Like real katana and other blades, they do get damage when hit with similar or harder materials. Even real katana gets worn out or damaged gradually during test cutting bamboos and tatami mats

@@BLACKBELTSIMON Thanks for the reply! That’s good to know. I was just curious if Iaito would be durable for sparring since getting a real katana is expensive lol

I forgot. But you can try to google for stations good for Nozomi Shinkansen viewing at full speed passing

It is only slightly wider, only noticeable when compared side by side. Heavier blades feel closer to real blades

Thank you. Currently I'm using an unshapred katana for practice, but I will definitely buy iaito for safety purpose.@@BLACKBELTSIMON

Yeah some are not much different and some can be quite different. Depending on what were custom-made. The blade length; the curve angle of the blade; the kissaki type and length; the hamon type; the length of tsuka; and then things like the choice of tsuba, habaki, seppa, kogai, fuchi, tsukamaki, shitodome, menuko etc......

Thank you. I belong to 土佐英信流居合術根元道場 自彊塾 Tosa Eishin Ryu Iai-Jutsu Jikyo-Juku Kongen Dojo which is a member of 日本居合術連盟 Nippon Iai-Jutsu Renmei

@@BLACKBELTSIMON Sorry for my ignorance. but is the Nippon Iai-Jutsu Renmei the same as the All Japan Iaido Federation? Thanks again 🙂

@@kenglam To be honest I actually get confused with different names and organisations which tend to split up sometimes. So nowadays I don't really care too much about organisations, styles and schools...

In our style we practice the same technique with variations based on different scenarios. The scenario is what we visualize in practice or in performance. Of course for beginners we simply teach one way first and explain the variations. Having said that, most iaido schools nowadays teach standardized kata for more convenient in teaching and for competition. Back to your question, the knee was kept above the ground as i pushed forward reaching the opponent further away. As i moved in closer to the opponent or when the opponent was close enough, there was no need to push forward and hence the knee would have kept on the floor. Hope this answers your question.

@@BLACKBELTSIMON Thank you for your explanation - it's highly appreciated 🙂

Yes you can. As long as it is a proper iaito bought from a real budo equipment store and not a fake metal one which could be sharpened as weapon. There is a chance Japanese custom would do a magnetic check at the airport to confirm your iaito is not made of metal. I'm going to post a video explaining all the requirements relating to bringing iaito or katana in and out of Japan on a plane

@@BLACKBELTSIMON thanks. Looking forward to that vid.

It would be difficult to learn everything online. However, experienced artists are able to learn and adjust some techniques by watching videos. These videos are like theories and lectures at universities. You still need to do tutorials, home works, practices and exams with the help of instructors. As a martial art practitioner and content creator, with the limitation of time and what I can upload, i would do my best to assist my subscribers/followers.

Basic beginners (I do not suggest) ones are usually around 40,000 Yen. Good ones are from approx 70,000 Yen. Depends on the length as well. But if you ask the shop, they would be able to provide suggestion to you. If you want fast response, you can always call tot he shop directly. Staffs at Tozando are perfectly no problem with English. Other shops you may need to use some Japanese to communicate.

Good iaito made from reputable makers from Japan feel and swing like a real katana. For practice it would be a good idea to order an iaito from one of these suppliers. You can look into Tozando in Kyoto; Meirin in Tennoji Osaka; and Minosaka in Gifu.

Yes I have communicated with Tozando waiting for them to get back to me. It does take a while for them to reply.

@@matthiaslow8533 That's good. May I suggest if your budget allows, consider getting a higher range iaito like a custom made one. I've tested many of their standard ones and custom made ones. The standards ones were not the best for serious practice. But the higher range ones were good.

Is it illegal to own katana or iai-to in Malaysia?

Do you have a suggestion for an alternative name?

You're welcome

音がするからキチンとふれてるけど、構えが剣道になってるよね。

That's right. In fact last month in Japan I heard that our senior masters have recently modified its movement to make it less prompting to accident as such. This happened after a Japanese member in Sendai actually punctured his upper arm with his katana while doing the same movement.

Thank you Lucas. It was a pleasure to meeting you and others as well. The event was so packed with activities and there wasn't enough chance to engage with everyone on a deeper level. Hopefully there will be more exchanges next time. Please feel free to drop me DMs on Instagram.