How to use a Samurai Sword

[Jason Moore]

This is a link that apparently teaches you the way to use a Samurai Sword...

http://members.chello.nl/j.meinema/samuraiuse.htm

So don't worry about all those lessons from a master anymore...:-?

[hiead]

...and i was actually looking for a book titled "Katana for Dummies" or "The complete idiot's guide to Japanese swords" :-D

[PinoyFili]

Interesting link. I have stopped take'n lessons for a while now and didn't get past the basics even then. But this link seems to echo alot of what I was learning allthough alot of the terms used are not the same. I would say it's worth reading but NOTHING would be better (or safer) than learning from some one with teaching experience. I would hate to hear about a kid getting injured by try'n to do some cuts just based on this.

[Jason Moore]

Yea, I pretty much posted it for reference purposes only...

[alant]

Try the book "Bokken, Art of the Japanese Sword" by Dave Lowry. Got mine a few months ago thru Barnes and Noble.

[Brian Brazier]

these are the basic cuts I practice everyday, while I don't suggest anyone go swinging a live blade based on these drawings, you can pickup a bokken and learn the basics of a good swing, also try doing them in a mirror so you can see how good your form is

[rick]

with all the idiots out there that is a lawsuite waiting to happen

[tsafa]

Good link. Thanks for posting. I am always interested in reading about other weapon arts different from what I am working on.

I have asked about reading material in some other forums that specialize in Asian arts. I get that line about "go get professional training". I find it annoying. It is possible to gain some understanding by observing too. You can compare how the technique is to something you are presently training in or have prior knowledge about. I know, you can't master it but you can get an idea and decide if you want to pursue it further. So, thanks again for posting.

[Jason Moore]

I believe that any information you can receive about something you are interested in is good. Be it by watching, doing or reading.

[bobO]

One of my pet peeves is this whole "ask your sensei" thing I've heard time and again(not here).I mean what kind of B>S way is that to blow someone off.What if you are the sensei or it's a different ryu or a different stlye altogether.Or you know if you ask your teacher he or she is gonna give you that whole, ain't you paying attention look.Or a 100 other reasons way you didn't want to "ask your sensei"(said with echo affect).I mean don't get me going or I'll have to tell you how I really feel.:horseplop:Some where out there there's a really tic'ed off sensei getting real tired off answering all these questions.~X(

[Dotanuki]

bobo.
The true zen answer to that question is;

Keep practicing, it will come to you!

:-?...................:>...................=))

[bobO]

I'm speechless.

[RedZorak]

Actually, the real answer is... ask your Sensei!

Seriously though, the "ask your Sensei" line is a way of saying, assuming you have a Sensei, if you have doubts about what you are asking about, your Sensei should be the one to answer your questions, and you should be comfortable enough to ask him. Also, things differ from ryu to ryu, and sometimes it really is the best answer to give. If you don't have a Sensei, and make it clear you have no intention of finding one, then the usual "find a Sensei" answer is kind of lame.

[rick]

bruce lee said the essance of martial arts is to always evolve never stand still keep what works and digaurd what does not I've spent 15 ears trying to do just that ....... so the ask a sensei answer sucks ....... besides my last teacher was a real jerk

[Dotanuki]

Remember you can learn from any experience, if your last instructor was a jerk, than learn how not to become a jerk.

[bobO]

My post was mostly tonuge in cheek just a rant i wanted to get out.For what you pay for lessons any more(20$ a pop for me)you bet your *ss I'm asking question!I asked one guy what it cost once,he gave me the best answer I ever got to that query,EVERYTHING. Hey I just noticed I'm a "Elite Assassin,Now they shall know why they fear the dark. Mwuh haa ha (does that mean I'm posting to much?)

[rick]

I'm well aware of that.I learn better by geting the crap kicked out of me......
pain is a good teacher

[Jason Moore]

Hey I just noticed I'm a "Elite Assassin,Now they shall know why they fear the dark. Mwuh haa ha (does that mean I'm posting to much?)

No Bob, it means you are posting just right! ;) Hey look, I am finally an administrator! What does that mean??

[rick]

uuuuuh maybe you started the site seeing as your name is all over swords of might store



some one should start a web site like "ask a ninja ninja" only less silly ..... ask a sensei sensei...any one

[jwilliams]

My post was mostly tonuge in cheek just a rant i wanted to get out.For what you pay for lessons any more(20$ a pop for me)you bet your *ss I'm asking question!I asked one guy what it cost once,he gave me the best answer I ever got to that query,EVERYTHING. Hey I just noticed I'm a "Elite Assassin,Now they shall know why they fear the dark. Mwuh haa ha (does that mean I'm posting to much?)

Man then I'm doomed to be a foot soldier or whatever forever, I like reading the posts but I don't post much. bobO you keep your posts coming, I enjoy reading them. You'll be a Shogun before long.

[rick]

I hit ronin after 100 posts

[Jason Moore]

Man then I'm doomed to be a foot soldier or whatever forever, I like reading the posts but I don't post much. bobO you keep your posts coming, I enjoy reading them. You'll be a Shogun before long.

Your doing fine Jwilliams, Bobo has much to say. B-)

[rick]

On the topic I think useing a sword a hands on learning approch works best
use a bokken till you can swing a sword ....... if you want to fight shani
and bokken duel .... if you want to cut ... grab a stainless steel crap blade and cut till it looks like your useing a high sword

[bobO]

Hey I'm like a kid in a candy store,I get to talk about swords and stuff like zen and duels and nobody's looking at me like I'm growing another head on my shoulders.Well I do get the LOOK every now and then,generally when I start bouncing up and down going..OO..OO..OO,if I didn't post I think my head might explode.

[Firehand10k]

On the topic I think useing a sword a hands on learning approch works best
use a bokken till you can swing a sword ....... if you want to fight shani
and bokken duel .... if you want to cut ... grab a stainless steel crap blade and cut till it looks like your useing a high sword

I agree up to the point about the crap stainless sword. Stainless can cut great but is risky because it is more susseptable to breakage than spring steal. When you want to cut get one of the cheap ($60-) functional swords from Swords of Might and cut till it looks like you're using a high sword.

I do understand the need for proper training to be good at swordplay but that costs and I'm too old to start so I'll settle for learning about saftey and having fun subduing plastic bottle uprisings with my poor unrefined form.

[rick]

One of the best swords I ever had was a stainless p.o.s.by united cutlery

[jwilliams]

I agree up to the point about the crap stainless sword. Stainless can cut great but is risky because it is more susseptable to breakage than spring steal. When you want to cut get one of the cheap ($60-) functional swords from Swords of Might and cut till it looks like you're using a high sword.

I do understand the need for proper training to be good at swordplay but that costs and I'm too old to start so I'll settle for learning about saftey and having fun subduing plastic bottle uprisings with my poor unrefined form.

I'm with you Firehand10k, between my sons and me we'll take care of that bottle infestation.
Rick, buy one of the 39.00 build your own and they work pretty good too, and they are carbon steel, striking with stainless is scary for anyone standing around. Check out the video on an earlier post of The home shopping network or one of those places.

[rick]

I know the break easy (i've got scars from one)
I'm picking up the kill bill "bill's honzo sword" by musashi swords

[bobO]

Just so you guys know where i stand on this(and safety).Stainless is great stuff in proper applications ,knifes,machinery ,swords you hang over the mantle etc.Not for backyard cutting or any high torque moves.Unless you spend big bucks on a high tech ,custom made sword.It's a recipe for disaster.Just my two cents.

[rick]

I know bobo I learned the hard way