Chiburui
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Chiburui (classically pronounced Chi'fu'ru'ie)is a Japanese katana-skill; Chiburui is the action which shakes blood off the blade before replacing it in the Saya. The movements of Chiburui range from the remarkably large and complex (Seiza variant) to the simple Yoko Chiburui (Tatehiza variant).
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[edit] Chiburui vs. Chinugui
Of the two methods of cleaning blood from the blade, Chiburui is the more often portrayed in film and literature, perhaps because it is more visually impressive. The word 'burui' in Chiburui is pronounced as Furi from the verb Fureru; to shake, oscillate, swing, or lean to. The other method, Chinugui, has a completely different connotation. In Chinugui, 'Nugeru' or 'Nuguu' refers to; to come off, slip off, wipe off, mop, etc., and is the use of a cloth and solvent to remove the blood.
[edit] The Imagry of Chiburui
Chiburui is distinctively marked by the casting of a neat, central line of blood spatter. Perhaps the best known modern imagery of Chiburui's results can be found in the art work of Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill series:
[edit] How to Perform Chiburui
The simplest method of beginner's Seiza Chiburui is to bend the right elbow, bringing the fist to the right temple. Then, swing the sword forward to the left and continue in a smooth, C-shaped form until the Kissaki, or katana-tip, reaches out in front of the right foot. This movement is called Furioroshi, or "the downward swing of the sword".
Yamamoto Takuji Sensei explained Chiburui as follows;
• To start with, observe and check the injured opponent for a moment holding a good posture with full power in the Tanden.
• Push the sword and body towards forwards right with spirit.
• For a second maintain the position of Kissaki with the right hand.
• At the same time the left hand moves to the left hip.
• Raise the Kissaki a little a turn the blade to the right. Without stopping this movement, bring the right fist up to the right temple.
• At this point the Tsuka-gashira is pointing left forward and the Kissaki is pointing right behind. The fingertips are almost touching the right temple.
• The right fist next to the temple raises and starts to pass over the head and the left side of the face. It then drops down diagonally to the right.
• At the same time the back foot is pulled forward to meet the front foot and rises to Iai-goshi.
• Both knees are opened and bent a little. The hips are dropped slightly and the upper body is kept upright.
• The right grip of the Tsuka stops in front of the right leg (rather close to the foot).
• The body must not lean forward too much.
• In this posture the face and Metsuke can be observing form a closer point. The head must be kept upright. [1]
