The Length of a Sword Blade Sword blades come in different lengths which we call Hawatari. But aside from Hawatari, there are several things to consider when choosing a sword. More so in training and actual fight, the weapon has a lot to say. First in the list is the material composition. A swordsman examines […]
The Japanese Martial Art That Uses Bamboo Swords
Kendo Most martial arts originated in Japan, but many of them did not rely on weapons. Meanwhile, there were those that are designed to be done with swords. These ascended from Kenjutsu. Hence, it essentially covered all Japanese sword martial arts. One of these subsets was Kendo. It was different from all the others. Particularly, […]
The Different Martial Arts designated on Each Weapon
Different Martial Arts After a long period of war, a mysterious martial art called Ninjutsu came. At first, the technique aims to teach the warriors to defend themselves. Years passed by, it evolved as an aggressive approach to kill the warriors’ enemies. After Ninjutsu, other techniques were formed: the Aikido, Judo, Jujutsu, and Karate and […]
Tachi, the Sword That Preceded the Katana
The Tachi Sword Tachi emerged even before the Katana did. More importantly, it provided the basis for the invention and development of the Katana. Therefore, without this sword, there would not have been Katana. Suppose one asks, “What is the best Japanese sword?” Without much thinking, one can mention Katana right away. It is the […]
8 Amazing Badass Tales of Real Samurai
Tales of Samurai Read some of the most amazing tales of Samurai throughout history. Japanese warriors called the Samurai, were prominent figures during Japan’s warring period. This lasted from the years 794 to 1185, where the first Samurai appeared in the Heian era. Their prominence continued throughout the Kamakura, Muromachi, and Tokugawa periods. Despite this, […]
From Family Dispute to Civil War
The Onin War Who can tell that a dispute between a father and his son-in-law would eventually become a 12-year civil war? This war was known as the Onin War. Ōnin refers to the Japanese era spanning from March 1467 through April 1469. It occurred after Bunsho and before Bunmei. Bunsho marked the history from […]
The Legend of Masamune
The Legendary Blacksmith Masamune Masamune is one of the most renowned blacksmiths in medieval Japan for creating some of the most beautiful swords in history. During the 13th century there was a master swordsman who stood out from the rest. A blacksmith whose creations were so characteristic that he did not need to sign them, […]
Tameshigiri – Test Cutting History and Techniques
Tameshigiri History and Techniques Tameshigiri means test cutting, for the benefit of improving the swordsmen’s sense of Maai in Kendo, as well as their sword cutting skills. However, it does not develop progressive realistic targets and does not exist to show off strength. For the longest time, Tameshigiri has been practiced in Japan. This test […]
The Rich History of the Samurai’s Primary Sword, the Katana
History of Katana The Katana is a classic Japanese sword. The Samurai were the ones who utilized this in battle. The sword had a strikingly unique exterior. Its blade had an arch and was singe-edged. Compared to other swords of that time, the Katana Tsuba either had a circular or squared shape. It was the […]
The Significance of Naginata in Battles, Women, Status, Discipline and Martial Arts
The Japanese Naginata Japanese Naginata were essential pieces for achieving victory in battles. These are works of art by the prominent warriors of Japan’s feudal period. Onna Bugeisha – a female warrior coming from the Japanese aristocracy is famous for using the iconic Naginata. What is the Naginata? The Naginata is another variant of the […]