Introduction to Draw Cutting
Draw cutting (Do Cut) is an advanced wakizashi technique that combines unsheathing and cutting in a single fluid motion. This instructional guide covers three primary draw cut variations: downward, sideways, and upward cuts. Proper execution requires understanding three critical safety and performance principles.
Personal Safety Fundamentals
Practitioners must always begin training with a bokken (wooden sword) to prevent serious injury. The motion must remain smooth and continuous; reversing direction mid-cut risks severe laceration to the practitioner's own arm. Proper unsheathing and resheathing technique is essential—refer to foundational instruction before attempting draw cuts.
Protecting Equipment During the Draw
The sword must be drawn with traction applied to the spine (non-sharp side) to prevent damaging the scabbard. Wide, sweeping motions during the draw unnecessarily wear the wooden scabbard against the sharp blade edge. The unsheathing should be straight and controlled; the cutting direction is only applied after complete blade clearance from the scabbard.
Downward Draw Cut Mechanics
The downward draw cut requires rising body position as the blade is drawn, then rotating the hips and torso through the cut. This coordinated upward and downward body motion transfers maximum mass into the strike. The edge alignment must be maintained throughout to ensure proper cutting geometry.
Sideways Draw Cut Mechanics
The sideways draw cut begins with the body positioned at a slight angle. The blade is drawn straight, then the entire body rotates through the horizontal cut in one continuous motion. This full-body engagement generates the power needed to penetrate the target effectively.
Upward Draw Cut Mechanics
For mid-level upward cuts, the practitioner begins in a lower body position and extends upward through the cutting motion. For higher target levels, body mechanics are less critical to power generation. In all cases, body mass integration determines cut effectiveness.
Wakizashi vs. Katana Cutting Dynamics
While the wakizashi's shorter blade makes unsheathing easier than the katana, the reduced blade mass requires greater body engagement during the cut. The katana's weight naturally carries through the target; the wakizashi demands active body power to achieve equivalent penetration. Proper body mechanics are therefore more critical with shorter blades.
Conclusion and Practice Directive
Mastery of draw cutting requires consistent, mindful practice with proper attention to safety, equipment care, and body mechanics. Practitioners should begin with wooden swords and progress deliberately as skill develops. Continued training develops the body awareness and timing necessary for effective technique execution.
Advanced wakizashi technique-draw cutting [wakizashi tutorial/tameshigiri]
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to Draw Cutting
- •Personal Safety Fundamentals
- •Protecting Equipment During the Draw
- •Downward Draw Cut Mechanics
Today I go through how to do a draw cut and some tips and tricks of how to add more force and mass into the strike for a better cut. I am practising with my usual sword of choice; the wakizashi, but I include some clips of me draw cutting with a katana too. My apologies, I point to the wrong side of the screen when referring to links. Swords-T10 clay tempered wakizashi 55cm blade length -1060 steel katana 70cm blade length Tameshigiri targets -Pool noodles-these require good edge alignment or they will not cut, very little power required. Also pool noodles that have been bent or manhandled have their fibres break and become incredibly difficult to cut as they have a tendency to bend instead -Newspaper-these are more forgiving on edge alignment but require more power and a proper acceleration through the target. The target difficulty can be adjusted based on rolling tightness and number of papers in the roll Always be aware of your surroundings and minimise harm to yourself, others and your environment. Never use weapons when intoxicated or upset or for any act of violence. If you would like to support the channel you can buy me a coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/justabug Thanks to everyone who has supported the channel, your coffees are much appreciated! Check out my Instagram at just_a_bug_swordsman for more content. For messages and reaching out to the channel email me at [email protected]
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about do cut?
This video covers introduction to draw cutting, personal safety fundamentals, protecting equipment during the draw. It provides detailed instruction from Just a Bug.
How long does it take to learn do cut?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing do cut?
While the wakizashi's shorter blade makes unsheathing easier than the katana, the reduced blade mass requires greater body engagement during the cut. The katana's weight naturally carries through the target; the wakizashi demands active body power to achieve equivalent penetration. Proper body mechanics are therefore more critical with shorter blades.
