Tamiya ryu Iaijutsu
Koran no Maki - the second volume
This series consists of 8 tachiwaza and 6 suwariwaza. This level would correspond to the 'okuden' in Muso Shinden ryu, and students generally start to practice this at 5th dan.
During the European Summer Koryu Seminar 2002 in Brussels, the 8 tachiwaza and first 2 suwariwaza were explained by Takeda N. Sensei - Iaido Kyoshi 7th Dan. The following is a brief description of these kata.
Tachiwaza
Tô Gô Setsu (Katana Ai Giri) (Meeting the cutting sword)
Two opponents from the front. Start as for kesagiri, cutting upward to about shoulder level, bring back the right foot assuming kasumi no kamae, bring back the left while cutting to horizontal. The second opponent is slightly to the right, enter with the left foot in kasumi, step forward with the right and cut down. Yoko chiburi and noto.
Mizu Kagami (Reflection in the water)
One opponent in front, one on the rear. On the second step, turn clockwise and deliver a tsuka strike to the rear enemy, leading with the right foot. Turn back to the front and perform nukitsuke while bringing back the left foot. Advance two steps and cut down. Yoko chiburi and noto.
Mojiri Tachi (The twisting sword)
One opponent to the rear. Start with your back to shomen. On the second step, turn clockwise and perform nukitsuke, sliding the left foot back or the right foot forward depending on the distance. Advance two steps and cut down. Yoko chiburi and noto.
Sa Tetsu (The left (steel) sword)
One enemy on the left. Start as for soetetsuki. After the tsuki, raise the sword for ukenagashi, with the left hand still on the mune, while bringing the right foot next to the left. Withdraw the left foot and cut down. Yoko chiburi and noto.
U Tetsu (The right (steel) sword)
The same as Sa Tetsu but with the enemy on the right. After the second step, turn right, draw and cut while stepping to the right with the right foot. The rest as for Sa Tetsu.
Fuji San (Mount Fuji)
One opponent behind you grabs your saya. Start with your back to shomen. On the second step pull the tsuka towards your shoulder, unbalancing the enemy. Turn the sword so the ha is down and bring down the tsuka sharply on your third step, breaking his grip. Draw and tsuki either as in shiogiri, or as in ganmenate, depending on the distance. Take one or two steps forward and cut down. Yoko chiburi and noto.
Matsu Kaze (Wind trough the pines)
Two opponents in front. On the third step, perform nukitsuke, eliminating the first opponent. Bring the left foot next to the right while raising the sword. The rest is similar to the end of somakiri except that the second cut (left kesa) goes down to knee level instead of stopping at suigetsu.
Yo Arashi (Nightstorm)
Four opponents, one on each side. First cut the one one the right as in sanpogiri. Withdraw the right foot and match swords with the enemy in front, advance the right foot, winding his sword and cutting down. Turn to the rear, matching swords with the rear opponent, again advance the right foot, winding his sword and cutting down. Step with the right foot in the direction of the last opponent, while cutting horizontally. Advance two steps and cut down. Yoko chiburi and noto.
Suwariwaza
Inten Giri (Negative turn-around cut)
From seiza, draw and cover while advancing the right foot to the right. Rise and bring the feet together, raising the sword. Withdraw the left foot, drop down on the left knee and cut. You have evaded the cut to the right and are now facing slightly left. Yoko chiburi and noto while withdrawing the right foot along a curved line.
Yôten Giri (Positive turn-around cut)
One enemy attacks from the dark. Draw horizontal and slowly sweep the sword close to the floor, while advancing the right foot. When you touch the enemy's shin, evade to the left (this time remaining on the knees) and cut down. Yoko chiburi and noto while withdrawing the right foot along a curved line.
