I never waste any offcuts, so today I played around in the backyard using up all the left overs from Thursdays and Saturdays tameshigiri session. Most students don't cut the offcuts so there is treasure!

All these cuts were free standing pieces stacked together. Some cuts I had to use a lot more power than usual as the mats had dried out.


Yoho Giri (Horizontal cut)


One hand draw and cut Gyaku Kesa Giri. You can see the 45 degree angle of the cut as they fly off. You can also catch where the lower piece already had a incomplete cut from another student.

Battogiri is one of the most difficult and dangerous forms of cutting. You need precise sword control and proper drawing technique. There have been accidents where people cut off there own fingers as they begin cutting before they have fully drawn the katana. It will easily cut through the saya (scabbard) and take off your fingers in one motion.