Gedan, with NW to SE, then NE to SW, both are downward cuts. You then repeat the process going upward from SW to NE, then SE to NW. Effectively you are making a figure eight on front of you. These are the first four cuts. The movements are particualr with the style in which you learned the cuts. Our Sensei utilized the Gyokko ryu system of footwork for the cuts. Now you cut across from W to E and then back E to W, once again in form. The last two cuts are N to S, downward and then S to N upward. Finally, from gedan, the last cut is a thrust forward and it can be varied from low , medium and high (I forgot the traditional terms)The kamae for the last two is difficult to explain, they are very fluid. I could use my video cam to demonstrate and send you the file if necessary. At what Ryu were you at when you stopped? Also, who was your teacher, just curious?
Greg