Sandia Budokan

Hey the body on the mat!

Nagashi-barai, a kumitachi from Ittō Tenshin-ryū® Kenjutsu.
A kumitachi is a traditional paired sword exercise in which two practitioners develop timing, distance, intent, and correct technique through structured practice.
Our regular classes combine partner practice with instruction to help students understand not only *how* a technique is performed, but *why* it is practiced.
Interested in studying traditional Japanese swordsmanship?
Sandia Budokan
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Shiho Giri (四方切), meaning "cutting in four directions," is an aikijutsu kata that we are exploring through the lens of kenjutsu.

Although this form originates within an empty-hand tradition, it preserves principles that translate naturally to the sword. In this keiko, we are exploring one interpretation of its bunkai (practical application), examining how movement, timing, distancing, and intent can be expressed through paired practice with the bokken.

Kata preserve principles, not just techniques. By studying those principles, we gain a deeper understanding of how the art can be applied.

Our sister dojo in San Diego also teaches Yamate Ryū™ Aikijutsu, we have been exploring the sword kata through the lens of Kenjutsu of the Yamate Ryū™ for the lst several weeks. If you live in San Diego and are interested in either Kenjutsu or Aikijutsu, check out their instagram.

Today our Ittō Tenshin-ryū® Kenjutsu class practiced Gyakutai, one of the Tachi no Kata from Yamate-ryū® Aikijutsu.

While the formal kata preserves the traditional movements and timing of the ryū, today's practice emphasized applying its underlying principles through kumitachi. Rather than reproducing a fixed sequence, the focus was on effective cutting, proper distance, timing, and decisively prevailing in a sword engagement.

Gyakutai (逆体) can be translated as "reverse body" or "sudden reversal of body movement," referring to the change in body rotation used to create the opportunity to cut uchi-tachi.

Japanese Swordsmanship • Aikido • Karate
Sandia Budōkan - Albuquerque, New Mexico

This week we practiced **Nagashi-barai**, a kumitachi from **Ittō Tenshin-ryū® Kenjutsu**.

A **kumitachi** is a traditional paired sword exercise in which two practitioners develop timing, distance, intent, and correct technique through structured practice.

Our regular classes combine partner practice with instruction to help students understand not only *how* a technique is performed, but *why* it is practiced.

Interested in studying traditional Japanese swordsmanship?

Sandia Budokan
Albuquerque, New Mexico