Chudan –

Middle Steps
Itou: 1 Power
The misnomer is
“Ichiriki”
Note:
Training at the original Rembukan Dojo under Shimizu, Takaji Sensei, then the headmaster of the Shindo Muso Ryu (SMRJ), I
was taught that this kata was called “Ichi Riki” or one power.

In Japanese elementary school, the characters for “chikara -power” and “tou - sword” are taught to second graders. Any cursory
glance at the kanji selected in naming this kata is “Itou” or one sword not “Ichi Riki or one power.

In the original SMRJ denshyo, the documentation of tradition’s scrolls, the kata is written as “Itou” or one sword.

With the publication of the Jodo Kyohan the authors acknowledged that “Itou” is being verbalized as “Ichi Riki”. They
understood and chose to promote the misnomer for the sake of tradition. I should imagine that this was a collision in values at
a time when tradition superseded academic integrity.

Kanji can be read in different ways, especially when placed in conjunction with other characters. This isn’t the case here. These
are separate characters with separate meanings and shouldn’t be misconstrued.

Prior to his death, Kaminoda, Tsunemori ‘created a publication, notating the error. He decided that going forward his group
would “correctly” endorse the name of the kata as “Itou”.

My personal take on this mini-controversy is that this is a great example of Japanese culture. Ultimately the respect for a
tradition and the great teachers that preceded us sometimes uncomfortably and inevitably collides with the desire for academic
integrity.

Academic scrutiny must be as objective and free of bias as is possible. Training in a tradition as rich as the SMRJ also provides
a rich texture that no one would want to dismantle or tarnish knowingly. Both tradition and historical accuracy should be
embraced, encouraged and understood. This challenge will continue to arise as more academic research could promote
additional controversies.

We at the Beikoku Rembukan have decided that we should use the name “Itou” in our writings and go-rei. We appreciate the
events surrounding this misnomer and believe that this flaw adds richness and texture to the history of what we are studying.
We encourage additional academic pursuit of Shindo Muso Ryu’s long history.
 Chudan
Itou (Ichi Riki) Pages: 130-133
(Note: Go Rei is now omitted as a written instruction as is Osame)

1. U: Take Taito and close ma-ai.

2. J: Lead with the left foot stepping forward with Ayumi Ashii while grasping the jo with the left hand and applying seme to ganmen – striking
Kote.
3. -
4. U: In receiving the strike, lower the tsuka, drawing with the feeling of breaking the sword free from the Koiguchi. Pull back the right foot
while drawing the sword up and to the right.
5. -
6. J: Pull the right foot back, moving into Migi Hikiotoshi no Kamae.
7. U: Step in with the right foot cutting Shomen. J: Step forward with the left foot, stretch out the left hand while exerting Seme towards
Ganmen.
8. J: Step out with the right foot and switch the left foot back, rotating position to be perpendicular to the direction of the Uchidachi and
execute a Kuritsuke variation.
9. -
10. -
11. -
12. -
13. -
14. J: Leaning back with the upper body, lift the josekki while stepping forward with the left foot while dropping your upper body into Kuritsuke.
U: Receive the Kuritsuke with the left foot.
15. -
16. -
17. U: Draw the right foot back taking Hasso no Kamae. J: Move the right foot back and drop into Hikiotoshi no Kamae.
18. U: Take Chudan no Kamae as you step forward with the right foot.
19. -
20. J: Step forward with the right foot striking the tachi down. U: Draw the right foot back. J: Demonstrate zanshin and complete Osame.
Oshizume:
Pressing In
 Chudan
Oshizume Pages: 134-137
1. U: Start from Taito and close the ma-ai.
2. J: Starting with the right foot, step forward in Ayumi Ashii. Thrust out with the right hand aiming the Josekki for Uchidachi’ s eyes
thus preventing his forward motion.
3. -
4. J: With a small “thief step” move forward with the right foot, thrusting the end of the jo into Uchidachi’ s Hibara.
5. J: Raise the right hand above head while drawing back the right foot taking a Hanmi stance.
6. U: As the energy builds up, draw back the right foot and draw the sword to the upper right.
7. J: Move the right foot back assuming Hikiotoshi no Kamae.
8. (The following steps are the same as Itou / Ichi Riki)
9. - 14 -
15. J: From the Kuritsuke posture, the right footsteps forward and thrusts (push). Then stepping back with the left foot, take
Hikiotoshi no Kamae. U: Draw the right foot back and take Hasso no Kamae.
16. -
17. U: Stepping forward with the right foot, cut to Shomen. J: Stepping with the right foot, raise the jo overhead, thrust the jo out
from Shomen, and as if thrusting to the opponent’s eyes, stop Uchidachi’ s forward motion.
18. -
19. J: Execute Tai Atari as in the Kihon.
20.
21.
22. U: Stepping back into Ayumi Ashii, starting with the left foot, take Hasso no Kamae.
23. J: Drawing back the right foot, bring the jo up and back in a big circle and take Hikiotoshi no Kamae.
24. -
25. U: Stepping forward with the right foot, take Chudan no Kamae. J: Strike the tachi down with Hikiotoshi Uchi.
26. -
27. -
28. J: Demonstrate zanshin. Osame.
Midaredome:
Meet Move & Control
 Chudan
Midaredome Pages 138 - 143
1. Together, take the same kamae as in Hissage (p. 88)
2. -
3. -
4. -
5. -
6. J: Take the full length of the jo in both hands.
7. -
8. -
9. J: Strike down the tachi with Gyakute Uchi.
10. U: Drawing back the left foot, bring the tachi to the left; pulling in both elbows and assume a posture with arms crossed.
11. J: Apply the josekki at Ganmen to restrain Tachi.
12. U: Drawing back the right foot, take Hasso no Kamae. J: Draw back the right foot into Hikiotoshi no Kamae.
13. U: Step in with the right foot and cut towards the upper arm.
14. J: Bring the right foot up to the left foot and the jo from the back in a large circle to execute a righthand Gyakute Uchi towards Ganmen, instantly stopping
Tachi.
15. J: Drawing the left foot back, release the left hand, raise the jo in the right hand towards the right rear, and grasp the end of the jo with the left hand.
16. -
17. J: Strike the tachi down. U: Instantly receive the strike, and…
18. -
19. U: Cut to Shomen. J: Draws back the left foot to receive and stop the tachi.
20. J: Steps in with the right foot and does Makiotoshi.
21. U: Steps back right, left, right into Hasso no Kamae. J: Take one more step and apply seme.
22. J: Move the left foot to the right foot, bring the left hand towards the right, and move the jo into a horizontal orientation.
23. U: [mistake in text]: Steps in with the right foot cutting Shomen. J: Stepping with the right foot directly to the front, bring the jo overhead and forward, as
if thrusting to Ganmen, stopping tachi’s movement.
24. -
25. : Bringing forward the right [?] foot. Bring the left hand to Suigetsu and the right hand to Ganmen height - pressing Uchidachi.
26. U: Bringing the right foot to the left foot, bring the tachi overhead and pointing to the side.
27. J: Stepping out with the left foot, do Tai Atari immediately stepping back with the right foot into Hikiotoshi no Kamae.
28. U: Stepping back right, left, right, take Hasso no Kamae.
29.
30. U: Stepping in with the right foot, take Chudan no Kamae. J: Execute Hikiotoshi Uchi.
31. - 34
32. J: Demonstrate zanshin.
Ushirozue Mae:
Back Stick (Front)
 Chudan
Ushirozue Mae Pages 144-147

1. -
2. U: Take taito position.
3. J: Starting from Tsune no Kamae, take Teijo position and take 3 steps forward angling left.
4. -
5. U: and J: Make a small bow (nod).
6. -
7. J: Commence with left foot moving forward with Ayumi Ashii. Bring the right foot to the left. [Explanation of the pivot is not given]
8. J: Take Tsune no Kamae. U: Step forward with left foot, then right foot.
9. U: Stepping forward with the left foot, thrust out at shidachi with the Tsukagashira to achieve the spacing for a draw and cut.
10. J: Step forward with the right foot, then left, then right foot on a right diagonal to avoid the sword cut; at the same time, lean forward and
turn to look at Uchidachi.
11. U: Stepping forward with the right foot, cut.
12. -
13. J: Twisting the hips, swing the jo overhead in a big circle striking Uchidachi’ s Kote.
14. U: Draw the right foot back to the left foot taking Jodan no Kamae. J: Step forward with the right foot and thrust to Hibara.
15. -
16. J: While keeping the josekki attached to the Hibara, step in with the right foot near to Uchidachi’ s right armpit and raise the left hand
overhead so the jo follows a line along the right shoulder.
17. U: Pivoting in towards jo on the left foot, cut at the neck. J: Pivoting in towards tachi on the left foot, draw the right foot back deeply and
strike Kasumi.
18. -
19. U: Drawing the left foot back to the left rear, fix posture. J: Demonstrate zanshin and Osame.
Ushirozue Ato:
Back Stick (Back)
 Chudan
Ushirozue Ato Pages 148-151

1. Initial approach is the same as Ushirozue Mae

2. –
3. –
4. –
5. –
6. –
7. –
8. –
9. -
10. U: Step out with the left foot and thrust at shidachi with tsuka-gashira to achieve spacing for a draw and cut. J: Step left, then
right.
11. U: Twisting the hips, draw the sword (batto). J: Take a third – large step angled forward and to the right and turn the body.
12. U: Stepping in with the right foot – cut forward. J: Stepping in with the right foot lift jo overhead and thrust to Uchidachi’ s
Hibara, strongly blocking Tachi.
13. -
14. -
15. -
16. U: Withdraw the right foot taking Jodan no Kamae. J: Releasing the left thumb, draw the jo back overhead and taking the full
jo in both hands, strike the inside of Uchidachi’ s left ankle.
17. U: Cut Shomen stepping in with the right foot. J: Step back with the right foot to the right rear, turn the body and take
Hikiotoshi no Kamae.
18. J: Stepping forward with the right foot – strike Ganmen. U: Step back with the left foot, receive and block the jo.
19. –
20. U: Stepping back with the left foot, match with jo and retire Kamae.
21. J: Zanshin and Osame.
Taisha: Great
Wheel Motion
 Chudan
Taisha Pages 152-157

1. -
2. J: From Tsune no Kamae draw the jo to the left and assume Monomi no Kamae.
3. –
4. –
5. U: Stepping from the left foot cut Shomen.
6. –
7. –
8. J: Take the Jo in hand while drawing the left foot back. Draw back the right foot, raise the jo in a big circle from the back to overhead and strike Kote.
9. U: Draw the right foot back into Hasso no Kamae. J: Step back with the right foot into Hikiotoshi no Kamae.
10. U: Step in with the right foot cut Shomen. J: Step out with the left foot, check the Uchidachi at Ganmen, twist the body to the left and apply Kuritsuke. (See page 130
– Ichi Riki)
11. –
12. –
13. –
14. –
15. J: Maintain Kuritsuke and bring out the right foo and lock the tachi down. U: Step back right, left, right taking Hasso no Kamae.
16. –
17. J: Bring jo back to the left into Hikiotoshi no Kamae.
18. –
19. U: Step in with the right foot and cut Shomen. J: Moving from the right foot, check Uchidachi at Ganmen, turn to the right so the body is at 90 degrees and raise the
jo overhead taking a stance as if in Tai Atari.
20. –
21. J: Leaning back with the upper body raise the josekki and lift up both of Tachi’s hands.
22. –
23. J: Moving the left foot, then right foot move directly in front of Aitei into the posture of Tai Atari.
24. J: execute Tai Atari and then drop into right Hikiotoshi no Kamae. U: Stepping back right, left, right, take hasso no Kamae.
25. –
26. U: Step forward with the right foot and take Chudan no Kamae.
27. –
28. J: Strike tachi down with Hikiotoshi Uchi.
29. U: Draw back the right foot.
30. J: Demonstrate Zanshin and Osame.
Kengome: Maai:
(Combative Distance)
Moving Inside Attack
Risking Being Cut
 Chudan
Kengome Pages 158-161

1. U: Stand in straight posture holding Daishyo (two swords).

2. J: Drawing back the right foot, take Hissage no Kamae. U: Step out with the left foot taking Kamae with the Kodachi and then bring the
Odachi up and over the Kodachi to make “Juji” (cross) no Kamae.
3. -
4. U: Step forward with the left foot in Ayumi Ashii and close ma-ai.
5. J: Turn the body to Shomen and bring the jo out with a Gyakute grip. Apply seme to Ganmen.
6. -
7. -
8. J: Move forward with the right foot and cross over the left foot to the left. Bring the Josekki to Uchidachi’ s knuckles of the right hand
from below. U: Draw the Kodachi to the left hip.
9. J: Pull the left foot back.
10. U: Moving in with the left foot, thrust to Hibara. J: Drawing back the right foot, strike the incoming Kodachi down.
11. -
12. -
13. -
14. U: Take Hasso no Kamae and step in with the right foot cutting to Shidachi’ s upper arm. J: Take the whole jo in both hands, bring the
right foot forward to the left foot, bring the jo from the rear flipping it overhead to strike strongly to ganmen.
15. -
16. J: Withdraw the left foot, release the left hand, and bring the right hand at an angle overhead and take Hasso no Kamae.
17. -
18. J: Immediately strike the tachi down.
19. -
20. U: Drawing back the right foot, take Jodan no Kamae. J: Thrust to Suigetsu with Kaeshizuki.
21. -
22. -
23. -
24. -
25. J: Demonstrate zanshin - Osame. U: Pull the right foot back and lower the tachi.
Kirikake:
Japanese Cart
 Chudan
Kirikake: Pages 162-165

1. Uchidachi and Shijo begin as in Monomi.

2. -
3. -
4. -
5. -
6. -
7. -
8. -
9. -
10. -
11. -
12. J: Moving the left foot to the right front, take the entire jo in both hands.
13. J: Stepping in with the right foot, strike with Gyakute Uchi. U: Drawing back the left foot, block the strike.
14. J: Stepping in with the right foot, push and lift the tachi placing the right hand at Uchidachi’ s Ganmen. Place the left hand at Hibara. U:
Bringing the right foot back to the left foot, bring the tachi up overhead and turn the body to Hanmi.
15. -
16. U: Pivoting from the left foot, rotate the bokken around the back of the head and cut Kesagiri to Shidachi’ s neck. J: Responding to
Aaite’s movement, pivot from the left foot and slide the right hand along the jo…
17. J: Dropping the right knee, enter (Irimi) under Uchidachi’ s armpit, and from below, thrust up to stop the tachi.
18. -
19. U: Step back left foot, right foot, left foot. J: Taking the entire jo in both hands, shift the left-hand grip, demonstrate zanshin, and standing
up, execute osame.
Shin Shin:
Clear Move Forward
 Chudan
Shin Shin Pages 166-169

1. -
2. -
3. U: Taking Wakigamae, close the ma-ai. J: In Tsune no Kamae, starting with the right foot, step in Ayumi Ashii to close the ma-ai.
4. -
5. U: From Wakigamae, attempt to cut using Gyakute-Kesagiri. J: At the instant of tachi’s attack, step with the left foot and at the same time
thrust the jo out towards Suigetsu.
6. U: Drawing back the right foot, take Hasso no Kamae. J: Without delay, draw back the right foot into Hikiotoshi no Kamae.
7. -
8. -
9. U: Stepping in with the right foot, cut Shomen. J: Stepping in with the left foot, check Uchidachi’ s movement at Ganmen, turn to the left
and execute Kuritsuke.
10. -
11. -
12. U: Drawing back the left foot, cut to Dou. J: Step in with the right foot, then immediately bring the left foot to the right to close the
distance; release the left thumb, thrust the josekki at Hibara. Draw the right foot back and block the tachi in the manner of Dobarai.
13. U: Drawing back the right foot, take Hasso no kamae. J: Drawing back the right foot, drop the josekki down directly to the front.
14. -
15. -
16. U: Stepping forward with the right foot, cut to the left Dou. J: Stepping to the right with the right, then left foot, strike the left kote.
17. -
18. U: Release the left hand, cut with right hand to Shidachi’ s neck.
19. J: Stepping with the right foot in front of the left foot, raise both hands over the head, drop the left knee to the floor, and from below
scoop up the tachi.
20. -
21. J: Standing up, step with the left foot and execute Kuritsuke. U: Drawing back the left foot, receive Kuritsuke.
22. U: Step with the left foot in an attempt to create sufficient ma-ai. J: Stepping in deeply with the left foot, close the distance to block
Uchidachi.
23. -
U: Step right, left, right, in Ayumi Ashii, and turn to face the opponent squarely. J: Execute Osame.
Rai Uchi:
Thunder Strike
 Chudan
Raiuchi: Pages 170-171

1. J: From Tsune no Kamae, grasp the josekki in a Gyakute grip.

2. -
3. J: Draw back the right foot into Kasumi no Kamae.
4. -
5. -
6. U: Take Chudan no Kamae and close ma-ai matching with jo. J: Bring the right foot to the left foot, then draw back
the left foot while taking Gyakute no Kamae - and match with tachi.
7. U: Step in with the right foot, and at the same moment raise the tachi in Furikaburi cutting for the upper arm / neck.
J: Stepping directly in front with the right foot, at the same moment thrust with the Josekki to Suigetsu.
8. -
9. U: Taking one step back with the left foot, raise the tachi to Jodan Furikaburi. Step forward with the right foot and
cut to the right shoulder.
10. J: Drop the left hand down, taking the jo by raising the right hand overhead and step slightly to the left with the left
foot, pushing the jo out from the left hand, turn the body to Hanmi, and thrust Josekki to Hibara.
11. -
12. U: Stepping back right foot, left foot, lower the tachi. J: Dropping the right hand down, take Gyakute no Kamae.
13. J: Change the grip on the left hand to take Honte no Kamae and demonstrate zanshin. Osame.
Yokogiridome:
Control the Side Cut
 Chuden
Yokogiridome Pages 172-175
1. -
2. J: From Tsune no Kamae, grip the josekki with the left hand.
3. J: Drawing back the right foot, raise the back end of the jo overhead from the rear, and in Hanmi, take “Tomoe no Kamae”.
4. -
5. -
6. U: Step out with the left foot in Chudan no Kamae. Raise the tachi so the Kensaki is to the upper left, and in Hanmi, taking “Tomoe no
Kamae”.
7. U: Close the ma-ai and cut at Shidachi’ s neck. J: At the moment that tachi cuts, bring the right foot to the left foot, and at the same time,
stop uchidachi with a Gyakute strike to Ganmen.
8. J: Release the left hand, raise the right hand to the upper right, flipping the jo over, draw back the left foot, and take Hasso no Kamae.
9. -
10. J: Using the full power of the hips, strike down the tachi.
11. U: Draw back the left foot, receiving the jo strike and in one motion bringing the tachi back for a cut to Shomen.
12. J: Stepping in with the left foot, close the distance. (Like Raiuchi)
13. J: Stop tachi with a thrust to Hibara.
14. U: Drawing back the right foot, take Hasso no Kamae. J: Drawing back the right foot, take Hikiotoshi no Kamae.
15. U: Stepping in with the right foot, cut to the neck. J: Stepping forward slightly with the left foot to deepen the stance and drop the hips,
strike to Ganmen to stop tachi.
16. U: Drawing back the right foot, take Hasso no Kamae. J: Drawing back the left foot slightly, take Hikiotoshi no Kamae.
17. -
18. U: Stepping in with the right foot, cut to Shomen. J: Execute Kuritsuke.
19. -
20. J: Step in with the right foot, then bring the left foot to the right foot, and take the entire jo in both hands, with the right hand pressing at
Shidachi’ s left fist.
21. J: Bring the left foot slightly out in front.
22. J: Pivoting on the left foot, bring the right foot back, rotating the jo slightly from above, and strike strongly to Suigetsu.
23. -
24. -
25. U: Drawing the left foot back slightly, square the body to the front. J: Demonstrate Zanshin. Osame.
Haraidome:
Brush Away &
Manage
 Chuden
Haraidome Pages 176-179

1. -
2. U: Begin in Taito.
3. U: Close the ma-ai and grasp the Tsuka. J: Starting from the left foot, step in Ayumi Ashii to close the ma-ai;
Stepping in with the right foot, restrain tachi using the josekki to Ganmen.
4. -
5. J: Rotate the josekki downward and thrust Hibara.
6. J: Bringing the left hand to the right hand on the jo, bring the left foot to the right foot.
7. -
8. J: Gripping the end of the jo with the right hand, draw back the right foot.
9. -
10. U: Drawing back the right foot, draw the sword (batto). J: Drawing back the right foot, take Hikiotoshi no Kamae.
11. U: Stepping in with the right foot, cut Shomen. J: Stepping in with the left foot, restrain tachi’s movement at
Ganmen, step forward with the right foot, pivot on the right foot, turn the body toward the left, and execute
Kuritsuke.
12. -
13. -
14. -
15. -
16. -
17. -
18. U: Drawing back the left foot, take Hidari Hasso no Kamae. J: Step forward with the right foot, bring the left foot to
the right, then drawing back the right foot, raise the jo to the upper right.
19. U: Stepping out with the right foot, cut to Dou. J: Thrust to Hibara with the Josekki.
20. U: Draw back the left foot and turn square to Shijo. J: Lower the right hand and demonstrate zanshin. Osame.
Seigan:
True Eyes
 Chuden
Seigan Pages 180-181

1. U: Starting in Taito, close the ma-ai, and place hand on the Tsuka. J: From Tsune no Kamae, close the ma-ai using
Ayumi Ashii.
2. -
3. -
4. J: Putting out the right hand, restrain Uchidachi at Ganmen.
5. J: Stepping out with the right foot, stop tachi at the right Kote.
6. U: Drawing back the right foot, draw the sword (batto).
7. J: Raising the right hand overhead, bring the left hand to shoulder height and take the entire jo in both hands.
8. J: Stepping in with the left foot, thrust to Hibara.
9. U: Stepping in slightly with the left foot, cut towards jo’s left Kote, dropping the upper body down.
10. J: Bringing the left foot back to the right foot, bring the jo vertical and draw it up against your body.
11. J: Using the left hand to rotate the jo outward, strike to Tento.
12. U: Without moving the upper body, bring the right foot to the left foot, then draw the left foot, move back, and face
the opponent.
13. -
14. J: Drawing back the left foot, take Honte no Kamae and demonstrate zanshin.
15. U: Stepping in with the right foot, cut the left kote. J: Bringing the left foot to the right, bring the jo to Hasso no
Kamae.
16. J: Stepping in with the right foot, strike to Suigetsu.
17. U: Drawing back with the left foot, face the opponent. J: Demonstrate zanshin. Osame