In the first four parts of this series, I translated the sections of Takano Sasaburo’s Kendo Kyohan concerning techniques for men, tsuki, kote, and do. As I wrote in part one, I originally planned to make a fifth entry translating the sections on tsubazeriai, taiatari, and grappling (kumiuchi). However, the section on grappling was long enough that I decided to make it into its own entry. Thus part five will cover tsubazeriai and taiatari.
Tsubazeriai, taiatari, and kumiuchi are sections three through five of the chapter titled “Information about Shiai” [仕合心得]. Sections one and two of that chapter are “Normal Information” [一般の心得], which covers things like reigi and the notion of fighting fair and square, and “Preparations at Tachiai” [立合の支度].
鍔糶合
Tsubazeriai
（一）離方
敵に接近して鍔糶合となつた時は、速に離れるやうにする。離れ際が大切であつて、必ず敵の?を撃つて引くか、太刀を押へて、敵に手の出せぬやうにして、迅速に引き離れるのである。此の心得なくして、空しく引く時は、敵に乘ぜられ敗を取ることになるのである。
(1) How to Separate
When you have come to tsubazeriai, coming close to the enemy, separate quickly. The moment of separation is worthy of attention, so separate pull back quickly, either striking where the enemy is unprepared or suppressing his sword so that the enemy cannot extend his hands. If you don’t know this and pull back ineffectively, you will be defeated by the enemy.
