How to do the Okuden Noto!

How to do the Okuden Noto! This video covers essential points of re-sheathing the Japanese Sword. It starts by covering the correct positioning of the blade on the saya along with the varying speed at which the sword closes. Wehrhahn, Sensei shares key points of moving the sword safely as well as quietly. An important tip is to have both hands, not just the right hand, moving in opposite directions away from each other during the first half of the noto. Once the sword reaches the outer limit of its length it reverses direction and the two hands move toward each other to close the sword. As the left hand is moving the saya the pad of the first finger and the thumb will be in contact at the base of the saya for safety and sword control. Saya control and positioning is very important. Most students are unaware that the left hand turns and controls the direction that the sword points. The right hand controls the sword by rotating it in harmony with the saya to smoothly release the sword in attack and close when performing Noto. Sensei briefly shows the differences between the Omori Ryu, Hasegawa Eishin Ryu and the Okuden noto of the Muso Shinden Ryu. There are also safety tips for doing the Okuden Noto throughout the video! This clip is from the Secrets of Japanese Swordsmanship, Okuden The "Expanded Series". Find it at: http://www.mountainteachings.com/store/c2/Iaido.html