Samurai AREN’T Actors

Have you ever wondered what this movement at the end of many Iai Kata are for? This is called the Tsuka-okuri. When you sheath you don’t immediately seal the katana, just in case you need to draw it again immediately. You keep the edge of the sheath at the center of your middle finger. You finally seal the katana fully once your right-hand goes to the Tsuka-gashira, and you push the katana into the sheath.

Some instructors explain that we do this because your hands won’t come off the handle so easily after cutting someone, so you have to slide it off the end. Seki Sensei insists that this is false. The samurai couldn’t have trained to act like that in a Kata. Every movement is supposed to have a practical/logical reason.

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#katana #iaido #kenjutsu #kobudo #asayamaichidenryu

[cursling]

I was taught, many years ago, that this action was not only to securely return your blade, but to subtly check the tsuka ito to be aware of any damage incurred in combat in case you had to quickly draw your weapon again. If the mekugi or kashira were damaged it would be unsafe, unreliable and ineffective to swing the sword again.

[tailsofpearls]

I was always taught it was to check the binding and the cap after cutting. If the knot slips out then you have to redo the entire binding process with new cords. Better to know its getting loose and fix it rather than having it fall apart at an inopportune time.

[dino.niichan]

These samurais know their sword so much they're almost married to it deep to their soul.

[Socially_aquard]

I always thought it was used to keep the enemy from grabbing your sword

[kscnanaki]

I was told this movement was called kashira gaeshi, perhaps different schools use different names?

[GAB-vqre]

Theirs a reason the Samurai were probably the best peoples to ever weild a sword. Every little movement had purpose and meaning and they trained relentlessly. Some of the most fascinating people in all of history in my humble opinion.

[grizzlyowlbear]

Seki-sensei seems to follow Isshin's advice: Hesitation is defeat!

[SirMars]

I Was taught it's a way to check the handle for damage or wear while staying attentive of the opponent.

[NEMISIS]

Which line of Asyama ichiden ryu is soke under

[thinkordie]

Every movement has a practical/logical reason. 🙇🏾‍♂️. Very educational. Thank you

[joshuageorge]

I am always in awe of the efficiency and elegance of the Japanese in every facet. I have so much love and respect for Japanese culture (though admittedly I don't know very much about it)