Staff-Like Use of the Ōdachi via Half-Sword Grip

In Shinkage-ryū, when using an Ōdachi, a cord is often wrapped near the blade so it can be gripped with the right hand. This effectively shortens the working length of the blade while improving control and stability. With the grip taken higher on the blade, the ōdachi can be used in a manner similar to a staff, with the rear hand positioned high on the sword—comparable to European half-swording, though made easier by the presence of this additional grip. This configuration allows the execution of several techniques normally associated with the long staff.

Tori can change his grip without altering the blade’s position, then enter as Uke delivers a Shōmen Uchi, either cutting Uke’s forward wrist or controlling it and transitioning into an elbow lock. From there, he can apply a tsuki using a staff-style thrust rather than a Katana thrust. Tori can also rotate the Ōdachi and strike Uke’s temple with the tsuka (hilt).

Finally, Seki Sensei demonstrates a kata incorporating several of these elements. As Uke attacks with Shōmen Uchi, Tori shifts to the half-sword–like grip to parry the incoming strike, then deflects Uke’s sword downward and rotates the Ōdachi to strike the temple with the tsuka (hilt). From this position, he can readily turn the sword back to transition into a rising diagonal cut. Alternatively, from the same temple-strike position, Tori can hook Uke’s head with the handle to unbalance him downward and finish with a vertical descending cut.