Meaning of Kihon Dosa

Kihon Dosa (basic exercise) is a core drill in Sport Chanbara. This simple and yet ingenious kata is frequently neglected, misunderstood and even overseen by those who carelessly criticize Sport Chanbara movement. It is not my intention to try to persuade anyone to change any opinion - after all, most of "opinions" are just a matter of taste (and as Latin proverb says "De gustibus non disputandum!"). Still, I will try to list those aspects of Japanese swordsmanship presented within this short "five moves" kata.

Kihon Dosa begins with "Kiotsuke" command. Instantly, practitioner must assume up-straight position, with proper position of his feet, arms, shoulders, chin, sword... After Kiotsuke comes "Rei!". Proper bow is performed, with straight back and correct angle of inclination. These two commands and actions demonstrate understanding of Reiho (etiquette) and Nihongo (Japanese terminology).

After reiho, sensei or a referee will command "Kamaeto!". Swordsman draws his short or long sword and assumes proper stance and guard. A well-trained practitioner and a knowledgeable observer will notice:

1. Shizei (ai hanmi) - proper stance
2. Te no uchi / nigiri no kata - proper grip on the sword
3. Kamae (chudan no kamae) - guard
4. Metsuke - eyes, gaze

There are many things that can be done incorrectly in this short "pulling the sword to guard" action. It is amazing that quality of a swordsman can be tested and evaluated in a single move.

After "Kamaeto", the next command is "Men Ate!". A strike to the head is properly performed in two phases: first, swordsman raises his swords into a high guard "Jodan no kamae", with swinging technique also known as "Suburi". There are no steps or feet movements during this action. It is expected from swordsman to inhale quickly during "Suburi". It is a part of "Kokyu suru" - breathing technique that is adhered to all Japanese martial arts.

After Suburi/Jodan no kamae, swordsman performs a strike to the imaginary opponent's head (Men), making simultaneously a small step forward (Okuri ashi, or "Sabaki") and shouting "Men!" - which is a form of Kime (focused energy/strength) and Kiai (fighting shout).  This simultaneous step, strike and shout illustrate proper understanding of "Ki Ken Tai ichi" principle (strength/energy, sword and body - all moving as one). In addition, this whole action is equal to traditional kenjutsu cut named "Kiri Oroshi".

After a brief moment of  strike and Kiai, swordsman reassumes his Chudan no kamae, which demonstrates "Zanshin" or focused calm mind.

Immediately follows the command: "Kote Ate". Again, swordsman first elevates his sword to "Jodan no kamae" and then performs step, strike and shout, this time striking horizontally to imaginary opponent's hand. Same principles and skills like in "Men ate" are demonstrated.

Right after "Kote" comes "Do Ate" (strike to opponent's ribs, same as diagonal cut, or "Kesa Giri"). After that comes "Ashi Ate" - a strike to opponent's leg. This technique is performed with deep Zenkustu dachi stance, unlike previous three strikes.

At the end, swordsman is ordered to perform "Tsuki" ("pronounced as "ski!") - stabbing technique to imaginary opponent's chest.

After all five techniques, swordsman is commanded to move back ("Motonoichi!") in five small steps ("Okuri ashi", also known as "Tsugi ashi" and "Suri ashi"). It is interesting to see fluctuation between hard stances and strong strikes and smooth movements across the dojo. This illustrates another very important principle of kenjutsu: "Dai Kyo Soku Kei" - meaning "Big, strong, fast, smooth".

At the end sensei or a referee commands "Osameto" (put the sword back) and "Rei!"

One cannot overemphasize all the educational values of Kihon Dosa. It is a densely packed essence of Japanese swordsmanship, a distilled spirit of Nihon Tojutsu. Kihon Dosa is used in Shinbukan Kenjutsu as an introductory drill for all beginners. As D. Abbott sensei likes to say: "You learn it in 10 minutes and practice it for 10 years".

Ivica Zdravkovic, MD
Kenjutsu shihan, senior Sport Chanbara instructor
Serbia