The easiest method

of defence is Hiraku or 'turning open' in which, for example, as the attacking blade cuts down to the Kote the defender slips his own point to the right and the attacking blade slides down the inside. This can be applied in other cases. The attack to Do is almost impossible to defend against efficiently and will often be simply blocked with the hilt section, between the hands. It should be remembered that in the cutting position the opponent's guard will always return to the centre-line so that it is important to cover this line.