Nuke-tô, the act of drawing your sword, or in this case, shinai is a subject I would like to reflect on, and for which I would ask your opinion about as well.

I’ve been taught two conflicting ways of doing nuke-tô :

1. Taking it out as it you shinai had a saya : 1/3 of the movement with the tsukagashira (pommel) towards your opponent’s chest in a resolute, earnest fashion
2. Taking it out gently, making it rotate into kamae position as soon as your right hand grabs it

I’ve been told by some people (but not my sensei) that the first option it is seen as rude and too agressive, while my sensei, for my 3rd dan grading encouraged me to do it. “Show you’re here to do kendo, from the first step you take”.

I believe it is one of these questions that have different answers depending on how you envision kendo.

Since I’ve been 3rd dan I’ve completely changed my way of performing the salute, without guilt. I believe that when I get into sonkyo now, I’m non-verbally saying something like “I’m here, I’m eager, let’s practice together”.

What are your thoughts on this?