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How to Use
a Samurai Sword
The cuts below are described for use against a samurai that is not wearing armor. What's the difference, you may ask? Some of the angles are different when striking a samurai wearing armor than striking a samurai who is not wearing armor (see the bottom diagram to see how to cut against an armored samurai).
Each school will have different variations of angles, grips and body positions, but here is a fundamental cutting concept that most sword styles share: When delivering a cut, make sure that your wrists are lined up behind the blade handle. Think of it as wringing out a wet towel as you cut. If you don't align your wrists behind the handle, you will only have your thumbs behind it. And this will result in the sword being violently pushed back up at you when you actually cut something.
Don't fool yourself when cutting in the air
by not lining up your wrists.
It may feel fine in the air, but when you actually cut into something, you're in for a big surprise when you loose control of your sword. Also, as you are "wringing out the towel," straighten your arms as you reach the end of your cut so your elbows are virtually locked. This will add strength and stability to your cuts.
| Correct Grip (wrist aligned over blade)  |
Incorrect Grip (wrist NOT aligned over blade)  |
Also, remember to follow through on your cuts, but maintain control of your sword so it doesn't swing wildly and strike your leg or the ground.
As always, don't try any cuts with a live blade without the supervision of a qualified instructor. Seriously! It's real easy to cut yourself. I've seen guys do it. You don't want to be alone when you sever the artery in your thigh!
Unarmored Targets
The diagram above illustrates the basic sword cuts. Some Japanese sword styles will have variations of cut angles (an sometimes extra cuts as well), but each school usually recognizes these fundamental cuts:
Do (abdomen cut)
Facing your opponent, you cut from left to right across the abdomen just above the hip bones. You don't want to hit the hip bone, and you don't want to hit the rib cage; you want to cut the "gushi" stuff in-between. Why only cut from left to right? Remember, the saya and Wakizashi are still tucked into his left side of the belt (obi). If you try to cut from right to left, you'll crash right into the steel blade of the Wakizashi and won't get very far. Therefore, it's usually pointless to train to cut from right to left as far as actual fighting strategy is concerned (except in Kendo when a Wakizashi or saya isn't an issue). However, for cutting tatami mats and general solo practice, it never hurts to practice opposite Do cuts once in a while.
Cutting Tip:Kesa giri ("monk's robe" cut)
Your sword is not a baseball bat, so don't swing it like one! When stepping up to the tatami mat for practice cuts, everyone is tempted to swing that thing like they were Babe Ruth. Don't. This is considered extremely bad form. Start with the blade in a high position, then make a clean, level cut, and STOP once you exit the target. Don't keep swinging the sword so that it swings back behind you like a baseball bat. For one thing, it's dangerous to you and the people around you, and secondly, it's bad strategy. Swinging the blade too far leaves you wide open if you miss.
This is called the "monk's robe" cut because it follows the line of the robes of a monk (how about that!). The path of this cut is a downward diagonal cut from the top of the shoulder to the opposite hip. Different sword schools may have different angle variations, but the Kesa giri is fairly universal. When practicing this cut in the air, follow through a few inches past your target (some styles follow through even further).
Kiriage (upward cut)
This is the opposite of a Kesa giri cut. It follows a diagonal line from the top of the hip to the opposite shoulder. Follow through several inches past the target.
Kote (wrist cut)
The Kote cut is usually delivered as a straight down cut to the wrist area while your opponent is facing you holding his sword. Cutting to the left or right wrist area can either disable or sever the hand (but remember, he's still got another hand holding the sword!). Step to either the left or right angle to deliver a clean, straight Kote cut.
Men (straight down head cut)
This is a straight down cut to the top of the skull. When practicing in the air, you should follow through to about abdomen level (some styles follow through well past the groin). In reality, it's probably unlikely that you would ever bury the sword deeper than the skull, but the mental intent of cutting further down will strengthen you cut immensely.
Ski (straight thrust)
The straight thrust is usually delivered with both hands on the sword, but some styles have one handed techniques. The Ski strike targets are: straight into the eyes, throat, belly, or ribcage. When striking to the ribcage, turn the blade sideways as you thrust in, then push out the side in one fluid motion. This way, you'll slide in between the ribs, and exit out the side. When striking to the throat, do the same: turn the blade sideways and thrust in, then push out the side to free your blade (Gruesome, I know! But that's how they did it, in those days).
Armored Targets
Cuts against an armored samurai
What's the difference between an armored and unarmored samurai? This difference is where you cut (and to some extent, how you cut, but that's more detail than we need to cover here). On an unarmored samurai, every inch of the body if vulnerable to the blade. On a fully armored samurai, there are only a few places where the armor is weak.
For instance:
Kesa giri ("monk's robe" cut)
You'll notice in the diagram above that the "X" pattern for an armored samurai has sharper angles. This is because you want to cut from the base of the neck to the armpit. This is where Japanese armor is typically vulnerable. If you tried to cut from shoulder to hip, you would run right into the breastplate and wouldn't do much damage.
Do (abdomen cut)
Same as described above for an unarmored samurai, but you'll have to be more precise. The target area is much more narrow since the gap between the breastplate and the hip guard is minimal.
Kiriage (upward cut)
This is the opposite of a Kesa giri cut. It follows a diagonal line from the armpit to the base of the neck. Follow through several inches past the target.
Kote (wrist cut)
Same as described above for an unarmored samurai. There is some light armor on the wrist, but a heavy blow can still cut through.
Men (straight down head cut)
Same as described above for an unarmored samurai. If you can smash through the helmet, you still won't get very far, but it is possible to cut through the helmet with a heavy blow.
Ski (straight thrust)
You are limited to only a few targets with Ski: eyes and throat. The ribs and abdomen are covered with a breastplate. There is a throat guard, but it's possible to pierce or slip under it.
*Disclaimer: Swords are very dangerous weapons that can hurt, maim, or kill people if not handled properly. Handle swords with care in every circumstance. If you don't know how to handle a sword properly, don't touch it. Use every safety precaution available when handling any weapon. This website claims no responsibility for any of the information or links provided within these pages. This website is not responsible for any accident, injury, or dissatisfied purchase from links that originate from this site. Handle swords at your own risk. Purchase swords at your own risk. Always obey the laws of your state or area regarding sword purchase and sword use.
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