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Dealing with Nito Part 1 - Kasumi Shinto Ryu

I would like to have a look at how some groups deal with Nito as a precursor to looking at Nito itself, at some stage in the future.  By examining the tactics used against Nito we can draw some conclusions about either facing or using this configuration.

I would first like to look at Kasumi Shinto Ryu.  I have used some pictures from the old book by Tsunemori Kaminoda to illustrate their approach.

I would also comment that I have no knowledge of the Kendo approach with regards to using or facing Nito in the realm of Kendo.  

Kasumi Shinto Ryu consists of a limited number of kata and only one deals with Nito; Nito Ai.  In some information with regards to stances at the start of the work, and advisory picture with regards to the crossed 'guard' is shown.


The kata begins here:




The key action actually takes place somewhat slowly, in setting up the beginning of the kata - not an unusual event for something related to Shindo Muso Ryu.  The proponent with the single sword comes up through the middle of the crossed guard.




Cutting at the lead wrist from below is a feature of Kasumi Shinto Ryu, so one could make an argument that this is a likely position if attempting to make such a cut against an opponent with two swords.

It is, however, true that as strong as a crossed guard or block is in one direction (i.e. if a downward cut had been caught in an upward cross) is as weak as it is in the opposite direction.  The crossed guard or block is weak from underneath if it is above the midline (and weak from above if it is below the midline).

Not only has the guard been broken down, but the single sword has also taken the centre.


The single sword maintains the centre and contacts incoming single handed blows in the weak (in the European sword-fighting sense) of the opponent's sword.  From there the end plays out with a counter.





So from Kasumi Shinto Ryu we have:

  • Attack the weak direction of the crossed block or guard through the centre.
  • Take the centre once the guard opens and look for an opportunity to counter a single-handed blow with the long sword.


You can find a video here, but remember as above, the detail of the beginning of the kata is crucial:

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