Three parts to the cut

During tuesday practice Blake sensei taught a kihon lesson which broke an attack into three parts.

The first was to step into issoku-itto-no-maai with either an overpowering centre, harai or uchiotoshi technique. Next was to make a big cut (making sure it was timing of '1') and the final step was to step into tsubazeriai.

We were encouraged to cut straight with tenouchi so that the superior cut will win, and to maintain a high degree of zanshin after the third part. This meant that we were aware of a weakness in technique or spirit in our opponent after the initial cut which then allows continuous attack (e.g. second men or hiki waza).

This proved to be an intense exercise which didn't allow a drop in energy or mental concentration.