RulesAll class start out with the class lined up (with the most senior students at the front, to the most junior at the back) facing the Sensei. Before the class begins in earnest, they transfer the sword from the left hand to the right (symbolizing their intention in the dojo is one of peace and learning, as they cannot attack while holding the sword in the right hand) before bowing and attaching the sword to their belt.
Pandorian sword training is something of a lifelong journey. Even the masters consider themselves to be humble students, constantly striving for perfection and always feeling that they can execute a cut cleaner, faster and with more precision...As such, even the basics are subject to continual refinement, and it is most definitely a journey best started with proper instruction under the watchful eye of a qualified scholar. Yet for those who are curious as to what to expect in a PAD (Pandorian Army Dojo), or others with a purely academic interest, this article is at the very least, a tentative introduction to the mindsets and training methodologies of our arts as a whole.
Simple MovesBasic Overhead cut - This is the most basic, yet fundamental Japanese sword training cut. From an overhead position, with the sword perfectly horizontal it is cast out, much like casting a fishing rod by pulling with the left hand at the bottom, much like a lever until it makes contact with the head or shoulder of the opponent and then simply drops down to stop horizontally again. The action should be done without ‘power’, allowing the blade to drop down.
[A common mistake is to use too much force in the right hand, which is really only just guiding the blade. One way to minimize this is to practice the casting movement holding the sword in the left hand only.]
YOKO GIRI(SIDE CUT)- Much like the basic swing the blades begin facing out horizontally behind you and is ‘levered’ by the left hand, arcing out with the cut making contact with the target and cutting through the other side.
KESA GIRI - A vertical cut to the right side of the shoulder (and out through the left armpit) it begins in the same position as the basic overhead cut and then tilts slightly on a diagonal path as it is levered by the left hand. With the feeling of casting a fishing line it makes contact with the target as the arms are extended and the momentum carries through the target, finishing in a position slightly slower than horizontal, breaking with the elbows touching the body.
[Again, be sure not to power it with the right hand but let speed and the weight of the blade do all the work.]
Drawing Strike – The User Draws the sword and attack in one motion, a definitive finishing cut and then sheathing the blade.
The Reason We Do ThisContained within these seemingly archaic movements are many lethal techniques that, ideally at least, are based on tried and tested combat techniques. The core of Pandora sword training is undoubtedly the ritualistic patterns known as Kata (forms)The beauty of Kata is that this is one form of sword training you can practice by yourself, anywhere and anytime. But that said; it is extremely important at all times when performing a single person Kata to strongly visualize your opponent and where they are in relation to your techniques. Other species tend take a different approach. Most of your Kata training is partnered exercises.
These rules are designed to show that your intent in the training hall is to learn and to avoid behavior which is threatening or dangerous. Others are aimed at cultivating the correct mindset to build a solid foundation of humility and openness (once you think ‘I’m so good at this!’ you’ve instantly stopped learning and are in fact doing yourself a disservice). To discard any elements is to miss out on cultivating the martial spirit of swordsmanship that is central to attaining true mastery.
