Two directions

of cut are included, with the blade moving forward Oshigiri, or backward, Hiki-giri. The angle of stroke is either straight vertical, or diagonal lateral. For simplification all diagonals are expressed as forty-five degrees. With two directions and two angles it is therefore possible to strike any portion of the opponent's body by adjusting the direction or distance in which our body moves. The diagonal stroke is just the same as the vertical except that the arc of the stroke is canted over to either side.