When I teach Aikido weapon technqiues, including the sword, my main focus is on teaching how to cut (and and thrust) properly and how to block. Combining these moves leads to suburi, kata, and kumi-tachi. Recently, I gave some thought (and taught a class) on another category of moves, which I will refer to as controls. The idea behind these techniques is that there is a need to control the weapon and attack of an opponent (uke) and that there are identifiable moves which facilitate this control. Controls are neither offensive (strikes) or defensive (blocks). They can be used to further both objectives.

	Flat Control, Above Uke The flat control is a common example. Uke strikes shomenuchi. Nage steps to one side and lays his sword flat on top of uke's as it comes to a rest. Nage's blade edge faces uke. If nage extends ki through his own sword, it prevents uke from lifting his sword to attack again. A number of possible follow-on moves are presented to nage once the control is gained. He might slash up towards the throat, push uke's sword away and strike shomen or yokomen, etc. This flat control appears in some of the kumi-jo forms and in the three man forms described elsewhere. Timing is important here. If nage moves too soon, his sword will end up under uke's (see below). If he moves too late, control is lost.
	Flat Control, Below Uke It can happen that nage's sword ends up below uke's after a strike. We must assume that uke missed, or there would be little need for further moves. Control from below is somewhat more dangerous than from above. Nage is open to strikes to the chest (do-ate) or head (men). Controls from below consist of throwing uke's sword. "Throwing the sword" means lifting and directing uke's sword up and away from nage. It is done using a quick, flicking motion. In addition to throwing the sword, it is also possible to move to a Vertical Control, Point Down (see below). In some situations, it may be desirable to use a Flat Control, Below Uke. Nage may choose to blend with a close in strike to the head or shoulder and implement the control after moving out of the way. This needs to be done quickly, with confidence!
	Vertical Control, Point Down Both Vertical Controls, as the name implies, have the sword in a vertical position, pretty much straight up and down. Althought it might look similar, the Vertical Control is not a block. Rather, it is a control based on crossing uke's sword in a vertical direction. Nage maintains connection where the two sword cross. This connection allows him to control subsequent motions that uke might make: slash to mid-section, drawing up for another strike, moving away, etc. A variety of follow-on strikes for nage are possible from this control. He might use an upper-cut to slash the front of uke's body. A full tenkan brings nage around to a position to strike the head. Throwing the sword is also possible from this control.
	Vertical Control, Point Up One of the problems you may encounter with the Vertical Control, Point Down technique is that nage's sword is held close in, often between him and uke. This can limit the kinds of follow-on moves that can be done. A Vertical Control can also be done with the point of the sword up. Tenkan turns leading to a strike are easier to do from the point up control. Throwing the sword from this position is down and out.
	Crossed Swords Control Occasionally, both swordsmen will choose to enter towards each other at the same time. To keep from being open both swords are likely to stay in contact with each other. Thus, uke and nage come together swords sliding together and up. They come together at the tsuba over head in a high, crossed swords position. An example of this move happens in kumi-tachi no. 6. Several things can happen at this point. One or both may choose to push forward or pull back. One or both may attempt to turn away (tenkan) as in kumi-tachi no. 6. If nage is extending ki properly, he will be ready for any of these occurances, and thus have some influence on what happens. Overbearing is one tactic that can be employed, potentially causing uke to fall. Sudden retreat may cause uke to stumble forward.
	Kote Control All of the above control techniques rely on nage's sword being in contact with uke's sword, but there are other possible ways to control uke by threatening some exposed part of the body. Placing the edge of nage's sword on uke's exposed wrist or inner elbow works much like a Horizontal Control. It has the added advantage of threatening to cut uke. If uke is wearing armor, this contact works much like the physical controls when weapons are touching. If not, the slightest move will cut.
	Forearm Jodan Control When uke raises up his sword into Jodan no kamae for a shomenuchi cut, nage blends by following his sword up. The edge of nage's sword comes to rest on the undersides of the upper arm, preventing the downward cut. Again, if no armor is worn, this can be turned into a cut of its own.
	Throat Jodan Control An alternative to the previous control is thrust towards the throat of uke holding the point of the sword at the hollow of uke's throat once he reaches Jodan.
	Grasping Uke's Handle This control is very similar to unarmed tachi-tori techniques commonly practiced in Aikido. Uke cuts, nage uses tenkan to avoid the downward cut and grabs uke's sword by the handle between uke's hands. It is also possible to reach this control when uke attempts to thrust (tsuki). Natually all of the tachi-tori techniques now become possible, but they can also be combined with threats or cuts from the sword held in nage's other hand.