Iaido Okuiai IwazaNoBu 01 Kasumi Iwata Norikazu Sensei (Transl. in desc.) 居合道 奥居合居業之部 一本目 霞 岩田憲一

Okuiai IwazaNoBu Ipponme (01) Kasumi (Mist) 奥居合居業之部 一本目 霞 Iwata Norikazu 岩田憲一 Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido 無双直伝英信流 居合道 The first technique, Kasumi, begins by controlling the opponent’s attack line directly in front of you. The sword is drawn in a horizontal motion across the opponent’s neck. If the cut is insufficient, the practitioner moves forward, performing a reverse horizontal cut, followed by a downward cut from jōdan (high stance). After completing the technique and standing up, it is essential to return to the original position. This technique requires pressing the opponent while cutting, ensuring they cannot retreat or escape. The practitioner must pursue the opponent, preventing them from stepping back. It is assumed the opponent will retreat, so the practitioner advances the left shin while cutting. The act of cutting and stepping forward must happen simultaneously. If the first cut is insufficient, the second cut must be executed with certainty. It is critical to complete the cut fully, drawing the sword through the opponent and finishing with a proper overhead strike. The movements must be performed consecutively in a rapid sequence. There should only be a pause after the final downward cut, during which the practitioner evaluates the opponent. Foot movements and body actions must be synchronized. For the sheathing motion (nōtō), the sword is swiftly inserted two-thirds of the way into the scabbard. The remaining third is sheathed while the right foot traces a small outward circular motion. Kae-waza (alternate techniques) are preserved as variations that provide valuable training for different scenarios compared to standard techniques. Kasumi includes two alternate techniques: In the first variation, if the opponent arches backward to avoid the initial cut, the practitioner advances with the left leg while cutting the opponent’s legs. Depending on the situation, cutting either high or low is fundamental. In the second variation, the practitioner also targets the opponent’s legs but does not advance with the left. Instead, they lean forward significantly from the start, aiming to deliver a decisive cut with the second strike.