Hawatari, the Length of a Sword Blade

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 […]

Is there a difference between Kabukimono and Ronin?

Kabukimono and Ronin What is Kabukimono? What is Ronin? Japanese people are ethnic groups that are native to Japan. They are one of the largest ethnic groups – approximately 129 million people worldwide. Japanese people are divided into different kinds and groups of people. It is also with their various roles and different ways of […]

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 […]

Dual Sword Wielding Training

Sword-Wielding Training Dual wielding means using two weapons one in each hand while engaging in combat. This combat style is not something that is common. Although there are historical records about dual wielding, these were still very much limited. Not only that, but many weapon-based martial arts make use of a pair of swords. The […]

Wakizashi Sword and Its History

Wakizashi Sword The Wakizashi sword is one of the most important weapons of the samurai warrior. It was the backup sword that was paired with the Katana. By law, only members of the Samurai caste were allowed to carry both swords as a daisho. Similar to the Katana, the Wakizashi is a classic nihonto with […]