The kumi-tachi (kumi: to unite, group; tachi: sword) refers
to advanced partner practice with the sword, encompassing 5 basic forms
plus variations. The kumi exercises and their variations are the
respective beginnings and the in-depth study of the martial applications
of the basic training exercises. Associated with these exercises are
strict rules of engagement based upon traditional fighting methods
developed over centuries of use and refinement in a feudal society, and
because they have a great practical basis they therefore dictate many of
the reasons behind the movements. There is a great collection of
variations that stem from these kihon (basics), due to the variables of
combat, and the creativity of instructors. Once these exercises are
properly learnt through slow, controlled and relaxed training, the
movements can be performed more quickly and strongly, with the timing
and flow varied to enable the student to experience a wide variety of
possibilities in attack and defence.
Starting in shizen-tai and moving together with your partner, perform
a standing rei (bow) towards your partner and say the name of the
series outloud: “kumi-tachi-gohon”. The movement to draw the ken is
called nuki-tsuke in Japanese. Moving together with your partner, grab
the handle below the tsuba with the right hand and at the same time
advance with the right foot, moving into ken-no-kamae-migi, in which the
left hand grabs the ken at the end of the handle (tsuka), while the
right hand grabs above, just below the tsuba; the feet are in migi-hanmi
(right foot forward). The end of the sword handle, or hilt (called the
tsuka-kashira) is in front of your hara, while the tip (kissaki) is
pointed at your partner’s throat in front of you.
Then, say the name of the kumi-tachi being practiced.
Once you have completed the series, the movement to sheath the sword
is called noto-tsuke in Japanese. Moving together with your partner,
while stepping back with the right foot and aligning it with the left,
release the ken with the left hand and with the right bring the ken to
your left side with the blade turned up; then, grab the ken in the
middle with the left hand and return your right hand to your right side,
thereby returning to shizen-tai.
From the shizen-tai position and moving together with your partner,
perform a standing rei (bow) towards your partner to complete the
exercise.
