Niten Story

Stories from Kozakura

‘Principles of Niten’

Told by Mirumoto Shikei

Stance

The stance used in the Niten technique should never change, in times of war or peace. It should always feel natural, and the way you stand with the sword in your hands is the same way you stand with a tea cup in your hands. If you fight as you would stand normally, your mind does not need to shift to be ready. The word used by Mirumoto for stance was kamae, and when two samurai would face each other one would say "show me your kamae." A perceptive samurai could then gauge which school the opponent had trained with by observing the other's stance.

What You Show

There are two concepts developed by Shinsei that are a part of Niten. "What you Show" and "What you do not Show". Strategy is nothing more than deception, and the truth will be revealed at the end in the killing. Niten teaches to practice showing something other than your true intentions, and practice it as often as possible. That way, when it is time to draw the blade the mind will do it automatically.

Seeing the Surface

Another teaching of Niten is to see through other's facades. It teaches you to see what you are not meant to see. A mans eyes can lie, so watch his shoulders, his belly and his breathing. A man can fool you with any one of these, but keeping a broad mind prevents you being fooled by all of them.

Strike From the Spirit

When it comes time to strike, you must strike from the spirit. Thought is slow, but spirit has no time for hesitation. The spirit cannot be distracted. In Mirumoto's teachings he used the word ku, which has many meanings; "spirit", "emptiness" or "nothing". Combined with Shinsei's teachings that the spirit exists where there is nothing or where actions are unclouded by emotion or thought, then the idea of striking from the spirit means to do so without emotion or perception.

Let Him Go By

Niten teaches that when an opponent moves with great urgency and strength merely let him go by. A side step is much quicker than a charge, and it leaves you in a position where negotiation means nothing.

Knowing

When the spirit is clear and in tune with the elements, your true perception will be with mushin, and your spirit will be one with the universe. Then you will learn your opponent's every desire. "Mushin" means "no-thought" or "no-mind", and when one is no-mind one's spirit will be free to act. At the point of becoming mushin, a samurai is in touch with all the elements and the cosmic order. He knows his enemy better than he knows himself, for his enemy is limited by his own perceptions. Some refer to this state as "kime" or "kiho", where one focuses ones ki, or life force.

The River Sword

Niten teaches to be like the river, ever flowing with no beginning or end. One movement leads to another, and the river can flow in all directions at once. This teaches that there is more to a duel than just a single strike.

The Virtue of Walking

Where many schools teach a secret stepping technique, Niten does not. There are no secret techniques in Niten, all movements are natural.

The Five Positions

There are five positions in Niten, one for each of the elements. All these positions are an opportunity to cut, and when you take one of these positions allow your sword to meet your opponent's, and use his own momentum as your own. At every moment there is an opportunity to strike.

The First Position

"The sword falls easily at your belly with its tip pointed at your opponent's throat. The legs are spread comfortably and firmly. Both feet are flat so you may move when you wish. Never move when you must, only when you wish. The short sword is at your side, resting easily. Your enemy's confidence will be put asunder by your casual confidence."

The Second Position

"The sword is lifted high and falls down upon your opponent. Many think the strength of their arms is what cuts. They are wrong. The sword cuts. The wrists cut. Never the arms. The second sword is sideways across the chest to intercept the enemy's cut, then swing about, using the speed of his cut."

The Third Position

"The sword is low and against the left leg. As the opponent strikes, we raise our sword and let his arms fall into its bite while we step aside. The opponent cuts. We step aside."

The Fourth Position

"The sword is low and against the right leg. As the opponent strikes we move as if we are dedicated to the Third Position. He will guard appropriately, and as he does, our wrists bend like water and his head is free from his shoulders while our short sword cuts down on his sword for certainty's sake. Show one thing, be intent on another. This is the Way."

The Fifth Position

"The sword is held behind us and the short sword is before us, resting lightly on our belt and we wait for his motion. If you perform this correctly, you will never need to move. The opponent will see your stance and he will know that you know the Way. Sometimes victory is won without a single drop of blood."

The Five Enemies

Your enemy can be known by his weaknesses. The Vain enemy will be fooled with humility. The Negligent enemy can be defeated with detail. The Angry enemy can be drawn off balance. The Exhaustible enemy tires himself quickly. The Cowardly enemy defeats himself. Learn these and you will never be defeated.

Timing and Rhythm

There is a big difference between timing and rhythm. Many schools teach rhythm, and their techniques are like music in beats and tempo. Niten teaches timing, striking between the moments when the opponent is counting their beats. If you watch your opponent carefully, he will reveal his timing to you. Strike when his timing will prevent him from acting, and strike when your opponent believes you cannot. Show him weakness and he will charge, and that is when you have him. Learn to count, and understand his rhythm. If he breathes on one, prepares on two and strikes on three, you must strike between one and two.