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Seitei-gata or Renmei Iai
制定方 剣道連盟居合
The Renmei Iai is a group of twelve kata assembled to serve as an introduction to Iai. In the sixties there was concern that Kendoists had little experience with actual katana. The Japanese Kendo Federation brought together eleven masters of many different Iaido schools to create seven forms which contained most of the basic techniques for Iai. Over the years other forms have been added, most recently 11 and 12 in 2001. The Seitei or 'basic' forms are highly stylized and completely defensive in nature.
一本目 − 前
Ipponme - Mae
Forward
Before, pratitioners would spend their entire first year on Mae alone. Mae holds the key to Seitei - if you can do it perfectly, you're well on your way.
二本目 − 後ろ
Nihonme - Ushiro
To the Rear
Ushiro has contains the same basics as Mae except you pivot 180 degrees on your left knee.
三本目 − 受流
Sanbonme - Ukenagashi
Receiving and Flowing
In Ukenagashi a cut is coming in from the side as you kneel in seiza. You stand, receive the blow with the mine, and flow out from under it to cut.
四本目 − 柄当
Yonhonme - Tsuka Ate
Pommel Strike
In this kata you face two opponents, in front and behind. As the first draws you strike them with the pommel, pivot to stab toward your rear, and finish with a cut to the front.
五本目 − 袈裟切
Gohonme - Kesagiri
Diagonal Cut
Kesa refers to Buddhist clothing, particularly the line formed by a traditional robe or gi. As you fold the left side over the right, a line is formed that runs from left collarbone to right hip. You cut upwards along this line, then in a smooth move make a slightly more vertical cut downwards.
六本目 − 諸手突
Ropponme - Morotetsuki
Thrust with Both Hands
This kata also features two opponents. You draw and cut vertically, and then thrust towards the solar plexus with both hands. Then you turn 180 degrees, cut as you step forward, then turn again and cut.
七本目 − 三方切
Nanahonme - Sanpougiri
Three Directions Cut
In this kata you face four opponents, one in front and one on each side. You take four steps forward and act as if you're about to draw on the person in front, then at the last moment cut to one side, then the other, and finally the front.
八本目 − 顔面当
Hachihonme - Ganmenate
Face Strike
For this kata there is an opponent before and behind you. You step towards the opponent in front, and stun them by striking them between the eyes with the pommel of your sword. Then you unsheath your sword by sliding the saya back, pivot 180 degrees and do a low thrust to the back. You pivot back to the front and finish with a cut.
九本目 − 添手突
Kyuhonme - Soetetsuki
Thrust with an Added Hand
There is someone threatening you from the left, so you take two steps forward, pivoting on your third to make a cut. You quickly step forward and do a low thrust while gripping the mine about halfway down the blade.
十本目 − 四方切
Jyupponme - Shihougiri
Four Directions Cut
This one's my favorite, but it takes a lot of room. There are four people threatening you on your diagonal four corners. You take two steps forward, and on the third step trap the first one's hand on their hilt with your own. Without moving your hilt, you pull the sheath off and advace to thrust in the opposite direction, quickly turning back to cut forward. You then step and cut to the opponent on the back right, check out the final opponent from wakigamae, then step in for the cut.
十一本目 − 総切
Jyuipponme - Sougiri
All-Encompassing Cut
This kata resembles "kirikaeshi" from Kendo. You take two steps forward, when your opponent draws on you. You step back with a block, then cut high to the chin from the right, step and cut to the solar plexus from the left, step and cut to the hip from the right, perform a sweeping Do cut, and finish with a shomen cut.
十二本目 − 抜打
Jyunihonme - Nukiuchi
Pull Back and Strike
Your opponent draws and cuts at you, so you step back and draw straight up as if your face is against a wall. You then step forward and cut.
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