Keotsu teaches Rokusho Kenjutsu

[KeotsuEclipse]

*Waits inside my typical training dojo, with bokken and a few training dummies.*

Okay, so here's what we'll be learning...

One-handed Techniques:

• Basic Horizontal
• Basic Vertical
• Basic Stab

Two-handed Techniques:

• Basic Horizontal
• Basic Vertical
• Basic Lunge

Movement:

• Side-stepping
• "Arc"-stepping
• Some other movements

Defense

• Parries
• Blocks
• Countering

Advanced:

• Taijutsu Integration
• Diagonals

Graduation Spar

But before we begin, I have a few questions even though I'm aware I may have asked you before.

Have you had any prior experience with Kenjutsu, and what is Kenjutsu?

 

[Rokusho..]

I have no experience with Kenjutsu whatsoever . . . As for your 2nd question , Kenjutsu is the art of Japanese swordsmanship or a martial art that uses a Japanese sword .

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

I have no experience with Kenjutsu whatsoever . . . As for your 2nd question , Kenjutsu is the art of Japanese swordsmanship or a martial art that uses a Japanese sword .

Apologies about the late reply.

Technically correct, but there's a bit more to it than that.

Kenjutsu itself refers to the art of using the sword, though many swordsman see Kenjutsu much more than "just the proper way to cut someone." Yes, a sword is a weapon, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be treated with proper respect - art of war or not, the use of the sword is still an art.

Now, we still have a bit to figure out before we go on to your training.

Even though we'll be using bokken for this training, do you think you've had enough practice to know what kind of sword you prefer? Like, a longsword, a katana, a nadochi, etc? Different swords will make an impact on how you'll fight in the future, although this training is pretty universal.

But, regardless, before we begin, can you tell me what the differences between a one-handed strike and a two-handed strike might be, besides the obvious?

 

[Rokusho..]

Guess I'll go with Katana xd

Hmm . . . A one-handed strike grants more maneuverability when attacking and more dexterity as well as quicker but weaker strikes as compared to two-handed strikes . . . As for two-handed strikes , movement is more rigid and the area of attack is more limited , but is overall more powerful although slower , it was said in chinese martial arts that the more joints you move during an attack would serve strengthen the attack so I think that concept is used here .

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Guess I'll go with Katana xd

Hmm . . . A one-handed strike grants more maneuverability when attacking and more dexterity as well as quicker but weaker strikes as compared to two-handed strikes . . . As for two-handed strikes , movement is more rigid and the area of attack is more limited , but is overall more powerful although slower , it was said in chinese martial arts that the more joints you move during an attack would serve strengthen the attack so I think that concept is used here .

Hm.

That was actually very good, since you are aware that a one-handed attack is more maneuverable. However, two things I want you to be aware of: one-handed strikes generally have a higher chaining speed, meaning that, usually, they can be comboed into another attack faster than a two-handed attack; on the other hand, two-handed attacks actually have a higher striking speed than a one-handed strike, due to the additional force behind the blade - because of this, it actually makes contact sooner.

And since that covers that, let's move on to start your training.

To begin, we have horizontal slashes. Horizontal slashes cut from side-to-side, on the x-asis, etc. I would like you preform one of these, in detail.

Remember, we're doing one-handed slashes at the moment, as well.

 

[Rokusho..]

*Grabs the katana from my hips and unsheathes it , then I grip it tightly in my right hand and pulls it back behind my head , then I slash in a horizontal fashion with my katana while twisting my wrists and arm so that the sword would cut cleanly across and twisting my body towards the direction I am slashing in to put more force into my attack which would make it easier for me to slash through and waste less energy trying to slash*

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

*Grabs the katana from my hips and unsheathes it , then I grip it tightly in my right hand and pulls it back behind my head , then I slash in a horizontal fashion with my katana while twisting my wrists and arm so that the sword would cut cleanly across and twisting my body towards the direction I am slashing in to put more force into my attack which would make it easier for me to slash through and waste less energy trying to slash*

That was okay, but not quite what I was looking for.

When describing an attack in a fight, there are few basic things you need to note:

1. Direction (starting and ending) This is like "from right to left" or something of the sort
2. The amount of hands on the weapon. While not necessary with some weapons, you need to mention this with swords, as it makes a difference
3. And where you're aiming for the attack. That's not so important here, but it will be in a real battle.

Now, once more please, taking into account what I've just told you.

 

[Rokusho..]

*Gripping my katana tightly in only my left hand , I swing it from left to right at a height where the solar plexus would be *

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

*Gripping my katana tightly in only my left hand , I swing it from left to right at a height where the solar plexus would be *

Bare minimum explanation, but it's got the basics.

Anyway, next is a two-handed vertical slash. Please preform one in detail.