Muso Shinden Ryu Koryu Forms
Click here to go to the descriptions of the formsIntroduction
Some points to be aware of when practising any koryu forms.
Movements should not hurried, but because of the nature of the forms some movements are quicker than others, once a form is started, there is a feeling of progressive movement generally building up to a cut, there are very few if any stops.
All movements should be carried out with fluidity, zanshin should be maintained at all times. Metsuke, or what the eyes are doing, is very important in koryu forms, once aware of an opponent, you should always be looking at him, be aware of where an opponent is. Footwork should be smooth and not hurried, correct balance should be maintained. Ensure that when carrying out furikaburi, the sword does not cross the centre line of the face, but rises directly above the head in preparation for kiritsuki (kirioroshi).
Etiquette
The etiquette for Koryu forms is different than for Zen Ken Ren Iai (Seitei) It starts by placing the sword into a position at your left hand side at hip height with the thumb on to the tsuba to the right hand not on the top, then leaning forward slightly and performing hakama sabiki, the left foot slides backward first, until the left knee meets with the floor, and then the right knee is placed on the floors so that you end up in seiza, all the time you have been looking forward and not down at the floor
The left hand extends forward and to the right until the right hand is able to take hold of the sword with the four fingers of the right hand to the left of the tsuba and the right thumb on the tsuba, the left hand then slides down the saya whilst extending the right hand forward and to the right, the sword is placed on to the floor, the left hand forms a pinch grip at the end of the saya, the sword should sit on the floor at approx. 30 degree angle, both hands leave the sword at the same time and are placed on to the thighs in a controlled but relaxed manner, the hands do not form fists, but are gently cupped. Both hands are then placed to the sides of the thighs and are brought together in front of the knees so that they form an arrowhead, at this time with dignity bow forward to approx. 30 degrees, at all times looking forward, once the rei is performed straighten up and bring both hands back together on to the thighs, extend both hands to the sword and pick up and place in your obi ensuring that the sword does not raise itself above the horizontal line. As the saya enters the obi take hold of the end of the saya and with a pulling motion not pushing pull the sword until the tsuba is slightly to the left of your centre, the end of the tsuka should be in line with the right hand side of your tsuba and the middle of your body, tie sageo up with both hands under the sword, at no time should you look to see what you are doing but you must maintain dignity and zanshin, the hands are both then placed back on to your thighs in preparation to commence your practice of Koryu forms.
Common faults that sometimes occur whilst carrying out the etiquette are as follows. The etiquette is carried out too quickly and appears rushed, the eyes are not focused on the front and tend to wander and look at the hands. This gives the impression that you are unsure of what you are doing, avoid this, also when lowering oneself into seiza there is a tendency to lean too far forward and this upset your overall posture always try to retain good zanshin and show a positive attitude but avoid cockiness.
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