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Fundamentals (Kihon) 基本

Footwork (Ashisabaki) 足捌き

An important aspects of Japanese swordsmanship is proper footwork (Ashisabaki).   Stability and mobility are the key to proper footwork.  A stance that is too low and wide is stable but lacks mobility.  A stance that is too high is mobile but very unstable.  Each step should begin and end with a good stance. 

Sliding Step (Suriashi) 摺足

Almost all footwork makes use of the sliding step (Suriashi).  The toes of the feet always slide on the floor without lifting up.  This is done to keep stability and provides and allows any obstacles to be felt without looking down. 

Walking Step (Ayumiashi) 歩み足

The walking step (Ayumiashi) is the most common step in Toyama Ryu.  It is similar to normal walking but uses the Sliding Step (Suriashi) and the feet move in parallel tracks.  Each step blends with the next providing steady movement either forward and backwards.

• Each step should end in a proper stance with either the right or left foot forward
• 70% to 80% of weight on the forward foot
• Shift weight off of foot that will move
• Keep feet moving in straight line (no crescent stepping)
• Keep head at same level (height above ground)
• Keep the back straight
• Keep the shoulders back
• Keep heels from raising too far
• Keep heels from thumping down on the floor
• Keep the head and shoulders from weaving back and forth
• Slide feet with toes never leaving the floor

Shuffle Step (Okuriashi) 送り足

The shuffle step (Okuriashi) is used in some kata and kumitachi.  Each step ends with the right foot forward and the feet in the same relative position.  The normal stance is shortened to allow larger movement.  It is used for going forward, backwards, and to either side.  It is used extensively in kendo and less in iaido / battodo.

• Each step should end in a proper stance with the right foot forward
• Weight balanced between feet
• Shift weight off of foot that will move
• Keep feet moving in straight line (no crescent stepping)
• Keep head at same level (height above ground)
• Keep the back straight
• Keep the shoulders back
• Keep heels from raising too far
• Keep heels from thumping down on the floor
• Keep the head and shoulders from weaving back and forth
• Slide feet with toes never leaving the floor

Following Step (Tsugiashi) 継ぎ足

The following step (Tsugiashi) is a longer shuffle step (Okuriashi) used for extended attacking / evading movements.  The back foot can be brought forward to narrow the initial stance to allow a longer step. The forward foot is pushed forward to make an extra long step and the rear foot slides forward immediately afterwards to get back into a normal stance.

Sidestep (Hirakiashi) 開き足

The sidestep (Hirakiashi) is a diagonal step allowing you to move out of the path of an attack and change direction.   Two different versions are used for Toyama Ryu Yohon Me (step to the right) and Rappon Me (step to the left).

Stomping Step (Fumikomiashi) 踏み込み足

The Stomping Step (Fumikomiashi) is often used when making a lunging attack (Tsuki).  It is used for Toyama Ryu Nanahon Me for the third attack.