Hi all,
I read that Toyama Ryu puts a lot of emphasis on kesa giri, indeed one of the founders mentions this as a conscious decision, feeling that this was an important strike that he felt was neglected. Kesa giri certainly seems to be emphasized more in their kata. The other day I saw on the website for Kashima Shin Ryu that kesa giri is considered the fundamental stroke there as well.
It seems like in other schools, such as Itto Ryu (and Kendo), the downward vertical strike (not sure if shomen uchi was the right term in this context) is the fundamental stroke. I was wondering what people felt the advantages and disadvantages of each were, and why one or the other would be primary. Also, I wondered if their might be historical or other outside reasons affecting the choice, for instance whether or not armor and helmets were used, or in the case of Toyama Ryu, if the popularity of tameshigiri had something to do with this, due to the targets used. Any thoughts?
thanks,
Jason