Hazushi-waza

can be performed by stepping backwards or to the side and also by releasing the right hand and cutting or thrusting with the left, as described before. If we move too soon the opponent will merely follow and if cutting against a real Master one normally thinks the blow has landed and in this moment the reply suddenly snaps in as a complete surprise. This precise timing is not a matter of judgement but a certain feeling or sense that develops with training, an intuitive feeling for the correct time to move which can only be discussed in the vaguest of terms.

These are the more common counter-techniques and in any case where the blade is to be swept aside or touched, the defending blade should have the cutting edge turned away to follow the spirit of the old sword techniques.