Seitei gata - Ganmen-ate 顔面当て
Background of Ganmen-ate, eight sword drawing kata
This Iaido kata is a Japanese sword drawing kata standardized by the Japanese Kendo federation in the late 20th century.
Description of Ganmen-ate, eight sword drawing kata
In the eighth seitei gata, the swordsman is faced with two opponents, one in front and one behind. The swordsman attacks first by drawing the sword and hitting the front enemy in the face, between his eyes, with the hilt (tsukagashira, tsuka ate) of the sword. The swordsman then turns 180°, steps with his right leg and stabs the rear opponent in the solar plexus (suigetsu) using only his right arm to hold the sword. The swordsman turns after the stab to an overhead stance (daijodan no Kamae) and delivers a final overhead cut to the front opponent with a right foot step. The swordsman shakes off the blood from the blade to the side (yoko chiburi) and sheathes the sword (noto).