lightweight enough for us to learn the basics...
Deriving off that though, what kind of stances would a Kenjutsu user take and why?
Well I think the kenjutsu user would take either an offensive or defensive stance. Maybe even a neutral stance as to try and counter incoming attacks. Or if a kenjutsu user has they're own sword style they would be in the style's correct stance. I mean I'm just guessing truthfully. I will admit that I do not know much of kenjutsu and hope you will correct me?
You are precisely correct though, there are indeed offensive and defensive stances for varying purposes - some swords do have their own unique stances in order to utilize the weapon properly, but let us just learn four basic stances to help you out.
Okay, hm...
The first stance is called the "Ox" stance. Hold your sword up next to your head so that the blade is pointing straight ahead.
What might be the purpose of such a stance?
Okay, hm...
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?
You could do a lunging attack from this position. You could also swing it in a circular manner and lunge at the opponent in an awkward manner. Um I think Ox usually stands for good strength or a good defensive position I am not sure. What else could it be used for sensei?
Exactly. It's great strength in this area, more like a risk taker. The purpose of this stance would to have a higher point of attack over your opponent. Also, it would give a wide range of swing although the downsides of this stance would be you're left wide open. You have a higher attack point than your target you also have a lower and slower time to react to a low attack from your opponent. 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.
What might this be used for?
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?
I copy you're stance by putting my right foot forward and my left foot back leaving most of my weight in the front. I put my my right hand on the top of the hilt at the point before the blade begins while I put my left hand near the end of the hilt. I aim the sword, hilt at my waist and blade pointing in an upward diagonal manner.
Well as you said this stance could help me defend better from low attacks and head or tors attacks. It does seem a bit weird though. I could easily execute a straight thrust or lunge from here as well as bring the sword up and thrust it downwards in a diagonal manner as you stated. Unlike the first stance I could more easily execute an attack to an opponents legs and or lower body.
Well as you said this stance could help me defend better from low attacks and head or tors attacks. It does seem a bit weird though. I could easily execute a straight thrust or lunge from here as well as bring the sword up and thrust it downwards in a diagonal manner as you stated. Unlike the first stance I could more easily execute an attack to an opponents legs and or lower body.
Excellent response. This is known as Pflug stance, or the Plow stance, and as you said, this position allows you to maneuver more easily upon the battlefield.
You must also remember to lead with your dominant leg here, because it is vital to switch positions during this stance. A small step forward or backwards can allow you to turn the tides easily. The point should also be aimed at the opponent's chest or throat and the hilt should be held more off to the side in front of the hip joint rather than dead center between the legs.
Next stance then, known as the Alber stance.
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?
You must also remember to lead with your dominant leg here, because it is vital to switch positions during this stance. A small step forward or backwards can allow you to turn the tides easily. The point should also be aimed at the opponent's chest or throat and the hilt should be held more off to the side in front of the hip joint rather than dead center between the legs.
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?
I start again by placing my right foot forward with left leg noot straight back but diagonally back apart from the right. I then grab the back of my hilt with my left and while placing my right hand over the left arm and at the top of the hilt. I then aim the sword downwards parallel from above my hips while noting that I could use this stance to easily defend low attacks.
As stated I believe I could more easily defend from low attacks or attacks to the lower body. I could brig a thrust diagonally up ad slice from the opponents lower body and up in a diagonal slash. As you stated I can use both my left and right feet as my dominant foot and switch positions easily. I could maybe do a swinging thrust from this position but I'm not sure how to put it right.
As stated I believe I could more easily defend from low attacks or attacks to the lower body. I could brig a thrust diagonally up ad slice from the opponents lower body and up in a diagonal slash. As you stated I can use both my left and right feet as my dominant foot and switch positions easily. I could maybe do a swinging thrust from this position but I'm not sure how to put it right.
Excellent response. It's sort of like a feint, the term used in Taijutsu - 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, as you said. 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.
What might such a stance be used for?
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?
I start by placiing my left foot forward , while I place my right foot at an angle away from the left with the toes pointing at a right angle. I place my my left hand at the end of the hilt, right before the bottom of the hilt. I place my right hand on the top of the hilt and then making sure my feet are correctly positioned and bring the sword up at a 45 degree angle at shoulder level.I put a lean in my stance to make it look as if I am about to attack. I think thats how you would describe it sensei.
This seems like it would be used for feints and maybe some quick disguise able counters. It could also be used to land attacks anywhere on the opponents body, be it lower, mid torso, or head. It does seem like it would leave you open to certain attacks due to the sword being at shoulder level but I am not sure.
This seems like it would be used for feints and maybe some quick disguise able counters. It could also be used to land attacks anywhere on the opponents body, be it lower, mid torso, or head. It does seem like it would leave you open to certain attacks due to the sword being at shoulder level but I am not sure.
You are correct when you mention feints. It's the angle of this move. So when you tilt the sword over your shoulder, your attack are quicker and more deceptive but have less range and strength. Depending upon the angle and prior action, your stance can appear as if the weapon is held behind the head or neck - you can simply create this illusion by moving your waist. So, no, it doesn't necessarily make you more vulnerable, nonetheless, well done.
So, let's begin with attacks.
What is the difference between an one-handed and a two handed-slash?
So, let's begin with attacks.
What is the difference between an one-handed and a two handed-slash?
Well, one-handed attacks can be used to increase you're reach. One-handed slashes could also be used to keep an opponent at a distance. Two-handed attacks would carry more power in a slash or thrust. Two-handed attacks could maybe be good for returning to a defensive stance after attacking. A one-handed attack could be used as a distraction to an opponent then easily maneuvered into a two-handed-attack with more power. I think while using a two-handed attack you would have more control over the swing or attack angle of the blade. While attacking with one handed attacks you could maybe be quicker and able to attack from odd angles. Anything else that I missed please explain.
Nope, perfect, nice response.
Alright, so...*creates a Shadow Clone*
Take your sword and proceed to perform an one-handed horizontal slash upon him.
Remember in Kenjutsu, always state which hand you use and the type of slash and where you aim it.
Alright, so...*creates a Shadow Clone*
Take your sword and proceed to perform an one-handed horizontal slash upon him.
Remember in Kenjutsu, always state which hand you use and the type of slash and where you aim it.