The Preliminaries

San-kyodo-no-suburi (cutting in three stages) is the basic form. The first action is to raise the blade, thrusting forward and upwards as in diagram 11. After the highest point, 11e, the arms are folded back as in plate 106 and the body is stretched upwards so that the fullest possible circle is made and the joints well stretched. To do this the right arm must relax its grip and revolve about the hilt as it is turned by the left hand; this is shown in plate 107 and it will be noted that the left hand has retained its grip so that the cutting edge of the Shinai faces to the direct right. The Shinai touches the base of the spine and the hands have turned inwards. The cut is performed by simultaneously stepping forward with Tsugu Ashi (following feet) and cutting by throwing the Shinai upwards and outwards with the left hand. The right hand gradually revolves as the left hand turns the Shinai to its original position, but in this case the action is delayed so that the correct hand position is re-assumed at the exact finish of the cut. Plate 108 shows almost the final instant. The left leg is just drawing up to position and the hands are just about to squeeze as the wrists snap inwards. The cut is halted at head or eye level.