Bōjutsu 九字の形 Kuji No Kata: 第三法 Dai Sanpō Preview

From www.rojodojo.com A preview of My Bujinkan Bōjutsu video of the 九字の形 Kuji No Kata, 第三法 Dai Sanpō. These kata are found in a 九鬼神流 Kukishin Ryū 棒術 bōjutsu book by 木葉幸四郎 Kiba Kōshirō published in 1937. Kiba Kōshirō was a student of Takamatsu Sensei.
Like the other kata in this series, there are both basic and advanced methods formed during its practice. With four basic strikes, targeting and control of distance are the critical lessons. But you must also use 虚実 kyojitsu to manipulate the opponent and expose his weaknesses.
The signature move in this form is the 廻し打ち mawashi uchi. It is done the same as another bōjutsu kata, 瀧落 Taki Otoshi. It finishes with a 面打 men uchi, but really contains four strikes in one move. The opponent should not be able to predict which one is real.
You’ve probably heard me rant about this before, but many people don’t study bōjutsu with an active opponent. They either just swing the stick around by themselves, or their opponent just stands passively. There are two roles in every kata. If the uke is not active, the moves make no sense and no one learns anything.
For example, during the first 面打 men uchi, the swordsman blocks but he should do so in a strategically sound manner. If he can’t close distance to counter then he may as well run away. Too many people block without considering their role or how to counter. Then they leave their training partner with the bō searching for an opponent.
Please learn both sides of the kata. Then learn how your moves with the bō allow you to find 隙 suki. Meanwhile, eliminate gaps in your own defense and exploit those in your opponent’s movement.
During the twirl you normally threaten to keep the opponent at bay. But it may also be used to lure him in. And as he draws near, cast the bō over the top from long range. This change of distance is part of the illusion.
Don’t make the common mistake of reaching for the bō over your shoulder. You may not have the flexibility to do it cleanly and reaching telegraphs your intention. The better method is to allow the bō to drop into your hand.
If you set everything up correctly, the 跳上 haneage strike should be open. If it isn’t, you use your bō like a shield. Then a rising strike to 小手 kote forces through and into the 下段 gedan target.
Just for fun, but also to explore some very free, long range bōjutsu, we did the whole kata one handed. Throw the bō and allow gravity to take over. The stick will helicopter or pendulum swing into each strike. We studied this with both the lead hand or the back hand.