Taijutsu and Kenjutsu

[Shinta]

*Shinta waits in the dojo waiting for his sensei to arrive.*

I should do some warm-up exercises...

*Shinta begins to jog around the dojo for a few laps, stopping every other lap to do several push-ups and sit ups. He finishes with some lightning stretching for the training to come*

 

[Adachi]

*appears with a cup of noodle and about twenty stacks of paperwork* xd
So what do you know of Kenjutsu and why do you want to learn it?

 

[Shinta]

All that paper work O__O

Okay, Kenjutsu is the art of combat using a sword, kenjutsu is a killing art no matter which way someone looks at it. I want to learn Kenjutsu because I have always been fascinated by the sword and I would like to incorporate it more into RP battles.

 

[Adachi]

Decent. O__O But I must correct you. It is a killing, graceful art. xd
Okay, so do you have a sword?

 

[Shinta]

My bad, I forgot the graceful part xd

I do indeed in my Yahiko bio. It is a Sakabatō (reversed edge sword) I wear it on my left hip.

 

[Adachi]

O_O Good.
Proceed to describe for me the impact of its weight, the width, and its general qualities.

 

[Shinta]

Well, it is a standard length katana with the normal curvature along the blade, weighted at its heaviest just above the hilt to aid in momentum transferral during an attack. It is about two and a half inched wide that decreases along the length of the blade, ending in an angles point on the concave edged that is very sharp. It is not very thick along the cutting edge so it is very sharp but need a lot of attention to maintain the bevel.

 

[Adachi]

It has a curve?! O_______O

So how does body weight come into play during Kenjutsu?

 

[Shinta]

Yep, the curve forms as the softer steel at the back tempers at a different rate (quicker) than the harder steel on the front.

Body weight is important in kenjutsu as Force = Mass x Acceleration therefore someone with more mass can deal a stronger blow than someone with less body mass... when they swing at the same speed. Body mass is what gives all the strikes with the sword there lethal potential as the weight of the sword alone cannot deal that much damage.

 

[Adachi]

Good. Keep this concept in mind as it will be important in Taijutsu too.

So what do you know of stances pertaining to swordplay?

 

[Shinta]

I know very little in that regards actually.

 

[Adachi]

>.> So, basically, stances allow you to pull off certain moves in Kenjutsu. A stance goes from the soles of your feet to the top of your hands, where you are grasping the sword. Where you aim the sword, strike with the sword, or even thrust with the sword, can be greatly improved with stances.
As such, I will now teach you four basic stances for Kenjutsu.
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? Think about it.

 

[Shinta]

This stance would be useful for making powerful stabs by utilising lunges. The back foot serves as an anchor, as you step forward pushing all your weight forwards from the anchoring foot it would help to transfer maximum power into my thrust as I stab my sword into the opponents chest.

 

[Adachi]

Yes, however, due to the high angle it is in, your body weight isn't as stable (transferred up), however, it allows for steady counters as it is a direct threat with its straight thrust, turn to cut diagonally downward, or pull back to cut from underneath. 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.
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?

 

[Shinta]

*I proceed to lower my sword into a standard grasp, left hand over right with the pummel of the sword on the inside of my left hip. I hold the sword so that is points upwards in front of my torso, slightly pointing towards my target, stepping back with my left foot.*

This is a good stance that allows you to react to your opponent to effectively parry their diagonal, horizontal or vertical slashes with minimal movement. It's also a stance that would allow me to similarly launch attacks on my opponent in the same manner, horizontal, vertical or diagonal giving them more power by stepping forward with my back foot.

 

[Adachi]

Well, you covered quite a lot of stances there, perfect. Basically, as you said, it can allow you to easily maneuver in any direction easily.
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?

 

[Shinta]

Alright, I'll keep that in mind.

I now put my left hand just above the pommel of my sword and my right hand just under the hilt while keeping the same foot stance as before, though slightly more relaxed. I then lower the sword so that the point is facing the ground in front of me.

I might use this stance to perform a block from a horizontal slash from my opponent by (Going off the picture now) inverting the position of my hands while keeping the sword pointing down. Then, while rotating the blade I could push my opponents sword up over there head and put them off balance slightly. I would then follow up with a downward vertical strike to there head.

The position over all suggests to your opponent that you may be lowering you guard, enticing them (maybe) into an attack.

 

[Adachi]

Perfect. It does exactly what you said (nice wording, by the way), 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. 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?

 

[Shinta]

*I keep the same grip as before as I proceed to lift my sword, holding the hilt directly above my shoulders as a 45 degree angle. Keeping the same footing as before I simply divide my weight equally between my feet, giving me an option of how I react to an oncoming attack.*

This stance would be used as an intimidation attempt, hopefully tempting your opponent into making the first strike as I moved into this stance. From here I could easily change to the best stance to counter the oncoming attack by shifting my weight between my feet and easily moving my sword as required.

 

[Adachi]

Perfect, basically, your get-go stance. 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.
Well done.

So, let's begin with attacks.
What is the difference between an one-handed and a two handed-slash?