Omori-Ryu
The twelve forms of the Omori Ryu represent the first learning stage of the Muso Shinden Ryu. All forms up to one start from the Seiza, the Japanese knee seat. Putting, cuts and further details differ from the Seitei Iai forms.
The Omori Ryu forms are presented by Markus Ball and Hajo Neumann. Note: practice Iaido Kata only under guidance of an experienced Iaido coach (don’t try this at home)!
01_Shohatto
(Shohat-to: Starting sword). In the first form the Iaidoka sits in Seiza. If he recognizes a threat, which proceeds from one who is opposite sitting, it comes to the action. He strikes with a single-handled horizontal cut to the head of the aggressor and advances with external Ki.
This attack is followed by a both-handled cut, which brings the things to an end.
02_Sato
(Sa-to: Left sword). Again the Iaidoka sits in the Seiza. If he recognizes a threat, which proceeds from one on the left who is sitting or coming, it comes to action. He turns to the left, leads a one-handled horizontal cut to the head of the aggressor and advances threatening.
This attack is followed by a both-handled cut. Then the story is finished with a perpendicular cut.
03_Uto
(U-to: Right sword). Again the Iaidoka sits in the Seiza. If he recognizes a threat, which proceeds from one on the right who is sitting or coming, it comes to action. He turns to the left, leads a one-handled horizontal cut to the head of the aggressor and advances threatening.
This attack is followed by a both-handled cut. Then the story is finished with a perpendicular cut.
04_Atarito
(Atari-to: Hitting sword). The Iaidoka kneel in the formal Japanese knee seat, in the Seiza. He is turned away from the opponent, who is exact behind it. He feels the beginning of an attack. The Iaidoka reacts, by turning at the same time to the left around 180° and pulls the sword.
He divides a horizontal cut into the face of the aggressor out, advances pressing and pulls to a final, both-handled cut (compare with kata Shohatto) through.
05_Inyoshintai
(In-yo-shintai: Yin-Yang, forward and backwards). At the fifth form the enemy sitting in front attacks. He is also attacked with a one-handled horizontal cut. The enemy flees and the Iaidoka rises and defeats him with a perpendicular cut. He follows to the falling opponent makes Chiburi and Noto and waits in Tate-Hiza (squat). A second enemy is attacking. In the right moment it comes to the action. The Iaidoka evades with a wide step to the rear and leads an in-handled horizontal cut to the belly of the aggressor and advances thereafter. This attack is followed by a both-handled cut, which brings the things to an end.
06_Ryuto
(Ryu-to: Flowing sword). At the fifth form the enemy sitting in front attacks. He is also attacked with a one-handled horizontal cut. The enemy flees and the Iaidoka rises and defeats him with a perpendicular cut. He follows to the falling opponent and waits in squat.
A second enemy is attacking. In the right moment it comes to the action. The Iaidoka evades with a wide step to the rear and leads an in-handled horizontal cut to the belly of the aggressor and advances thereafter. This attack is followed by a both-handled cut, which brings the things to an end.
