Learn Kendo Kata 4 (Yonhon-me) - Video & Written Instructions

This page provides details for Kendo kata 4 (Yonhon-me). We have provided video and/or written instructions to help you master this kata.

See the bottom of the page for step-by-step written instructions for this Kendo kata.

For additional kata instruction, please visit the main Kendo Katas section.

Written Instructions for Kendo Kata 4

• The Uchidashi assumes the hasso-no-kamae position. The Shidachi assumes the waki-gamae position. Each takes three small steps forward, beginning on their left foot.
• Seeing a chance to strike, the Uchidachi swings his sword upward to a jodan position as if the deliver a cut to the shomen of the Shidachi. The Shidachi swings his sword up in a similar manner to a jodan position. Ai-uchi (simultaneous strike) results.
• Both lower the blades of their swords with the feeling that the shinogi of the toshin shave each other, naturally returning to the ai-chudan position.
• When he sees a chance to act, the Uchidachi turns the sword slightly to the left of the Shidachi. Stepping forward on his right foot (followed by the left), he delivers a two-handed thrust to the Shidachi's right lung.
• Advancing the left foot to the diagonal left, followed by the right foot, the Shidachi raises his fist and blocks and parries the partner's sword to the right (makikaesu).
• Drawing his right foot to a position behind his left foot, the Shidachi swings his sword to deliver a cut to the shomen of the Uchidachi.
• The Uchidachi begins on the left foot and the Shidachi on the right as both either advance or retreat and assume the chudan position.
• The Uchidachi begins on the left foot and the Shidachi on the right as both either advance or retreat and assume the chudan position.
• After breaking their position, both, beginning on the left foot, take five steps to the rear and once again assume the chudan position.

References

1. Written kata instruction (1-4) courtesy of Norwalk Kendo Dojo, http://www.eanet.com/norwalk/, Added - 01/29/14
2. All Japan Kendo Federation, http://www.kendo-fik.org/english-page/english-top-page.html, Added - 01/29/14