There is an interesting aspect on the integration of koshi -mawari in our martial art movements. The range of our movements becomes greater when integrating koshi-mawari.
The skill of koshi-mawari is defined by 3 major aspect:
- use of chidori-ashi
- vertical turning of koshi
- horizontal turning of koshi
There are more aspect in koshi-mawari, but lets keep it simple, if this is possible, and only discuss the 3 major aspects to make the range of the movement greater. Making the range greater is not performed by overstretching the arm, or leaning into the direction of the target. The vertical and horizontal turning of the koshi has a dramatically increase of the range.
By using a sword the range of a cut can be visually presented.
Kiri-oroshi – a vertical cut with the sword
This is “kiri-oroshi” or vertical cut. Of course each “style” has a special flavour, but in general most of the cutting is according this method. Mostly, the head of opponent is the target. If the cut is lower, there is the possibility to cut the wrist or other target.
Chudan no kamae with vertical koshi-mawari
When talking about koshi-mawari, mostly a horizontal turn is considered. Vertical turn of the koshi is more difficult to perform and need a lot of training. The example here is of course a little exaggerated, but it expressed visually the vertical turn of the koshi.
Remark also, there is no change in the position of the sword when performing the vertical turn.
From chidori-ashi to shumoku-ashi
Adopting chidori-ashi no kamae with vertical koshi turning, and again some exaggeration to illustrate the vertical turn.
From chidori-ashi to shumoku-ashi, the range becomes greater. The supplemental range is about the size of the sword part for kiri-oroshi to the target (head).
Koshi-mawari is using a horizontal & verical turn of the koshi.
Integration koshi-mawari in kiri-oroshi
Performing kiri-oroshi while using koshi-mawari (horizontal & vertical turn of koshi) will greatly improve the range, but also an improvement in power generation by using a full body concept.
Tai-jutsu and koshi mawari
Using koshi-mawari (horizontal & vertical turn of koshi) when performing tai-jutsu (unarmed techniques) will have the same effect as the use of koshi-mawari during armed techniques (sword, spear or stick).
Study Group Tomiki Aikido 
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