ZNKR IAI

You are walking along when a person suddenly appears from the left with the intention to attack you. Stall it by taking the initiative of drawing out your sword and cutting diagonally through their right shoulder. Then thrust the sword into their abdomen as you step forward.

a] Take three steps forward beginning with the right foot. As you put your weight on your left foot, turn to look to the opponent at your left, naturally placing both hands on the sword at the same time. Continue stepping with the right foot half a step and use it as a pivot to turn your body to face the opponent. Step back with your left foot and open the upper body a little to the left diagonal and make a cut through the opponent's right shoulder to the side of the abdomen cutting down along the Kesa line. When you finish cutting your right hand should be at the height of your navel with the tip of the sword a little higher than the right hand.

b] Point the right toes to the right and take a half step back and assume Soetezuki No Kamae (1). Immediately move your left foot forward and thrust the sword into the opponent's abdomen. At this point the right hand should be in front of the navel and the sword horizontal.

(1) Hold the middle of the ridge of the sword firmly with your left thumb and forefinger. Place your right hand near your right waist holding the hilt and keep the tip of the sword in a horizontal position. Your upper body should naturally be inclined to the right.

c] Without moving your left hand, pull the sword out of the body rotating it over the back of the fingers of the left hand lowering the tip of the sword with the edge facing down and away to the front. At the same time, raise your right hand in front of your right chest, Kamae (1) and show Zanshin.

(1) When you make this Kamae, hold the sword blade with your left thumb and forefinger. Turn your palm down and lightly straighten your right elbow to ensure that the angle between forearm and sword is upproximately 90 degrees.

d] Release your left hand from the blade and take hold of the Koiguchi. While stepping back on your left foot do Migi Ni Hiraite No Chiburi. When completing this action, the right hand should not finish level with the left. The finishing position of this Chiburi is closer to a 30 degree angle.

e] Perform the Noto as described previously.

f] Bring your rear foot up in line with your front foot and release your right hand from the hilt. Assume Taito Shisei and go back to the original starting position by first turning to face the front and then by taking three steps beginning with your left foot.