Samurai Katana
The ancient japanese art of the samurai katana?
I want to get a katana and learn to wield it like a samurai, what is the name if any of the Martial Art of the katana, and what kind of books can i get on it?
There are three major types of arts that teach the use of Japanese swords. Kendo, Kenjutsu and Iaido.
Kendo is an art that focuses most on actual sparring with the use of the shinai (bamboo sword) and Kendo Bogu (sparring armor). It is often geared towards competition and point systems, though some do still teach historical battle tactics.
Iaido is on the opposite end of the spectrum. Often times a medetative art, iaido focuses on drawing the sword, striking down an opponent, then returning the blade to the saya (sheath). It makes use of both iaito/mogito (training swords) as well as shinken (sharpened blades). Iaido is comprised mostly of solo kata/forms and technique training. There is rarely free sparring, but tameshigiri (target cutting) is done in most schools.
Kenjutsu is a balance of the two. It focuses on sword use and techniques both in the sense of solo training as well as paired exercises. There is sometimes cutting, sometimes sparring, and sometimes just forms.
Generally, kendo is kendo. You wear armor and you point spar with another person along with rigorous exercise, strength training, and competition directed techniques. Real swords are generally not used.
Iaido is usually solo, focusing on the history and tradition of Japanese swordsmanship, forms, technique and actual cutting application. This is generally the one of the three that teaches the quick draw, known as nukitsuke/nukiuchi. Real swords are used once a student is progressed enough.
Kenjutsu is an alloy of Japanese Sword fighting in general. There is solo forms, paired forms, sparring, cutting, etc.
Most often, you will find schools that teach both iaido and kenjutsu as they complement each other well. When searching samurai swordsmanship ryuha, more ofteh than not, they will all be mixed with these two, as well as empty hand combat like karate and judo, sometimes staff, sometimes spear, etc.
Kendo is, more often than not, just competition kendo.
Hope this helps.
|
|
Masahiro Blade Sharpen Double-Side Rough Whetstone #242 $14.99 One side (dark color) is Rough Grain Whetstone#400: For removing large chips or dents,heavy rust and imperfections,and creating a razor sharp edge;One side (bright color) is Medium Grain Whetstone#1000: For most typical, everyday little damage, making the blade more sharp and good shapeLength: 7″ Width: 2 5/16″ Thickness: 1 3/16″… |
|
|
Calphalon Katana 4-Piece Steak Knife Set $54.95 CALPHALON Katana 4-Piece Steak Knife Set… |
|
|
Klawhorn REDTL Redi-Edge Dog Tag Sharpener $14.19 TM Duromite Cutters TM Ceramitized Coating Fastest Most compact Sharpener on the market Works on any straight or wavy edged knife American MadeThe Redi-Edge Dog Tag Sharpener was designed with the Military in mind. For the fastest, safest, American made sharpener on the market today, be the first tool truck distributors to carry the KHIREDTL. Sharpen the tools of your trade with the Redi-Edge Dog… |
|
|
Samurai Champloo Original Soundtrack $14.98 … |
|
|
Electric Samurai (The Noble Savage) $20.00 Hotei Tomayasu is one of the most intimidating people in the Japanese music world. This image has also been put to good use when casting him as the villain in movies & TV commercials. Over a long musical career as a guitarist with one of Japan’s legendary rock bands, guest artist & solo performer, he has developed a worldwide reputation as Japan’s premier axeman & has sold over 25 million albums. … |
|
|
Samurai Champloo: Music Record Katana $34.99 … |
|
|
Cold Steel Two Handed Katana Machete Sheath Cover $6.21 Sheath for Two Handed Katana Machete…. |
|
|
Fury Sporting Cutlery Sword Letter Opener, w/Stand $2.80 8.50 in. overall length…. |
|
|
Masahiro Blade Sharpen Double-Side Fine Whetstone #243 $16.99 White Fine Grain Whetstone #3000: Both sides for fine tuning and a super-sharp and shining finishLength: 7Width: 2 5/16″Thickness: 9/16″”… |
|
|
Samurai Swordmanship Vol. 1: Basic Sword Program by Masayuki Shimabukuro $16.49 SAMURAI SWORDSMANSHIP VOL 1:BASIC SWO – DVD Movie… |