I have had this problem as well. any of you who have met me know that I tend towards softness in the middle. however I have had many successes with this sort of cut and I think the difference between the successes and failures is all in form. it is easy to let hasuji get sloppy in the quick transitions due to the torque of the motion involved not to mention that most people find the right handed cut from the left side more natural a motion. now I'm no expert of Iaido but I have noticed that many people who are good step forward with their right foot to begin this cut. I think this is important because it sets the body up for the return cut. if you step forward with the left foot you will need to switch footing to properly return the cut and that takes time and jostles the body about making hasuji more difficult. I like to go a step farther than initiating cuts from the hip: I bring it all the way from the foot. so with the first cut i am out of the saya complete I let my arm quickly reach full extension then the weight and momentum of the sword will flip it over in my hand and I can start the return cut with pressure from my right foot. If I am hurried for time I can start the return pressure from the right foot before full extension but I need to let the arm reach the full extension before turning the blade and changing direction. this way the body sets itself up and you are not fighting all those forces but letting them do the work for you. hopefully that all made sense and isn't something that you have already explored and there for isn't a help. I just think if you have the strength to make the cut from the right (or left for lefties) as a single cut then you have the strength to do it as a combo cut, you just have to get your body working it right. also if you are cutting above you initial cut please remember that the piece there is now free-standing and more difficult to cut in the first place so you have a harder task as well as coming from your weak side.
I had an interesting discussion with a practitioner of Gumdo about a year and a half ago I think it was and she told me that one of the things they did in their dojong was to cut newspaper . . . (wait for it) . . . with BOKKEN. yup that's right: bokken. she showed me a video too (I can't seem to find it anymore) and it didn't even look jagged or anything. needless to say I was pretty impressed.
yes, your sword would have to be very sharp, and preferably without any burs (this will catch the paper and cause it to tear if it is bad enough) This is some amazing stuff. Thanks for sharing Greg!
Hols smokes! I've never tried to cut paper. Looks like it requires perfect form and alotta speed. Would the sharpness of the sword being used also be a factor?
The use of imagery is tried and proven effective. Sports psychologists often make use to help athletes overcome barriers. I guess it helps put your mind in the "right place".
That sounds like a plan, Greg. I personally do not like to do open one-handed cuts. I want to just do a clean draw cut and come back for a double-handed cut.
Ya the striped ones are great to cut but seem to absorb water more slowly. Just cut a couple yesterday, about 24 hours soaked in the cold. ( [garage] Seems to me that soaking mats in the winter takes a little longer? ) I will give the next ones a longer swim.
This basically should sum up the general feeling most cutters have to what we do. Some don't train to be fighters, but want to be great at this as it pretains to accuracy and technique in what you do, ie , like darts or any sport or activity that requires precision. Great moral thought as well.
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