Weapons of Jiu Jitsu: Swords - Happo Giri
The eight cut kata is a beginning kata for use of the sword in Jiu Jitsu.
Once the sword has been drawn their are eight cutting directions that are demonstrated (though
one is actually a piercing strike rather than a cut).
When performing the kata the movements should flow smoothly together. This does not mean quickly.
In fact the kata is one of precise movement. The tip of the blade for instance should be
perfectly still at the end of each strike. There are many small points to the kata which takes a
long time to perfect. Knowing the correct foot position and finishing point for each strike
takes a great deal of practice.
A clock direction is given for each step. This indicates the direction the jitsuka should be facing
at the end of the step.
Outline
1) Prepare [12:00]
The kata begins with ritsu rei and an announcement of the kata.
2) Draw [12:00]
The jitsuka steps forward with the right foot drawing the sword into a horizontal strike to the
neck of an opponent stood directly ahead.
3) Thrust - Morote Tsuki [12:00]
The jitsuka draws back into a cat stance (necho dachi) and then follows with a forwards thrust at
the stomach of an opponent stood directly ahead.
4) Horizontal Cut Right - Hidari Ichimonji Giri [03:00]
Draw the sword back in as though for another thrusting strike. Looking to the right allowing the
blade to fall back to the left, step to the right and strike horizontally to the neck of an opponent
stood directly ahead.
5) Right-sided Vertical Cut Upwards - Hidari Joho Giri [12:00]
Still out to the right and stepping forwards on the left foot take the sword blade forward and up
in an arc through about 270° until the sword points vertically up. This strike cuts from
the abdomen to the right shoulder of an opponent stood directly ahead.
6) Right-sided Vertical Cut Downwards - Hidari Kesa Giri [12:00]
Rotate the blade through 180° on a vertical axis so that the blade is in position for a downwards cut.
Swing the sword back down along the path of the previous cut until the tip goes just past pointing
straight down.
7) Horizontal Cut Left - Migi Ichimonji Giri [09:00]
Looking to the left allowing the blade to fall back to the right, step to the left and strike horizontally
to the neck of an opponent stood directly ahead.
8) Left-sided Vertical Cut Upwards - Migi Joho Giri [12:00]
Still out to the left and stepping forwards on the right foot take the sword blade forward and up
in an arc through about 270° until the sword points vertically up. This strike cuts from
the abdomen to the left shoulder of an opponent stood directly ahead.
9) Left-sided Vertical Cut Downwards - Migi Kesa Giri [12:00]
Rotate the blade through 180° on a vertical axis so that the blade is in position for a downwards cut.
Swing the sword back down along the path of the previous cut until the tip goes just past pointing
straight down.
10) Vertical Cut Downwards - Suichyoku Giri [12:00]
Draw the right foot back to the left and then side step out to the right into a horse stance (kiba dachi) stance.
At the same time drop the sword vertically around the left shoulder until it lies vertically behind
the head. Swing the blade directly over the head bending the knees to drop the body weight into the strike. The tip
of the blade should remain slightly above the horizontal at the end of the strike soas not to smash the blade into
the floor. The strike is at the head of an opponent stood directly ahead.
11) Purify The Blade - Chiburi [12:00]
Step backwards with the left leg and perform a chiburi to clean the blade of 'blood'.
12) Resheath [12:00]
Resheath the sword and return the left leg to the right to stand with both feet together (su dachi).
12) Finish [12:00]
With the left foot followed by the right, take a side step to the left and ritsu rei.
For more information about swords in Jiu Jitsu take a look at the swords page.
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