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Zen Beikoku Bujutsu Kyokai
                 全米国武術協会
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Raising the standards of the martial arts

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Why The Katana Has A Curve

11/25/2016

1 Comment

 
Author: Bret Gordon
PictureSamurai with tachi
Notice they were carried blade down
After listening to a ridiculous analysis of the katana and its efficiency, making the case that the curve of the blade isn't significant enough to offer any measurable cutting advantages and therefore it's merely for aesthetics, I felt it necessary to clarify what truly makes the katana a force to be reckoned with. In order to do so, we'll have to explore how it came to be. When one thinks of a Samurai, the image of a mighty warrior cutting down an opponent in a single stroke can't be helped but there's so much more.

The Samurai as we think of them originally developed as horse soldiers, cavalry. Those who fought on foot, ashigaru, can technically be classified as members of the Samurai class but that's a discussion for another day.
 Now, the katana (originally called uchigatana) didn't come into existence until just about the 15th century (circa the 1390s specifically). It's predecessor, the tachi, was effectively a cavalry saber and was developed sometime between 900 and 1100AD. Curved blades were far more efficient than the straight swords of the ashigaru when wielded on horseback, where the curve of the blade adds considerably to the downward force of the cutting motion. Therefore, on a cavalry dominated battlefield, it only made sense to have a significantly curved blade (the tachi also had a proportionally long handle to counterbalance the sword for one-handed use).


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Japanese Sword In Sport Karate? Just Stop!

11/15/2015

 
Author: Bret Gordon
Having been involved in the Sport Karate world for so long, in addition to my study of traditional and practical martial arts, my biggest pet peeve is seeing anyone using a Japanese sword (Nihonto) in traditional kata competition that is not doing a traditional iaido/iaijutsu style kata. More often than not, their forms show complete lack of understanding on proper sword mechanics and training, in addition to just being disrespectful. The nihonto is not just another weapon, and should not be treated as such. However, if you feel you MUST put together a tournament style "traditional" kata using nihonto, please make an effort to use it properly. The two biggest mistakes people make are proper grip of the sword, as well as their cuts. Proper grip is shown below. Instead of choking the tsuba (hand guard) as most people do, you must give the sword room to "breathe." Also, there are no chopping motions done with a nihonto. It is curved for optimal SLICING and all cuts should reflect that. The kissaki must move first, not your arms. And if you don't know what the kissaki is, please put the sword down and do some research. I am NOT the be all and end all of Japanese sword work, and I do not claim to be an expert in traditional Kenjutsu, but if you're going to do something, be respectful and do it right at least.
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