“The third suburi is used in the kumi-tachi and
ki-musubi-no-tachi. The founder explained that we should perform this
movement with the feeling of assimilating ourselves into the universe by
inhaling universal ki through the tip of the sword, passing through the
nose and arriving at the seika-tanden.” – Morihiro Saito Sensei
Start as in the second suburi, assuming the hito-e-mi position,
taking a step back with your right foot. Breathe in, lifting the tip of
the sword as in the second suburi, but this time lift the sword straight
up over your head. Don’t keep it too close to your head; rather extend
your arms and your whole body upward. In performing this suburi you can
extend your body upward and not keep your centre at the same level. Try
to extend yourself as much as possible.
Now, go into waki-kamae by lowering your sword and your body very
slowly, bringing the ken to rest on your back (right) thigh. This
movement should be executed on the central line, so don’t move out from
it and don’t move forward. Always look in front of you, at your
opponent, resting the sword on your back thigh and executing this
movement without breathing. Avoid letting your opponent see your sword
by keeping it on the line.
You are still holding your breath. From this position start preparing
your cutting strike by turning your hips from right to left and closing
your elbows. Step forward with your right foot, without lifting your
shoulders or the sword, but rather lowering the hips and relaxing the
shoulders; exhale forcefully and strike shomen-uchi directly over your
head.
After the strike, wait two seconds, breathe out and return to ken-no-kamae-migi. Repeat the exercise.
