Uchidachi

Uchidachi (打太刀) means "striking/attacking sword" and is one of the two roles in kata of budō and bujutsu; the other role is shidachi (受太刀).[1][2][3][4]

The senior party is normally uchidachi.[5] In kata, the uchidachi takes the role of instructor and initiates the action and governing the tempo, although allowing the shidachi to strike the winning blow. This role is like a nurturing parent (or teacher) who intentionally loses its skillful and true attack in order for its child (or disciple) to be able to develop. In no way is this of any competitive nature nor a way to test one's abilities. This role requires one to be humble and responsible because it embodies self-sacrifice of uchidachi in order to teach shidachi by offering guidance and education.

Any corrections in the distance between the two roles are made by uchidachi. Usually this role is fulfilled by the senior practitioner, hence this role is in the more difficult position of facing the sun when practising outside.

References

  1. ↑ Uchidachi & Shidachi by Nishioka Tsuneo.Koryu Books, 1999.
  2. ↑ (Dutch) Kendo Kata by Kendovereniging Shinbukan.
  3. ↑ (Japanese) Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-ryu. The Origin of Samurai-Swordsmanship from KASHIMA SHRINE, The God of BUSHIDO KASHIMA - A Symbol of Justice by the Sword. by Masaru Iwasa. Japan, SAMURAI-BUSHIDO SOCIETY, 2005, hardcover. ISBN 4-900785-24-5.
  4. ↑ (Japanese) Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage Ryū 鹿島神傳直心影流 by Yamada Jirōkichi 山田 次朗吉. Suishinsha, hardcover, 1927.
  5. ↑ 松延・山崎・野島[Matsunobu, Yamazaki & Nojima]「剣道」図解コーチ(27)[Seibido Sports Series 27: Kendo],成美堂出版 [seibido publishing], 1989, 東京 [tokyo], ISBN 4-415-00387-7, p166
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