angles

Ran through the fundamentals at practice, and after Tanaka-sensei showed up I took the two beginners and continued to drill on the basics. About 7:30 Niina-gosoke showed up and made everyone do the first kata, shin. Seems that recently there's been some mis-information about this first and most important kata. The first cut is a standard 45 degrees rising diagonal. The second cut is a diagonal into the base of the neck and through the body to the waist, above the hipbone. The angle is most definitely not 45 degrees. Also, the position of the hands after the second cut isn't set in stone. Depending on arm length, sword size, etc. the hands could be in front of the left knee, or above it, or beside it. The key is the angle of the cut; into the base of the neck and down through the body, along the line of the collar of the uniform. Also, the upper body should not be leaning too far forward.
The best thing to do is first try the kata standing. Right foot out rising diagonal. Retract the left and ready the sword, then left foot out and diagonal cut. In that position, drop the right knee to the floor and check the upper body position: should not be leaning too far forward, just slightly.

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