Initial Grip and Sword Withdrawal

The practitioner grasps the seya (scabbard) with the left hand while extending it toward the right hand, which then secures the tsuba (hand guard) and seya together. The left hand slides down to the obi (belt) to facilitate drawing the sword. The blade is extracted and tapped lightly on the outside of the right knee.

Blade Orientation and Presentation

The sword is twisted so the blade edge faces rightward while maintaining control of the tsuba. The sword is then positioned at arm's length to the right side of the leg, establishing proper distance and alignment for the subsequent movements.

Formal Bow Sequence (Rei Waza)

From seiza position, the practitioner performs a formal bow toward the designated target—whether a daimyo (lord), kamidana (altar), or other honorable subject. The bow progresses with left foot forward, then right foot, continuing until the chest approaches the thighs or floor, then reversing the foot sequence to return upright.

Sword Presentation and Repositioning

Following zanshin (awareness), the right hand grasps the tsuba with the thumb on top while fingers wrap the seya. The sword is tapped slightly to the right of the knee, the blade edge is rotated forward toward the target of respect, and the sword is placed at arm's length with the tsuba slightly outside the left leg.

Bow to Sword (Tou Rei)

The practitioner performs another formal bow sequence—left, right—directly to the sword itself, returning right, left. This demonstrates respect for the weapon as a symbol of the samurai code and martial discipline.

Blade Edge Rotation and Scabbard Alignment

With the right hand holding the tsuba (thumb on top, fingers on seya), the blade edge is oriented away from the body initially. The blade is then rotated leftward along the center meridian with a slight tap, preparing for the resheathing sequence.

Sword Resheathing Technique

The left hand's thumb is inserted into the obi while the tip of the seya is guided to meet the fingers of the right hand. The scabbard is slid carefully until it aligns properly with the obi, ensuring smooth and controlled insertion of the blade.

Final Sealing and Return to Seiza

Once the sword is fully seated in the obi, the practitioner pulls the scabbard inward while bringing it across the body. The sequence concludes by returning to seiza position, completing the formal iaido kata with proper etiquette and control.

Samurai Swordsmanship | Correct Sword Etiquette (Rei Waza) | Iaijutsu Training Techniques (Iaido)

Soke Anshu Christa Jacobson

Kote Cut

2 min read·8 key moments·PT4M33S video

Key Takeaways

•Initial Grip and Sword Withdrawal
•Blade Orientation and Presentation
•Formal Bow Sequence (Rei Waza)
•Sword Presentation and Repositioning

In this video I teach correct etiquette and rei waza (bowing techniques) within classical koryu samurai iaijutsu. This lesson is directly for the ancient Japanese koryu martial arts of the ninja and samurai, such as ninjutsu (ninpo) and bujutsu (budo). #Iaijutsu #Iaido #Kobujutsu --- BUDO RYU KAI School of the Warrior Way Authentic Ninjutsu & Samurai Bujutsu http://budoryuninjutsu.com/ --- Follow Soke Anshu on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/SokeAnshu Follow Soke Anshu on Twitter! https://twitter.com/SokeAnshu Follow Soke Anshu on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/AnshuChristaJacobson/

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about kote cut?

This video covers initial grip and sword withdrawal, blade orientation and presentation, formal bow sequence (rei waza). It provides detailed instruction from Soke Anshu Christa Jacobson.

How long does it take to learn kote 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.