Niten Ichi-Ryu [二天一流]

Most anyone who has an interest in Japanese martial arts, especially in the sword arts, has probably come across the name of Miyamoto Musashi. Musashi is arguably the most famous swordsman who ever lived and is author of the Go Rin NO Sho [五輪書] or Book of Five rings. Many stories exist in Japan about the life and deeds of Musashi, including a famous duel in which Musashi defeated his opponent—who wielded a two-handed sword—using the wooden oar of a boat.



This past week I had the honor of training in the Niten Ichi-Ryu [二天一流] or two-sword style of kenjitsu developed by Miyamoto Musashi. My instructor was a French man by the name of Thierry Comont, one of very few non-Japanese people to hold a teaching license in this style of kenjitsu. Thierry was trained by Iwami Toshio Sensei, the eleventh generation direct successor of Musashi. Thierry himself is a budoka in the truest sense of the word; he maintains a casual confidence which betrays his deep knowledge and understanding of budo. I felt privileged that Thierry would spend two hours of his Saturday morning teaching me some small part of a sword art that can be traced directly back to such an important figure in Japanese history.



Niten Ichi-ryu is noteworthy for the use of a second, shorter sword, in addition to the traditional Japanese long sword. The complete set of kata (forms) includes twelve using only the odachi [大太刀] or long sword, seven using only the kodachi [小太刀] or short sword, and five techniques using both swords simultaneously. Because this was my first experience training in Niten Ichi-Ryu, I focused primarily on learning to strike with the long sword.






To begin with, one must hold the sword in a correct manner. The left hand holds the base of the hilt with the small finger extending half its width off the end. The right hand is placed one fist’s width above the left hand, just under the tsuba, or cross-piece. It is important that the palm be able to “fold” around the hilt; that is to say, the meat of the thumb must pinch the hilt against the palm. This fold in the hand is known as the toraguchi [虎口] or tiger’s mouth.

The sword is held in front of the stomach, just under the belly-button, at a distance of about one hand’s width. This is a comfortable and relaxed position and shows readiness. Extending the sword out far from the body may indicate fear and a desire to hold an enemy at a distance. While preparing for a strike, the sword is raised high above the head while maintaining the initial curve of arm. The shoulders simply rotate upward and then draw the sword back until it touches the ear.


When striking, one takes a small step forward. My instinct was to take a large step, but this is not correct. A large step requires more time in the movement and more time to recover. The blade of the sword should strike the opponent at the same moment the foot hits the ground, both points of impact occurring together. The back foot then quickly comes forward to reset and ready another strike.
As with cutting, hitting a piece of meat with a knife does little damage. A sliding, slicing motion is most effective. Similarly, in sword-work, the blade is extended forward and pulled back toward the body at the moment of striking. This would, in theory, cut the opponent more deeply.


Hopefully these few notes can serve to give a basic idea of Niten Ichi-Ryu sword-work. Failing to do so, I hope they at least convey my excitement in finding this opportunity to study such a traditional art. Thanks Thierry for the patient instruction.