Uchidachi

means "striking/attacking sword" and is one of the two roles in kata of budo and bujutsu, the other being shidachi (受太刀). [http://www.koryu.com/library/tnishioka1.html Uchidachi & Shidachi] by Nishioka Tsuneo. [http://www.koryu.com/ Koryu Books] , 1999.] nl icon [http://www.kendogroningen.nl/kendokata.html Kendo Kata] by Kendovereniging Shinbukan.] ja icon [http://www.budovideos.com/shop/customer/product.php?productid=20968 Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-ryu. The Origin of Samurai-Swordsmanship from KASHIMA SHRINE, The God of BUSHIDO KASHIMA - A Symbol of Justice by the Sword.] by Masaru Iwasa. Japan, [http://www.samuraibushidosociety.com/ SAMURAI-BUSHIDO SOCIETY] , 2005, hardcover. ISBN 4900785245.] ja icon Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage Ryū 鹿島神傳直心影流 by Yamada Jirōkichi 山田 次朗吉. Suishinsha, hardcover, 1927.]

The senior party is normally uchidachi [松延・山崎・野島 [Matsunobu, Yamazaki & Nojima] 「剣道」図解コーチ(27) [Seibido Sports Series 27: Kendo] ,成美堂出版 [seibido publishing] , 1989, 東京 [tokyo] , ISBN 4-415-00387-7, p166] . In kata, the uchidachi takes the role of instructor and initiates the action and governing the tempo, although allowing the shidachi to strike the winning blow. This role is like a nurturing parent (or teacher) who intentionally "loses" its skillful and true attack in order for its child (or disciple) to be able to develop. In no way is this of any competitive nature nor a way to test one's abilities. This role requires one to be humble and responsible because it embodies self-sacrifice of uchidachi in order to teach shidachi by offering guidance and education.

Any corrections in the distance between the two roles are made by uchidachi. Usually this role is fulfilled by the senior practitioner, hence this role is in the more difficult position of facing the sun when practising outside.

References