Standing Forms - Seitei
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Kokkyo Dojo
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Mon Oct 07, 2024 2:30 pm
Standing Forms - Seitei
In the DIA report there was a section on "Standing for the first 4 AJKF Iaido forms in exams" Does the BKA have a plan to say how these forms should be performed so that we are all teaching the same method?
Re: Standing Forms - Seitei
Hi,
Sorry for making such a late reply.
As far as I'm aware, all the ZNKR has done so far is just state that standing versions of the seated forms are allowed to be performed but they have not published any official guidance yet on how these should be done. As such I think its perhaps difficult for the BKA to make a concrete ruling itself.
The only verbal guidance I am aware of from my teacher and from ZNKR delegations at the EIC etc is that chakuganten should be obeyed as far as practically possible, the only real exception being that in mae and ushiro you aren't expected to cut to the temple of a standing opponent as that would result in you cutting above shoulder height. The relationship of the finishing position of nukitsuke should be the same as if you were on your knees against a seated opponent.
As for footwork, this should mirror the seated forms as close as possible. The point that has been made though is that it is important to do footwork that enables you to do the kata to the best of your ability and stability. For example, I've heard it's fine in ushiro to either step forwards slightly with the right foot before turning to cut or step backwards with the left foot - whatever works best for you.
So whilst there is no absolute model for teachers to use, in grading or competition, judges will understand that what is most important is the overall performance and the quality of nukituske, kirioroshi, chiburi, noto, metsuke, kihaku , ochitsuki and ki-ken-tai no icchi etc regardless of minor differences in things like stepping.
Hope that helps!
John.
Sorry for making such a late reply.
As far as I'm aware, all the ZNKR has done so far is just state that standing versions of the seated forms are allowed to be performed but they have not published any official guidance yet on how these should be done. As such I think its perhaps difficult for the BKA to make a concrete ruling itself.
The only verbal guidance I am aware of from my teacher and from ZNKR delegations at the EIC etc is that chakuganten should be obeyed as far as practically possible, the only real exception being that in mae and ushiro you aren't expected to cut to the temple of a standing opponent as that would result in you cutting above shoulder height. The relationship of the finishing position of nukitsuke should be the same as if you were on your knees against a seated opponent.
As for footwork, this should mirror the seated forms as close as possible. The point that has been made though is that it is important to do footwork that enables you to do the kata to the best of your ability and stability. For example, I've heard it's fine in ushiro to either step forwards slightly with the right foot before turning to cut or step backwards with the left foot - whatever works best for you.
So whilst there is no absolute model for teachers to use, in grading or competition, judges will understand that what is most important is the overall performance and the quality of nukituske, kirioroshi, chiburi, noto, metsuke, kihaku , ochitsuki and ki-ken-tai no icchi etc regardless of minor differences in things like stepping.
Hope that helps!
John.