“The seventh suburi is used in the second and fourth kumi-tachi.
In this movement our strike is parried downward and we free the sword
circularly and then counter with a thrust. When the enemy blocks or
parries the sword downward, we always use this counter against his block
or parry.” – Morihiro Saito Sensei
Start this exercise by executing the second suburi. Assume the
hito-e-mi position and cut with a shomen-uchi on the central line of
attack.
In the sixth suburi you turn the blade to the left and then to the
right, but when you execute the seventh suburi always turn the blade to
the right and thrust, stepping forward with your left foot, moving
slightly out of the central line.
Perform a yokomen-uchi on the opposite side of central line, stepping
forward with your right foot; turn the blade to the right, keeping the
tsuka-kashira in front of your centre, step forward with your left foot
and tsuki.
To change direction, bring the sword over your head and cut with
yokomen-uchi, ensuring not to shift your weight backward too much when
you strike.
Wait two seconds at the end of each strike.
You usually perform 2 strikes in one direction and 2 in the opposite
direction. These are just a guide and you can decide how many strikes
should be performed depending on the space available around you.
When executing this exercise your front foot, your line-of-sight and
the blade of your ken are all pointing in the same direction, on the
same line.
