In Iaido is this proper...?

Question

While performing the "low invitaion" is it considered proper to drop the end of the katana lower than your knees? Or is it consider peoper technique to drop the end of the ken to between your knees and the tops of your feet in the katana's final stopping point when executing the "low invitation"?

Answer 1

If you are referring to the geidan guard-

I never understood the purpose of it- it takes away thrusting AND cutting threat on your opponent.

by contrast when using a double edged sword (perhaps it would make sense with a double edged katana- forgot the name for them). but if your only threat is a poor position for a rising thrust that can be easily nullified (cut off the line of attack) I would say its a p**s poor guard.

by contrast- the "alber" or fool's guard (same position in european longsword) makes sense PROVIDED YOU ARE USING A DOUBLE EDGED BLADE as there is a threat of a short-edge cut and the rising thrust from below, but with a double edge you are not so easy to rush in as the short edge provides a threat taht the mune or non sharpened back part of a single edge sword does not.  also you can perform a krumphau (crooked strike) easier as this is done with a short edge that the traditional katana doesn't have. although this is not the ideal position to do so and personally I don't like the alber/geidan low guard whatever you want to call it- a double edged sword presents more options that some of which are (while not ideal) workable from that "low guard" position.

the reason why this guard is supposed to be deceptive is because it hides the threat- with no short edge to present a more immediate threat it invites attack and is a weak trap against someone that knows better.

just like the nebhenut (sp) or the similar position in japanese fencing, except this position offers a serious "lure" with a good measure of attacks from a number of different openings.

(this is where the blade is held to the lower strong side behind the body. opening or goading the left side of the body giving the appearance that it is unguarded)

Answer 2

I do not know personally, but Mushin, one of my contacts here on Yahoo Answers, studies Iaido, so she might be able to help you.