What is suburi?

Aiki ken is the name given to the set of Japanese sword techniques as taught first by Morihei Ueshiba (Founder of Aikido) then further developed by one of his most prominent students – Morihiro Saito Sensei.  Suburi refers to the basic 7 solo movements of Aiki ken.  These solo movements represent the basic cutting movements necessary for partnered sword practice.

Sixth suburi

In the below Saito Sensei demonstrates and provides instruction for the sixth suburi (Roku No Suburi).

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Summary of basic movements 

• Step 1 – Perform the 2nd suburi (ni-no-suburi).  Note it is a shomen cut.
• Step 2 – Cut with a gyaku yokomen (70 degree cut), stepping forward with the left foot (move off the  line of attack),turn the blade to the right and tsuki.
• Step 3 – Turn as in the 5th suburi and yokomen cut (70 degree cut) at the opposite side of your partner’s head. Then, turn the blade to the left and thrust at your opponent’s stomach. Note also to execute a small kaiten movement to get off the incoming line of attack.

 

Brief Biography – Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002)

Morihiro Saito Sensei’s  practice of Aikido spanned 56 years and he is one of the most important teachers in Aikido history.  Saito Sensei was a live-in student of O’sensei for more than 20 years at his home dojo in Iwama, Japan.

Saito Sensei spent his teaching life dedicated to preserving the technical style of Aikido as practised and shown to him by O’sensei in the post-war period.  Without his commitment to preserving the Aikido of the Founder and extensive efforts to record and document his teachings, much of the Aikido of O’sensei would have no doubt been lost.  The Aikido world owes him a great debt.