Introduction to Shomen Kumitachi
Shomenuchi kumitachi is a paired sword practice featuring straight attacks to the front of the head. The term "kumitachi" means "swords together," and this drill trains practitioners to create openings and exploit them when attackers strike. Unlike traditional methods that involve blade contact, this approach emphasizes controlled movement without striking swords together.
Foundation: Seigan Kamae and Opening the Guard
The practice begins in seigan kamae, a neutral guard position with both swords aligned and no opening available. When the defender lowers their sword, an opening appears, signaling the attacker to execute shomenuchi (overhead strike). The defender responds with koteuchi (wrist strike) to the attacker's right wrist while stepping back.
Steps One Through Three: Initial Exchange and Retreat
On count one, the defender delivers a small koteuchi strike that requires minimal sword elevation—just enough to cut the wrist. Count two involves a thrust to the throat opening. On count three, the attacker retreats and the defender follows, returning to a neutral position to reset the exchange.
Steps Four Through Six: Double Wrist Strikes and Repositioning
Count four introduces migi koteuchi, striking the opponent's right wrist with proper left-foot forward movement. Count five adds a simple thrust (ski) to maintain pressure. Count six completes the sequence with a retreat by both practitioners, establishing a new opening for the next phase.
Steps Seven Through Nine: Rear Opening and Ribbed Strike
At count seven, the defender creates a koho gedan opening (rear lower opening), inviting an aggressive diagonal strike from behind. After the attacker's strike passes the defender's ear, count eight involves the defender's slight retreat. Count nine features a doichi strike (to the ribs or under the arms) with a left-foot step forward.
Steps Ten Through Twelve: Finishing Sequence
Count ten introduces an agos kiyage (uppercut) executed by drawing the sword back in the same plane and cutting upward under the opponent's armpit. Count eleven allows the defender to execute a finishing strike while the attacker slides away from danger. Count twelve concludes the exchange with a clearing blow as the defender retreats to reset.
Shomen Kumitachi (Step by Step)
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to Shomen Kumitachi
- •Foundation: Seigan Kamae and Opening the Guard
- •Steps One Through Three: Initial Exchange and Retreat
- •Steps Four Through Six: Double Wrist Strikes and Repositioning
Instructional video with Doug Wedell, Chief Instructor of Seidokan Aikido of South Carolina. This video demonstrates the 12 basic movements making up a Shomenuchi Kumitachi developed by Wedell Sensei. The video was shot December 23, 2008. (more)(
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about shomen?
This video covers introduction to shomen kumitachi, foundation: seigan kamae and opening the guard, steps one through three: initial exchange and retreat. It provides detailed instruction from MasaKatsuAiki.
How long does it take to learn shomen?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 6-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing shomen?
At count seven, the defender creates a koho gedan opening (rear lower opening), inviting an aggressive diagonal strike from behind. After the attacker's strike passes the defender's ear, count eight involves the defender's slight retreat. Count nine features a doichi strike (to the ribs or under the arms) with a left-foot step forward.
