blend with an opponent's attacks, among other skills. Ichi-no-tachi (一の太刀): first of sword Ni-no-tachi (二の太刀): second of sword San-no-tachi (三の太刀): third of sword Yon-no-tachi (四の太刀): fourth of sword Go-no-tachi (五の太刀): fifth of sword Kimusubi-no-tachi (気結びの太刀): blending one's energy with partner of sword Improvisational variations on the kumitachi (called henka), which generally cause the kumitachi form to end early with one person taking advantage of an opening to strike or throw the other, are also taught. See also Aiki (martial arts principle) References Aikido