Single Cuts – Practice

Immediate Practice

• 5 minutes – Shoulder Cut X
  • Practice cutting the downward X from the shoulder while stepping forward and back.
    • 10 reps with the right and left hand.
  • Then practice cutting an upward X from the shoulder while stepping forward and back.
    • 10 reps with the right and left hand.
  • While cutting from the shoulder ensure that you:
    • Send the sword ahead of your step.
    • Use the body to power the rotation of the sword.
    • Keep the arm long and extended so the shoulder remains as the center of rotation.
• 5 minutes – Elbow Cut X
  • Practice cutting the downward X from the elbow while stepping forward and back.
    • 10 reps with the right and left hand.
  • Then practice cutting an upward X from the elbow while stepping forward and back.
    • 10 reps with the right and left hand.
    • rising elbow cuts from the sword (lead) side will have a smaller preparation—respect the limitation of the elbow joint!
  • While cutting from the elbow ensure that you:
    • Send the sword ahead of your step.
    • Maintain a steady elbow position.
    • Send the weapon forward so it reaches full extension (but don’t hyper-extend your arm).

Ongoing Practice

• Ensure that you practice both shoulder and elbow cuts as part of your regular cutting practice.
• Shoulder cuts are one of the best way to practice whole-body connection in cutting.
• Be very aware of stepping with each cut and cutting accordantly (the correct foot comes forward) when practicing shoulder cuts.