Katana, Tachi, and Ken

Many people mistakenly thing that the sword the Japanese Samurai used in combat was the Katana. The Katana is actually the youngest of the three main swords used in Japan and gained its popularity during the Edo period, aka, the approx. 300 years of peace. Here are the three main swords with descriptions of each. And yes, in the Bujinkan we study all three, because each one is used differently. Be aware, each sword also has it's own sub-variations, these are the primary categories of Japanese swords.

The Ken:

The Ken, also called Tsurugi Ken, was the sword used in Japan prior to 980 AD. In Japanese mythology, the ancient being Fudo Myo killed a fierce dragon and from it's tail he pulled out this sword. This sword is double edged and many, if not most, were imported from China. The handle can be one handed or two handed. As Japanese black smiths became better at sword making, and as armor evolved, the Japanese sword changed from the Ken into the Tachi

The Tachi:

The Tachi was the sword used by Samurai during the Sengoku period, the era of the warring states of Japan. This period was the height of the Samurai and their abilities. This was the true Samurai Sword. It is single edged and has a significant curve to it. The handle is also curved and can be used with one or two hands. This sword hangs loose at the warrior's side like a saber, blade edge down. It was designed to specifically defeat the armor worn by Samurai and foot soldiers. You can see the cord wound in the middle of the sheath (Saya), this was used to tie the sword around the waist of the samurai outside of the armor. It was ideal for battle field fighting and fighting from horseback.

The Katana:

The Katana was developed as a result of the Edo period. After the last civil war of Japan ended, the new Shogun established a period of peace that lasted for 300 years. The Samurai found the Tachi to be too cumbersome to wear daily, and so the Katana rose to popularity among the samurai. The Katana is less curved than the Tachi and is worn tucked into the belt (Obi), blade edge up. The cord was worn loosely between the sheath and belt, not wrapped around the waist. The handle was usually at least 12 inches long for two handed use. This was in essence, a dueling sword or self-protection sword, rather than a battlefield sword. A revolution in Japan during the early 1800s led to the abolishing of the Samurai class, and so the Katana was the last Samurai sword, and the one most remembered.

Lose One's "Dialect" in Training

In Tetsuzan, Hatsumi Soke says that a martial artist must learn to lose the "dialect" of training in a particular martial art, much like a TV announcer must lose any dialect in order to be successful at reaching a wider audience. In this case, a "dialect" in martial arts training is a particular way a martial art does something, the stylized movement of that art. Hatsumi Soke studied Judo, Karate, Aikido, old style budo, and even Chinese martial arts, and he had various "dialects" from these arts that showed up in his movement. Then he began training with his teacher whom he inherited the 9 ancient schools of the Bujinkan from. He learned to let go of his previous "dialects" and have no dialect, because those dialects give away your ability and tell your opponent how to counter you. This is something we must always keep in mind in Ninjutsu.

Flexibility...

...is vital. So many focus on strength and ignore the vital importance of flexibility. Out 33rd Soke of the Togakure Ryu, Toshitsugu Takamatsu, had extremely powerful legs, and was the last living combat ninja. He viewed flexibility of the legs being most important. How are you splits coming along? ;)

Be a Good Student

No matter what style of martial art you decide to go after, be a good student. Part of being a good student is finding a good teacher. If you can't find a good teacher in the style you want to learn, you need to ask yourself if it is really worth training in that style. There was a great blog post written about this by Michael Glen, of Bujinkan Santa Monica. I suggest reading his blog post:  Click Here

Art Showing

I wanted to let everyone know about a free Japanese art showing I am holding this week at our dojo. I have a collection of art from Japan painted by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi Soke, the head of our martial art and the last living grandmaster of the Togakure Ryu Ninja. He is also the head of samurai schools including branches of Kukishin Ryu and Takagiyoshin Ryu.

We are hosting the free exhibit at my dojo to display 12 art prints that were originally on display at the Foreign Correspondents Club in Tokyo and several original works of art (Shodo and Sumi-e) on Kakajiku and other mediums. The dojo is located in Meridian, Idaho.

I will be showcasing the art prints and some original works of art I own by the same artist, on Saturday July 15, from 6 to 8 pm. Please feel free to emai

Dr. Hatsumi is the head of the Bujinkan organization, through which 9 koyru budo schools are taught. He is the inheritor of these nine koryu traditions from his teacher, Toshitsugu Takamatsu. All are welcome to visit and view the art.

The location of the art show will be at the Living-Warrior Dojo
200 North Baltic Place #104
Meridian, ID 83642