Sean, you are correct, this is a migi kaewaza. I like going to the left in #5 for strategic reasons - it is less likely that uke will track you, since I go behind their structure directly. The right step is a little quicker, and lets you target their right pectoral on your way in. Ohba sensei raised the swords simultaneously here to draw the attack. Also on #3 and #7 I step off line left and cut with the right forward, but it is a little faster to step forward with the left foot which is the usual motion (and sets up a critical exchange in #8). I discuss this at the 2024 seminar which you were sadly unable to attend. Damn I miss you
Thanks for sharing Sensei 😊
Typically, #5 tori goes to his right not the left, doesn't he?
Sean, you are correct, this is a migi kaewaza. I like going to the left in #5 for strategic reasons - it is less likely that uke will track you, since I go behind their structure directly. The right step is a little quicker, and lets you target their right pectoral on your way in. Ohba sensei raised the swords simultaneously here to draw the attack. Also on #3 and #7 I step off line left and cut with the right forward, but it is a little faster to step forward with the left foot which is the usual motion (and sets up a critical exchange in #8). I discuss this at the 2024 seminar which you were sadly unable to attend.
Damn I miss you