秘薙⼑術 Bi‐Naginata Jutsu
秘薙⼑術 Bi‐Naginata Jutsu
秘薙⼑術 Bi‐Naginata Jutsu
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魔法使い道場
Kamae 構
⼋相之構 Hassō no Kamae ‒ eight apparitions position
Assume ichimonji no kamae with the left leg forward. Hold the
naginata vertically with the right hand holding the naginata just below
the senranmaki and the left hand holding the shaft at waist level.
“In the case where armour is worn, then this shoulder plate should be
standing upright. Therefore, when you don’t have the armour like this
to wear, you won’t understand the extent of the connection between
the “costume” (armour) and the kamae in a fight. And you’ll never
really be in Hasso. Therefore, when you wear real armour and are
standing in kamae like this, then it’s not that you’re just simple in
Hasso No Kamae, but you’ll be losing the strategic value (of the
armour). So please understand this.”
Quote from Hatsumi Sensei’s video
“With the intention of cutting the opponent to the ground under the force of one attack.”
Quote from Manaka Unsui
⻘眼之構 Seigan no Kamae ‒ aiming at the eyes position
Assume ichimonji no kamae with the left leg forward. The
naginata is held with the left elbow bent and tucked close to the
hip. The right hand holds the naginata close to the right hip. The
tip of the naginata points towards ukes eyes. The body is turned
sideways with the naginata flat across the hips.
“This is Seigan No Kamae. I’ve just spoken about this plate. This is
O.K. The kamae is good too. But he has a tachi. In this case the
tachi becomes an obstruction (moves the tachi underneath the naginata). So in this way you must be in a
stance according to your situation. Where you have a naginata and tachi like this or you have other
weapons like a yumi (bow); in these cases, move into the best, the safest stance. Decide for yourself, then
you must make a kamae. Into kamae, Seigan! Don’t put it here (against the sword). Keep it here (against
the hip). O.K. That’s good enough.”
Quote from Hatsumi Sensei’s video
“With the feeling of manipulating the opponent.”
Quote from Manaka Unsui
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魔法使い道場
横⼀⽂字之構 Yoko Ichimonji no Kamae ‒ side one line position
Assume hidari ichimonji no kamae. Hold the naginata horizontally
across the front of the body with either the blade or harumaki facing
the opponent.
“This is Yoko Ichimonji. We noticed the importance of the ovalness (of
the shaft) earlier on. And here we have it resting on the tachi. So in
Yoko Ichimonji we can turn it around, bringing the blade forward and
go into Yoko Ichimonji this way.”
Quote from Hatsumi Sensei’s video
“With the feeling of knocking away any type of attack.”
Quote from Manaka Unsui
平⼀⽂字之構 Hira Ichimonji no Kamae ‒ flat one line position
The knees are bent with the feet pointing slightly outwards and
the body faces the opponent. The naginata is held in both hands
level with the waist. The naginata is held palm up / palm down.
Pull the elbows back. Do not allow naginata to hang forward
“This is Hira Ichimonji. In Hira Ichimonji we can raise it or lower
it while facing the blade this way (forward towards (U)), this
way (blade up), or this way (blade backward). This is one of the
peculiarities of the naginata. We can turn the blade whichever
way and like before bring the blade to this side (the left).”
Quote from Hatsumi Sensei’s video
“With a feeling of losing oneself and drifting into space.”
Quote from Manaka Unsui
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魔法使い道場
中⻘眼之構 Naka Seigan no Kamae ‒ middle aiming at the eyes position
Assume hidari ichimonji no kamae. The naginata is held level and
is tucked under the armpit. The right arm is straight. Hold the
naginata level with both kimon.
“This is Naka Seigan No Kamae. In the case of whichever way
you stand in Naka Seigan No Kamae, it’s better to have the blade
out in front like this. This is O.K. And at the same time, when
you’re holding it, because of the shoulder rotation and move
into kamae like this. And again, make good use of this shoulder
plate, rotating the shoulder as you’re bringing the naginata up making kamae like this. Moving into
kamae in this way, in the case of Naka Seigan, you can avoid your enemy’s arrows and attacks.”
Quote from Hatsumi Sensei’s video
“With the intention of piercing the opponent’s heart.”
Quote from Manaka Unsui
MOVING FROM KAMAE TO KAMAE
To change from hidari to migi kamae, move the naginata forward by transferring the weight forward over
the knees then step forward with the right leg to the right side of the naginata, change hands, then step
back with the left, drawing the naginata back. While doing this it is important that you move around the
weapon and that the weapon stays on balance and doesn’t wobble or deviate from pointing at the
opponent.
THE KUKISHINDEN RYÛ METHOD OF WALKING WITH A WEAPON
From kamae, transfer your weight onto the front leg. Then, pushing off with the ball of your right foot, lift
your right leg up and bring it down behind your left heel (heels together) with the toes pointing 90
degrees to the right. Then lift your left foot up and extend it forward, putting it down heel first into
kamae once more.
When using this walking method it is important to keep your weapon stable. The weapon should be in
contact with as many points as possible so that it is under your control. With naginata is Hasso No Kamae,
the shaft should remain against your right leg at all times during the walk but without causing the
weapon to bob up and down. Having this control means that you can use your left to affect a change of
direction or kamae. When wearing daisho and using a large weapon such as a yari or naginata, you can
use the swords as another point of contact for the shaft of the weapon.
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魔法使い道場
Sukui Age 掬上 Scoop Up
Tori assumes yoko ichimonji no kamae. Uke strikes from dai jodan no kamae with tenchi giri. Tori steps to
the rear with the left leg and cuts upwards underneath ukes attack. As uke withdraws, tori press the
attack, rolling the naginata to the left side and cutting upwards into uke.
⾻‐Kotsu:
Maintain correct distance as opponent strikes in. Evade the attack, countering and striking at the same
time. If the opponent retreats, follow. If the opponent presses, retreat. Ensure, when counter cutting,
that the weapon is controlled and does not leave openings in kamae.
戦略‐Senryaku:
This movement stresses the importance of cutting through the opponent without focusing on the
weapon. One should think of ‘scooping up’ earth and throwing it at the opponent when cutting. One
should throw the weapon at the opponent with an empty mind.
追加の – Tsuika no
この構は右斜めに⾜を割つて腰を落す、横⼀⽂字の構なり。相⼿⽅の出⽅による。相⼿⽅が⼀
歩先に斬り込み来る時、左⾜を引いて、薙⼑で敵の左脇を下より斬り上げる。相⼿⽅が未だ来
らざる時は右⾜を⼀歩前進して、左脇下より上に斬り上げる。同時に相⼿⽅の先⼿をうつて右
⾜を前進し、右脇下より上に斬る。これを数回繰り返すことなり。
This posture is out on the right diagonal with the legs spread and the hips lowered; this is yoko ichimonji
no kamae. The rest depends on what the opponent does. In the case where the opponent moves to cut
in, pull the left leg back and cut up from underneath into the opponent left side with the naginata. In the
case where the opponent doesn't come toward you, step forward with the right leg and cut up from
underneath into the opponents left side with the Naginata. In either case strike the opponents lead hand
and continue forward with the left leg, and cut up from underneath into the opponent’s right side. This
ends up being repeated a number of times.
Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei, “Essence of Budo” (2011)
Take up position by spreading your legs back to the right at an angle and dropping your hips, in Yoko
Ichimonji‐no‐kamae. It depends on how the opponent makes their move. If they step forward and come
to cut in, pull back your left leg and cut up the enemy’s left side with the Naginata. If they remain still,
move forward with your right leg, and cut upwards from their left armpit. At the same time, take the
initiative and move forward with your left leg, cutting upwards from their right armpit. Repeat this many
times. There is a Kuden.
Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei, “Sanmyaku” (1995)
From Yoko‐Ichimonji no Kamae, cutting as though to scoop the opponent up.
Quote from Manaka Unsui
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魔法使い道場
Hataki Taoshi 拔倒 Extract and Knock Down
Tori assumes hidari hasso no kamae. Uke assumes seigan no kamae. Tori cuts to kote. Uke evades attack
an assumes dai jodan no kamae. Tori presses the attack cutting to waki tsubo. Uke strikes in with tenchi
giri. Tori evades, rolling the naginata, cutting to ukes right knee. As uke retreats or presses the attack, roll
the naginata again to cut to ukes neck. Zanshin.
⾻‐Kotsu:
Ensure distance is maintained. Do not encroach nor retreat from the distance required to strike at uke.
Watch for openings in ukes kamae to allow strikes. This movement targets those kyusho exposed by
armour. Leave opening in your kamae to trick uke into attacking, but be prepared to change as ukes
changes attack.
戦略‐Senryaku:
It is important to ‘press’ the opponent. As the opponent moves and creates openings, it is important to
remain fluid and flexible enough to take advantage of these openings. As the opponent moves from one
kamae to the next, tori should watch for the openings within the kamae and attack.
追加の – Tsuika no
この構は⼋相の構とすう。相⼿⽅が⻘眼の時は左⾜を引いて、敵の左より左⼩⼿を斬り下ろ
す。敵が⼤上段の時は右⾜を前進し、敵の左脇下に斬り込む。⼩⼿を返して右裾に斬り返し。
次は⼩⼿を返して左肩先に斬り込む。⼀歩引いて元の位置。⼋相の構なり。
This begins with hasso no kamae. In the case where the opponent is in seigan, pull the left leg back, and
from the opponents left side cut down into the left wrist. In the case where the opponent is in dai jodan,
come forward with the right leg and cut in below the left side. Role of the wrists and cut back into the
right ankle. Then roll the wrists and cut into the opponents left shoulder. Drawback one step and return
to the starting position. This is Hasso no kamae.
Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei, “Essence of Budo” (2011)
In Hasso‐no‐kamae. If the opponent is in Seigan, pull back your left leg and cut down onto the enemy’s
left wrist from the left. If the opponent is in Dai jodan, step forward with your right leg and cut into their
left armpit. Turn your wrist and cut back to their right hem, then turn your wrist and cut into their left
shoulder. Pull back one step to the original position, in Hasso‐no‐kamae. There is a Kuden.
Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei, “Sanmyaku” (1995)
From Hassō no Kamae, cutting the opponent upward then down.
Quote from Manaka Unsui
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魔法使い道場
Ashi Barai ⾜拂 Leg Sweep
Tori assumes hira ichimonji no kamae. Uke assumes dai jodan no kamae and strikes tenchi giri. Tori
evades left, lifting the left hand higher than the right and counters ukes attack. Rotating the naginata to
the right side, tori kneels and strikes ukes legs. Tori then stands, rotating naginata to the left side striking
ukes legs.
⾻‐Kotsu:
Wait until uke initiates his attack before counter attacking. Rotate the naginata to cut upwards under
ukes wrists. Chi tobi, tucking the naginata tightly under the right armpit. When rotating naginata for
second time, be prepared to counter any further attack by uke. Remember zanshin. Ensure uke is not
able to press his attack further as you rise.
戦略‐Senryaku:
This movement demonstrates the importance of attacking points that would not normally be within
reach. The naginata allows us to use the distance of the weapon to reach out and strike at uke. It is also
important to remember to move along all three axis
追加の – Tsuika no
平⼀⽂字の構。敵は⼀籐⼑を⼤上段にして斬り込み来る。左⼿を頭上⾼く伸ばし、右⼿の腕を
折りまげて受けにの受け型に於て,敵の⼀⼑を右に流すこととなる。同時に⼩⼿を返し、左⼿を
引き、座して敵の右⾜を払い、⼩⼿を返し、同時に左⾜を払い、⼀歩引いて残⼼。横⼀⽂字の
構に変化す。
Hira Ichimonji no kamae. The opponent moves to cut in with a sword from dai jodan no kamae. Extend
the left hand high overhead as the right arm bends and receives the blow. Depending on the form when
receiving, the opponent’s sword will flow by. At this movement roll the wrists, pull the left hand back,
kneel, and sweep the opponent right leg. Roll the wrists and at the same time sweep the left leg, step
back and assume zanshin. This is a variation on yoko ichimonji no kamae.
Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei, “Essence of Budo” (2011)
Hira Ichimonji‐no‐kamae. The enemy is in Daijodan with a sword and comes to cut in. Receive this by
sticking your left hand out high above your head, and bending your right arm. In this form of block, you
will cause the enemy’s sword to flow away to the right. At the same time, turn your wrist, pull back your
left leg, sit down and sweep the enemy’s right leg, turn your wrist and at the same time sweep their
leftleg. Pull back a step — Zanshin. Change into Yoko Ichimonji. There is a Kuden.
Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei, “Sanmyaku” Issue 6 (1995)
“From Hira Ichimonji No Kamae, sweeping the opponent’s legs.”
Quote from Manaka Unsui
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魔法使い道場
Hane Taoshi 撥倒 Brush Up and Fell
Tori assumes migi seigan no kamae. Uke assumes migi seigan no kamae and presses tori with chudan
tsuki. Tori evades to the left and cuts to uko with tsuki. Both uke and tori retreat into seigan no kamae
and uke presses again with tsuki. Tori evades to the right cutting kesa giri. Zanshin
⾻‐Kotsu:
Control the centre line and only permit the opponent to enter when ready. When evading the opponents
attack, do not be concerned about the opponent’s weapon rather counter cut and ensure kamae is
strong enough for any counter. When the opponent presses his attack, repeat the movement but change
the cut.
戦略‐Senryaku:
It is important to create openings for the opponent to strike. It is important to keep the opponent
‘mentally’ off balance as the opponent may stay defensive as the initiative is with the longer weapon.
One should appear to create ‘weak spots’, but utilise strong kamae to counter cut into the opponent/
追加の – Tsuika no
⻘眼に構えろ。敵の⼀⼑も同じく⻘眼。我は左に体を転ぶる。敵は突き⼊らんとす。⼩⼿を上
部に返し、下より上に斬り上ばる。即ち敵の⼩⼿または刃を撥ね上ることなり。忽ち⼩⼿を返
し、右肩より⾸に斬り込み、再び⼩⼿を返し、左肩より斬り下ばるなり。
Posture in seigan no kamae. The opponent’s sword is also in seigan. Shift the body to the Left. The
opponent moves to thrust in. Roll the wrists to face up, and up from underneath. This deflects the
opponent’s wrists or blade upward. Immediately roll the wrists, cut into the neck from the right shoulder,
and roll the wrists again. This becomes a cut down from the left shoulder.
Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei, “Essence of Budo” (2011)
Seigan‐no‐kamae. The Uke is also in Seigan. You turn to the left, and the enemy tries to strike in. Turn
your wrist and cut into their neck from the right shoulder, then once more turn your wrist over and cut
down from the left shoulder. There is a Kuden.
Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei, “Sanmyaku” (1995)
From Seigan no Kamae, cutting an opponent down to the right and left.
Quote from Manaka Unsui
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魔法使い道場
⾻‐Kotsu:
When countering initial attack, cut into kote. Either cut through the opponent’s wrist or flick the hand
away to create an opening, allowing an entry to the second cut. Don’t move to far down the shaft of the
naginata. Maintain a good balance point.
戦略‐Senryaku:
This movement teaches the importance of cutting to both sides fluidly and in quick succession. The
weapon should cut through the opponent and easily move into the next cut. With this tactic, one should
allow the weapon to strike through the opponent and continue to press the attack.
追加の – Tsuika no
にの構は中⻘眼のにと。敵の⼤上段に対して、⻘眼にて左⾜⼀歩後ろ、なお退ると⾒せて左側
に⾝を転じ、⼩⼿を返し敵の左胴に斬り込み,忽ち右側に⾝を転じ、⼩⼿を返し右胴に斬リ込
み、右の如く⾝体の掛け引きに応じて繰リ出すことなり。
This posture is chu seigan. Against the opponent in dai jodan, use seigan and move back one step with
the left leg. Make it look like you are moving back and shift the body out to the left side, roll the wrists,
and cut into the opponents left side. Then shift out to the right side, roll the wrists, and cut back into the
opponent’s right side.
Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei, “Essence of Budo” (2011)
Naka Seigan‐no‐kamae. In response to the enemy’s Dai jodan, move your left foot back, in Seigan. Whilst
showing that you are retreating, turn to the left, turn your wrist and cut into the enemy’s left torso, then
instantly turn to the right, turn your wrist and cut into their right torso. As above, this technique should
be sent out as suits the ebb and flow of your bodies. There is a Kuden.
Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei, “Sanmyaku” (1995)
From Naka‐Seigan no Kamae, sending the naginata out to the right and to the left in succession.
Quote from Manaka Unsui
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魔法使い道場
Zengo Nagi 前後薙 Mow Down to Front and Rear
Tori assumes hidari hasso no kamae. Uke assumes seigan no kamae. Tori arches his back and, rolling the
naginata, cuts migi do giri. As uke responds to this attack, tori arches his back a second time and, rolling
the naginata, strikes hidari do giri. Zanshin
⾻‐Kotsu:
Zanshin is important. Strike into uke using the body for maximum effect. Strike into do, then quickly
move to strike again. Do not neglect kamae.
戦略‐Senryaku:
This movement stresses the importance of not fixating on just one opponent. One should be aware and
prepared for a surrounding movement and utilise the weapon in a manner that will defend against such a
tactic.
追加の – Tsuika no
⼋相に構える。敵は前後に数⼈なり。左より右に斬り返し、忽ち右腕の返し⽅で右に斬り返す
こと。早くすることを薙⼑振り廻し斬りという。かくのごとくして敵中に斬り込むなり。
Posture in Hasso. There are numerous opponents to the front and rear. Swing repeatedly across from left
to right; that is to say using the motion of rolling the right arm for the strike to the right. Doing this
quickly is called naginata furi mawashi kiri kaeshi. In this technique you swing into the midst of the
opponents.
Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei, “Essence of Budo” (2011)
Take up position in Hasso. There are several enemies, behind and in front of you. From the left, cut back
to the right, and use the way the right arm is sent back to cut back instantly to the right. When done
quickly, this is called Naginata Furimawashi Kirikaeshi. Use this to cut into the midst of the enemy. There
is a Kuden.
Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei “Sanmyaku” (1995)
“Here too, kurinagi (extending the naginata) is important. The opponent comes in to cut. Enter with the
body as though it were muto dori. The next opponent comes in and I move in as before. And again like
this. Hold it here when entering or as you’re gaining distance to cut… If I do it gently, like if I use the
length, aiming here (at the second opponent’s neck), cut while escaping. As I’m showing, use your legs as
well as skillfully controlling the length of the weapon to fight your opponent. Dropping your opponents.
This is the specialty of the zengo nage technique.”
Quote from Hatsumi Sensei’s video
From Hassō no Kamae, cutting down opponents who are in front and behind.
Quote from Manaka Unsui
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魔法使い道場
Sashi Chigai 差違 Exchanging Thrusts
Tori assumes hira ichimonji no kamae. Uke assumes dai jodan no kamae and strikes at tori with tenchi
giri. Tori evades right, cutting under the armpit. Stepping to the left, roiling the naginata, cutting to ashi.
Both tori and uke retreat and uke presses the attack a second time. Tori repeats the first counter cut and
rolling the naginata, sweeps the legs on the last attack.
⾻‐Kotsu:
Look for the spaces in the opponents kamae. Control the naginata with the body, do not extend the
arms. Maintain correct ma ai. Do not encroach or retreat. Follow the opponent and maintain good
distance. Ensure strong kamae is maintained
戦略‐Senryaku:
This movement teaches the importance of supressing the opponent’s technique with counters. It is
important to keep uke off balance by pressing an attack and not allowing the opponent to gain the upper
hand.
追加の – Tsuika no
平⼀⽂字の構にと敵の⼤上段に対し薙⼑を薙⼑として突き、⼩⼿を返し、裾払い、再び薙⼑と
して突き、⼩⼿を返し、裾払い。数回にて敵を倒す。
From hira ichimonji no kamae against opponents in dai jodan, thrust with the blade of the Naginata
turned on its side. Role of the wrists, sweep the ankle, immediately thrust with the blade turned on its
side, roll the wrists and sweep the ankle. By doing this numerous times, all of the opponents will be
knocked down.
Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei “Essence of Budo” (2011)
In Hira Ichimonji‐no‐kamae. In response to the enemy’s Daijodan, thrust with the Naginata’s side blade,
then turn your wrist and sweep their hem; once again, thrust in with the side blade, turn your wrist and
sweep their hem; defeat the enemy by doing this several times. There is a Kuden.
Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei, “Sanmyaku” (1995)
“What’s important about this is the “timing” as in mutô dori (techniques). O.K., cut anytime. Thrust it out.
That kind of feeling. Counter your opponent as he enters in. This is important. Then like this with the
body. As you’re dropping, suso barai (sweeping cut to the leg). Therefore, when you thrust out enter with
the feeling or mutô dori. Taking it, pushing it with the left thumb, under the (right) arm, cut to the leg.
You should repeat this many times… I’m not using this (left) arm. Repeat this. Therefore, think of it as
threatening your opponent… Just supress him with this feeling.”
Quote from Hatsumi Sensei’s video
“From Hira Ichimonji No Kamae, thrusting then cutting in a sweeping motion, with the feeling of a
stabbing exchange with the opponent.”
Quote from Manaka Unsui
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魔法使い道場
Tobi Kiri ⾶切 Jumping Cut
Tori assumes hidari hasso no kamae. Uke strikes out with tenchi giri. Tori performs migi yoko tobi, rolling
the naginata to cut down at ukes left hip. As uke withdraws, tori perform hidari yoko tobi, rolling the
naginata to cut down on ukes right hip. Koho tobi. Zanshin.
⾻‐Kotsu
Ensure, when leaping, not to give away the movement by bending at the knees. When striking at uke,
ensure the strike cuts diagonally into ukes hip. Watch ukes movement as this will dictate in which
direction to attack.
戦略‐Senryaku:
This movement teaches the importance of movement along all three axis. Do not focus solely on utilising
the length of the weapon. The body moving behind the weapon is important and should be utilised in a
manner that deceives the opponent.
追加の – Tsuika no
にわは⼋相に構え、敵の左胴に斬り込めば、その反動を利⽤して左に⾶び、右胴に斬り込め場
右に⾶ぶ。即ち⾶び違り斬ることなり。
This begins by posturing in Hasso. If you can cut into the opponents left side, use that reaction to leap to
the left; if you can cut to the right side, leap out to the right. This becomes Tobichigai Kiru.
Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei, “Essence of Budo” (2013)
Position yourself in Hasso. If you cut in to the enemy’s left torso, use the reaction from this to leap to the
left; if you cut in to their right torso, leap to the right; in other words, cut them as you leap past. There is
a Kuden.
Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei, “Sanmyaku” (1995)
“This technique is tobi kiri (jumping cut). So if you use arm power then you won’t cut him. Put arm power
into it and you’ll stop (your flow). Therefore, allow it to fly out. It’s like an aerial “dog fight,” it has to
strike while you are in the air. It’s effective, isn’t it? In this way, I’m not cutting with my arms. Putting
power into it won’t inflict anything. So as he comes in to cut, allow yourself to let go of it. And then again
take it like this (a Hasso‐like kamae). If he comes in again, make sure you allow yourself to let go (of the
naginata). Letting go of it you hit something and then soon change to something else. Try it like this.”
Quote from Hatsumi Sensei’s video
“From Hasso No Kamae, cutting while leaping to the right and left.”
Quote from Manaka Unsui
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