A Must-watch Before Buying Katana or Training Iaido/Battodo

[@LetsaskShogo]

▼The BEST online katana shop for martial arts (Iaido, Kendo, etc.): Tozando▼ tozandoshop.com?sca_ref=2893299.hcDMfLw4P2 Everything I use for my katana training is bought at this shop! I still use the first training katana I bought in 2016, and it is still in good shape! ▼The recommended online katana shop for decorations and cosplay: Mini Katana▼ minikatana.com/SHOGO *Get 15% OFF off all their products by purchasing through my affiliate link ▼Who is Shogo? What is this channel about?▼ kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJmokqB-m9-sr8k ▼Related videos in this channel▼ -Kyoto Hidden Gems kzbin.info/aero/PLpIWoYf9KNFU7LIIFB0P_reDt_oMdkCOq -[China & Japan] The complicated relationship between China & Japan through the story of our marriage! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJOYm5aKhpWHlZI -Japanese returnees react to “things that returnees do & experience”! Bullying & discrimination... kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6XYm6h-acl4kKs ▼MY DREAM▼ kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5jSqHyMlNCUnaM “To make every Japan lovers’ dream come true, by making Japan a more secure, comfortable, and safer place for everyone to visit, study, and live in” I will be using the profit I gain from this channel at restaurants, hotels, and cultural facilities in Kyoto to introduce them. The more you watch the videos on this channel, Kyoto and Japan will become a more exciting place, and you can support your own and others’ dreams in the future even more. ▼Join our Membership▼ kzbin.info/door/n7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVwjoin ●Membership benefits -Limited behind-the-scene videos kzbin.info/aero/UUMOn7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVw -Weekly live stream -Priority reply to comments Every single yen we earn from this membership, we will be donating to groups of people who are fighting to solve social problems in Japan, the Japanese schools where foreign students can study, or use it to spread the works of people working with traditional culture in Japan to preserve the arts they are doing. ▼[Sub-channel] “Shogo’s Podcast”▼ kzbin.info/door/ZAe1VayWxp5NLO4Net78DA Please subscribe!! The perfect channel to learn about Japanese culture and history in your spare time, during your walk to school or work, and when you are cooking or doing house chores. Not only will I be covering the topics in this main channel, but also some topics that you will only be able to enjoy in the sub-channel, like answering questions I receive, and my opinions towards some of the comments. ▼[Listen to the real voices of the Japanese] "Voices from Japan series"▼ kzbin.info/aero/PLpIWoYf9KNFXxLyeQa85jDudDKqkwPg-2 ▼[For YOU traveling to Kyoto] "Kyoto Hidden Gems" series▼ kzbin.info/aero/PLpIWoYf9KNFU2YmZtyfKJi9-MCpycAPWy ▼Instagram▼ instagram.com/lets_ask_shogo/ *Please ask me questions through the DM here!（⚠I do not use e-mail）

[@John-ej8rx]

Where can I get a real kitana

[@John-ej8rx]

Real katana?

[@marinos9985]

The fact that he used a bokken. He has so much respect for katanas that he didnt want to pretend to do that to a real katana. I have a lot of respect for you shogo!

[@dw6424]

McDonald’s

[@avocado3-in-182]

Bokken da bokken

[@clementj]

@@avocado3-in-182 It's bouken, not bokken. Bennet is disappointed.

[@muurrarium9460]

@@clementj Depends on your country perhaps? Spelling here (NL) is 'bokken' afaik.

[@clementj]

@@muurrarium9460 haha... No. Bouken da, bouken, is a catchprase for Bennett, a character in the game Genshin Impact. Bokken is the wooden sword.

[@datastorm75]

How interesting. In many ways, there are very similar rules for handling firearms. I think it boils down to: respect the weapon, and the power it represents.

[@malikfoxen2045]

I had these same thoughts as soon as he finished point one. When it comes to firearms in the US, in any firearms training, instructors always tell students, DO NOT BRANDISH (point your gun) at people unless your intent is to shoot. Pointing even an unloaded gun at someone is considered a big nono outside of self defense, and there are laws against it here. Expect to be scolded or even arrested even if you were "just joking, or "kidding around."

[@vihaandas4346]

@@malikfoxen2045 also the part where he says "always think that someone's life could be on the line" with any weapon (especially a firearm), you should always have the utmost care, because lives and injuries can be permanent

[@blackcrasanblade]

@@malikfoxen2045 true and always keep empty chamber and magazine out of gun till ready to use while in vehicle but far enough if needed to be quick access i own a police style sig 9 mm so it can fire with one in chamber without magazine in gun but has a safety switch it been customized by gunsmiths to have all metal body and max legally allowed barrel so it weight about as much as a heavy revolver due to light guns i can control but don’t feel right to me i prefer heavy help keep the r recoil down control if isnt hard for people that i go shooting with i have x4 21 round magazine and a holster that won’t allow the gun to fire while it in it but isn’t hard to get the firearm out if you know what your doing

[@blackcrasanblade]

@@vihaandas4346 why i was taught if you plan to use your weapon ain’t i kill and it should be last resort if it come to it that why i keep a lethal and non lethal option also i have a revolver that can fire 410 shells/45s if i don’t carry my sig i use rocksalt 410 shells for non lethal hurt like hell due to chuck of salt under skin. but doesn’t kill them unless the slim chance of a salt allergy then if they make me use either or choice it normally my last choice due to stand your grounded law it my choice personally i rather them spend time in jail/prison but if i need to use my weapon i have that option for con-sealed and open carry

[@thomasway0320]

Even martial arts is the same, it really is “with great power, comes great responsibility”.

[@IKEMENOsakaman]

My grandma told me that my ancestors (her side) were samurais protecting Kumamoto castle. We have a family katana in our house. I'll be sure to treat it with respect.

[@outboundflight4455]

Do you have pictures of it

[@sylvainfalquet6350]

I was supposed to visit Kumamoto for a school trip, hope I will see that castle soon

[@kentonbaird1723]

How old is the weapon, do you know? Something attached to a legacy like that should be treasured; I'm envious.

[@Herr.P]

You should treat any family heirloom with respect.

[@TrevorTrottier]

Take off the handle and look up those marks.

[@ТеоМарков-ц1л]

I when I realized that this man had to break all taboos to show them to us... Respect!

[@Chritin]

I think they may have been done on a training sword instead of an actual katana.

[@frostyelwood9898]

It’s a bokken but yes

[@SomeRandomPangolin]

"Don't use a katana as a cane" Exactly, we have cane swords for that

[@aquabluerose7734]

I was thinking that too lol. Ciel Phantomhive is doing it correctly (has one of those cane swords, and not using a katana as a cane, in fact I've never even seen him with a katana lol)

[@cascadianrangers728]

Thats what wakizashi canes are for

[@gravethebeyond]

Cane swords for the win.

[@VoidstriderLucatiel]

New idea. Cane Katana. A Canetana, if you will.

[@yomihikari4247]

It actually makes me wonder about Urahara Kisuke and his zanpakuto Benihime.

[@billvolk4236]

It makes sense that the mystique surrounding the katana only sprung up after they had mostly become obsolete in battle. Go to a museum and look at swords from any culture, and read how each one was used. The swords that are still in good condition will almost certainly be ceremonial or surplus weapons that have never been used. The swords that have seen battle will be in much worse condition. A sword, even when well maintained, breaks down after only a moderate amount of use in battle. Every time it is sharpened or some rust is scoured away, it loses some of its mass and shape. Every impact has a chance to chip a piece off of it. Like soldiers themselves, battle swords need to be replaceable rather than sacrosanct.

[@lifeonhigh851]

That's the same way with every weapon known to man. Everything gets old, used, and worn down. Everything will need replaced eventually, unless it's never been used

[@Senerith]

not even close to being true, depending on the type of weapon and use.

[@TheGateShallStand]

@@Senerith this is an extremely true statement, just as with any battle tested weapon. If you keep a sword on a wall for ten years it will always be bright and shiny if you clean it, but if no matter how you clean a sword used in battle for the same ten years, you will have to get a new one eventually. Swords were not made to be cheap, they were made to be sturdy, hardy things used for many years, but in the end, even European swords were made with the fact in mind that they could be damaged, destroyed, or outright lost. This meant, you made them cheaper, only ceremonial or legendary blades were kept with utmost respect, normal swords, even in Japan, were similarly treated as a simple tool for killing. The katana was always meant to be a peasant slayer, as it never worked well against heavier armoured filled with metal, leather, and cord. They were not sacred, just another tool, but they were similarly treated with the respect any weapon should have. If it was properly cleaned, maintained, and used over the years in true battle, it would naturally become chipped, damaged, or even outright broken, your first sword would never be your last.

[@lysander3262]

Every martial art has a different balance between the 'martial' and the 'art'. MMA is almost entirely 'martial'. Iaido seems to be majority 'art'. I'm glad that the creator went to a primary source and was honest about modern practices being disconnected from warfare and associated with religious practice. There is no pretense here. Historical revisionism is dangerous and seductive. Truth is much better all around.

[@mrkiky]

@@TheGateShallStand It wasn't just a "peasant slayer", it was also a status symbol. Like a badge of nobility. Just the fact that you were carrying it around didn't only symbolize that you were above the people who weren't allowed to carry it around, but you actually were above. Because, well, you had a sword, and they didn't. If they got in an argument with you can cut them up and they can't.

[@JosephKerr27]

I'd like to add: Do NOT lean your weapons against a wall! Lay them down neatly out of the way or place them on a rack. The only exception is for specially made vertical stands.

[@TrickinNinja]

Why?

[@SparkRattle]

@@TrickinNinja Practically, it may damage the scabbard or sheath or, if unsheathed, may injure another person nearby or damage the place where they lay. Socially, it is the same as leaving a rifle willy-nilly just anywhere; it is both a rude, uncouth sign and an obvious sign that you may not know how dangerous a weapon may be. JosephKerr27 truly proves a good point with this.

[@TrickinNinja]

@@SparkRattle here's an idea, don't make your scabbard so fragile it can't handle just falling over from gravity! As for hurting people laying down, well, if someone is dumb enough set up there own guillotine before bed, maybe just let them do it cause we really don't need those genetics in our gene pool. I've left swords leaning up in the corner by my door all my life because that's where I am most likely to need it. Just like my father and grand father would leave a loaded shotgun leaned up in the corner by the door. or.. were we supposed to leave them laying down on the ground beside the door? It would still take a split second longer to pick it up in an emergency. This is SAFER than not doing it, because it is unsafe to keep an object that could save your life further out of your reach. As a child I was taught not to lean our guns up against a vehicle, or Barb wire fence etc.. because it could fall and kill someone. This isn't something you should have to tell an adult. Just treat the weapon with the respect it deserves, be reasonable and mindful of your safety. Leaning a weapon against the wall is fine in some situations.

[@ЂорђеПавличић]

What if I'm a ninja and need to scale the wall?

[@TrickinNinja]

@@ЂорђеПавличић then it's great for use at a foot hold when you need to be stealthy.

[@terma117]

After our Tae Kwon Do class once I unsheathed my dulled training katana to show the blade to a class mate who asked to see it, my instructor got upset and wouldn’t train me anymore with the katana.. The problem is she never told me any of these from the beginning so I was confused and disappointed my training ended.. I believe I was set up for failure sadly, wish I seen something like this a long time ago, great video!

[@TheFearsomeRat]

Then your instructor is the one who failed as far as I am concerned, you should not blame a student for failing at something they didn't know about, and from what I understand from your comment refuse to correct them ontop of that.

[@goldenexperiencerequiem5006]

@@TheFearsomeRat there is no such thing as bad students. Only bad teachers

[@Gideon_Judges6]

@@goldenexperiencerequiem5006 I think there are definitely both. Some bad teachers were once mediocre students.

[@ComfortsSpecter]

Sound’s like a Pathetic Business

[@SoraTrinityLimit]

Well, it is sure thing (at least here on Brazil) your instructor failed to communicate you about the problems concerning the untheathing a blade to show it - even to a classmate of yours. Did you, after this incident, tried to apologize and explain you didn knew this was a taboo? Hope you're well and training!

[@hanchiman]

basically a weapon is not a "toy", same like Gun safety 12 Golden Rules "Expect the gun to be loaded"

[@sleepykittyMMD]

this should have more likes, everything should be treated with caution

[@Moples223]

12 rules? I think Cooper's 4 rules are enough. Especially the keep your booger picker off the bang switch until you're ready to fire rule. All guns are always loaded. Even if they are not, treat them as if they are. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. ... Keep your finger off the trigger till your sights are on the target. ... Identify your target, and what is behind it.

[@SirConto]

But the Japanese also have this idea that a katana has it's own spirit and is practically alive, so some of those measures aren't just for the practical reasons of safety and keeping the sword in good condition, but also not to "offend" the sword.

[@gatocles99]

@@SirConto SOME superstitious Japanese have that idea. For others, it is a tool. Like a garden hoe, it serves a specific purpose... and must be cared for properly, but it is just a tool.

[@ascensionindustries9631]

The blade is always loaded.

[@Jibbzz]

Oddly enough, when I was in my uni's kendo club I saw a lot of new people playing with the Shinai after the lesson, or stepping over it after we greeted their senpai's, as well as using it as a cane. After I WAS one of the senpai's I always used the analogy I do when using deactivated firearms to teach my firearms course (for Canadian PAL). It can be rewarding and fun to learn to do kendo, but even though it's a Shinai, it deserves respect and can really hurt someone if it isn't given the proper respect, even without considering the cultural taboos associated with treating the Shinai/bokken/katana like a toy or prop. Just like a gun, in the right place and with proper respect it can be fun, meditative, and fulfilling to use. But one inatentive move and someone is hurt or worse. All this to say: be safe, respectful, and great video!

[@SuperWeeb9000]

When i started cutting tatami, it was the first time my sensei handed me a real blade. Both the fact that he trusted me enough to handle one, and actually holding one, felt incredibly surreal. Genuine swords are something that should always command immense respect.

[@charliearnold3487]

I felt like the blade would destroy anything it touched so I was so nervous to do ANYTHING with it lol

[@terrancat]

In my kenjutsu we used real on day 1

[@algomez8563]

I started cutting tatami in my backyard, and wasn't much of a deal for me, since I had already handle machetes since childhood. I guess everyone jas different experiences.

[@LichsbeCrazy]

“Training Iaido as a way to learn courtesy,” this is interesting to me. I started practicing HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) not long ago and the culture surrounding it is much different. Not very focused courtesy for example hah, also the swords are seen more as tools than sacred objects which is fine to me, but I really enjoy the sport nonetheless and learning the historical techniques. Thanks for making your videos, I like your perspectives on Japanese culture, very informative and I always learn something new ^_^

[@seraphendipity]

Thats one of my favorite differences between the two. Western culture treats them as tools - you see mordhau strikes using hilt as a blunt weapon or as a grappling point

[@blackknightjack3850]

Now I just have a picture in my head of Shogo trying his hardest not to cringe at someone using a katana at a HEMA tournament. Not because it's technically not a European weapon, but because he's concerned about the damage it might sustain.

[@Misere1459]

@@seraphendipity There is some kata of iaido and aikido wich incorporate hits with tsuka. In the time of battles, many katana were more tools, broke and be shortened.

[@johnapple6646]

I would remark that it's cos westerners have no culture, half joke

[@ahuman6277]

I kept thinking about montante (HEMA greatsword) during this video, and how the traditional way to ready your weapon is to hold it like a cane-- And then kick it to get it into position XD

[@jaketheasianguy3307]

Even when i train non japanese swordsmanship, i still feels like to have some decent respect to the every kind kind of live blade, not just katana. They are indeed something more than just training tools, unlike waster practice swords

[@dogestranding5047]

“This is what happens when you bring a tool to a sword fight.” - Jetstream Sam

[@lmcmulle]

a practice sword has more soul than a fancy display weapon. items you handle and train with gain your chi. In this. my dull, dirty, wrapped with hockey tape drawing / exercise sword which is used every day, is actually got more soul than my fancy bamboo cutter which is hardly ever used, thus demanding of more, not less respect.

[@jaketheasianguy3307]

@@lmcmulle guess it's depends on the mindset. When i trained swordmanship, i treat it as a martial art even though we don't go outside fighting each other with sharp swords anymore, so every real blades that i own deserve love and respect. Of course take care of the training equipments is also very important, but they are just that, tools. Of course if you train for the sport and meditation side of the art, of course a training sword would deserve more attention than a sharp one, hence why many iaidoka and kendoka don't even bother getting a sharp sword, cause their training purpose is different. Now i spent most of my training time using sharp swords, training swords only used for sparring or 2 men drills

[@Pokemaster-wg9gx]

@@lmcmulle technically if you want to get into the spiritual, magical, and symbolic sides it depends on how it was made and with what. especially if you use something ultra special and or have a spirit living in one and the other is just a generic hunk of wood/metal that was made heartlessly

[@Picolinni]

I practiced early to late medieval martial arts, based on period documents and manuals, as a child and teen. I often heard the same sentiment regarding a sword or spears soul, and when people talked about respect it was always a bit confusing for me as to how it was meant. I respected the danger and lethality of my sword, but it wasn’t anything particularly special. It was a tool in the same way my fathers wood working tools were. They required just as much respect for the danger they hold, but they were still tools. A live sword or spear is a lot like a firearm, you don’t treat it like a toy. I think it also has to do with me being so immersed in early English as a child and teen. I’d replace the word respect with fear and I’d understand much better, but others would hear the word fear and assign the modern primary meaning, as in to feel afraid.

[@NonApplicable1983]

I'm glad you touched on war-era sword customs, since I was just about to ask if this etiquette was followed by all people who owned swords or just specifically the samurai. I assume an infantryman or a bandit probably wouldn't consider a sword as anything more than an instrument of violence. It may be silly to quote a fictional author, but I'm reminded of Meti's Sword Manual from Kill Six Billion Demons. "[A sword] is a hideous tool for separating men from their vital fluids."

[@OddlyIncredible]

Or for bisecting someone as though they were poultry.

[@Lexagon]

Change your pfp if you want anyone to consider your opinion

[@zitriphyer8429]

@@Lexagon my guy xD

[@thadsul]

In Kendo, we must present the same respect to the sword, no matter if it's a bamboo shinai or wooden bokuto. I learned that in my 1st or 2nd class when I stepped over the shinai of the most graduated senpai. He was super polite saying "I'm sorry, I must have left it on the way". I didn't understand why he said it, it didn't seem out of place... until a younger senpai explained the concept to me and said I should never go over any sword, others or mine

[@DrunkenDarkSoul]

interesting! If nothing else it makes for good practice for dealing with the real thing. that's a kind and intelligent teacher.

[@sleepingturtle32]

I’ve had a similar thing happen

[@abramrexjoaquin7513]

But also... from a very young age children of samurais and those in training are first given a wooden sword to slowly but surely extract and destroy the childish urge of holding a stick without the violent and abrupt disciplinary actions of a sensei forcing a trainee to extinguish that childish urge by force and sheer will distracting the training.

[@Saister]

I still accidentally step over it sometimes especially when we're dead tired. I usually realize what I'm doing after one foot goes over but it really shouldn't be happening

[@Gilleban]

@@Saister But you still remember it even when exhausted and feel like you messed up...that's some good training right there.

[@nikajo__8755]

I remember being taught some of this when I did some Iaido training many many years ago. I actually did step over my katana in one of my early lessons and was told pretty quickly ‘no no, we don’t do that’ haha 😂 One other thing I was taught was that when placing the katana on the floor in front of you for bowing, always have the blade facing towards you even when it’s in its sheath. It was to do with being as non threatening as possible to your teacher and a sign of respect for them. Nice video, really enjoyed it!

[@jonathanmarth6426]

I started practising Kenjutsu earlier this year and my second lesson was how to handle my katana so as not to clash sheaths with others. And whenever somebody in the dojo steps over a weapon, everybody gets to do pushups. So even though we specifically practise the martial way of the sword, we still try to handle it with the due respect.

[@verios44]

I do not train with a Katana, but I am practicing Songnam Taekwondo. Part of it is using weapons like bow staffs. We have a similar rule about not walking over a weapon on the ground. Also similar group punishments, but it varies from push ups to running a mile, etc.

[@jonathanmarth6426]

@@verios44 7 students running a mile in our rather tiny Dojo would look rather silly. But we generally pay that respect to other weapons as well, last time I was the reason for pushups it was actually a bo I'd walked over.

[@verios44]

@@jonathanmarth6426 7? Wish mine were that small. Usually our Black Belt level course has 20 or more. This dojo also pffers other programs like Krav Maga. Sometimes thats more physiclly brutal than the traditional courses. We are near a navy and army base, so attract military service members looking for some extras to add to their normal training. When we do running its usually outside around the complex that houses our dojo. Usually takes 2 laps around the entire complex.

[@TheInfantry98]

I would keep stepping over on purpose just to keep doing push-ups

[@Junkzillabox]

Makes sense, a weapon is still a weapon at the very least, even if it has more meaning. Same reason you don't point a gun at another person for fun or bash around a rifle carelessly. Makes sense.

[@kkarnage9963]

Here in New Zealand, we have a martial art called "Nga Tama Toa" (Na Tah-ma- toe-a) which practices with a long bo staff like stick called a "Rakau" (Rah-kou) which I am now seeing is very similar to Iaido, in the sense that it is treated as a sacred object instead of a tool. Many of the same rules apply to the respect and honour of the weapon. Can't wait to eventually learn in the way of Iaido not to only learn the traditional ways of the samurai, but more about the culture and respect behind it.

[@oversavior6892]

I've started attending the local iaido school recently and had learned so many things about katana etiquette during the first class, like how it should be handed to another person, or how it should be placed on the ground. Learning about these rules is always so fascinating, and this video was very useful as well! So far I haven't read or heard anyone mention the hitting scabbard thing, and I'm very glad I could learn about it before I ran into this situation as our training room is rather small. Thank you so much for the video!

[@drewdetrick8466]

It is called saya-ate (scabbard striking)

[@ivanbecerril4227]

The first one that explains the iaido's code is actually a code I live by, my way of saying is, the best fights are the ones we avoid, my dad trained in multiple Martial arts in his youth when he lived in Mexico and he was the one who taught me this code, as a result to this day I have never been in a physical fight, and don't intend to at all, going 26 years strong violence free

[@andreicc201]

Your a true chad for having that much years of non violence

[@Rayziyun]

I'm very surprised at the last one. I was always taught to hand anything with a blade: handle first - blade pointed down/towards me - edge facing up/towards me. If someone handed me a blade the way Shogo show to be proper, I would assume they have no idea what they were doing and I would not trust their control over the blade. Culture differences are fascinating.

[@janikamil7605]

Oh, I actually just though it's because the blade is so long and isn't sheated (like scissors, you can close them and only have the pointy end be somewhat dangerous) so handing it pointing upwards with both hands properly holding the handle so it can't wobble is the safest way to give it to someone. 🤔 Having it point towards yourself and then the other person just pulls it, that sounds incredibly dangerous and prone to accidents 🤯 I guess the respect for the sword shows in that it's pointing up and not down but I didn't really think too much on it before I started writing this 😂

[@FalconWindblader]

This ain't just the matter of cultural difference, but also setting. in a katana shop, when you're handed a sword for whatever reasons, chances are you're either doing it over a counter or there're other things around on the floor. having the blade facing downwards would most probably end up having the blade hitting something, thus potentially damaging the blade.

[@dimasgomez]

Me too! First the handle, blades down, always. Since I cook, I have already scolded others on this. I believed the obvious way on swords was slowly and horizontally, but I agree, upward holding might be the safest way on a crowded shop. The rule of thumb is *giving the next handler the safest grip possible* without breaking anything or harming anyone. For that reason, giving a sword horizontally might complicate matters, since you would have to switch hands -- right hands are opposites to each other. I understand upward holding might be the polite way for that reason as well.

[@seemlesslies]

I thought it would be like the traditional means that we see in shows. Horizontal blade facing upwards both hands on each side as you pass it to the other person, but I can see why that might not be the best in a shop.

[@kupsyza]

if you notice, the sharp edge faces you and the dull edge faces the recipient. it should be this way whether it's vertical or horizontal.

[@meccamiles7816]

Love your videos. I’ve been an Iaido practitioner for over half my life and I still find your content to be insightful and very polite reminders of early etiquette.

[@Bad_Wolf_Media]

Shogo, good sir, there's no need to add the note to speed up the playback, in my opinion. Your cool, deliberate style of speech is incredible relaxing and one of the reasons I watch your videos. If others have an issue, they can take things into their own hands, but you don't need to (in this particular way) need to be apologetic about it. It is courteous of you to offer a tip, however.

[@javjuegos_8917]

I agree. I speeded it up for a bit but then realized that it doesn't feel as right and that the way Shogo delivers his videos is one of the reasons I watch him

[@MercenaryJames]

I agree. I find the slow and deliberate way of speaking to be calming. Which I feel is good for these informative types of videos.

[@cjgreen4331]

I also agree, though everyone else has explained it well enough above me

[@TheOriginalDarkGlitch]

Is that why he does that? I was so confused.

[@errenjaeger4992]

Yeah i agree , im very comfortable ... How he try to teach/ share is very good to me, i think he choose every words very carefully

[@pacificjr]

I like how similar sword rules are to firearm rules. Both are weapons that should be treated with respect and care. When I go out to the range, I follow practically every single one of these rules

[@sandrothenecromancer6810]

"You see those warriors from Nippon? They’ve got curved swords. Curved. Swords."

[@kokorochacarero8003]

Aniki, I think she's telling the truth. Look, she doesn't have the scar!

[@JamesZ32100]

Good reference xD

[@gamejunky3040]

“Do you go to the shogun’s castle very often ? What am I saying of course you don’t.”

[@lucasfv1357]

Thank you for this, Shogo. While I'm very vulnerable to the first issue, I want to believe I'll never do it if I finally start training in iaido (only on private, where no one can be offended)

[@TheWasteOfTime]

The not stepping over a katana (or any weapons really, even yer practice ones) is a BIG one. My sensei told me a story about how when he was training, the widow of the previous headmaster would still hang around to oversee things at the dojo from time to time. One day early in his training he came onto the mat and stepped right over someone's weapons which had been placed at the edge and she appeared out of nowhere and gave him a smack on the back of the head. Also, never use yer feet to move weapons and whatnot that are on the floor. Always go down and use yer hands.

[@petritzky]

I basically do all of these things, lol. Randomly handling a sword is an unspoken rule in HEMA, especially if it's a new one.

[@DjinnCrimsora]

It's counterintuitive to me to hand an edged weapon to another person with the blade upright - I was raised that you always should be pointing the point of the weapon to the ground and extending the end of the handle to the other person, this way minimizing the risk of the weapon causing injury in case someone loses their grip & causing it to fall uncontrollably.

[@VitorJexs]

This. All respect to the channel and I'm sure the information is correct, but I felt weird seeing him give the sword that way. It was like asking for the blade to fall to whatever direction.

[@kenshin57stheronin3]

A blade of anytime should always be handed handle first in a controlled method. If it was handed to you sheathed return it sheathed

[@AlastorAltruistGaming]

Same. I don’t have a katana just yet, but I was always told to hold scissors, pocket knives or kitchen knives to someone with the blade downward; I was taught this when I was a kid, since running around the house with sharp objects can be absolutely bloody painful.

[@miminggaming4677]

I envy people like you because you can afford a katana, i can't afford to buy a katana from overseas because they cost around 200-500$ and because of our financial state😢 But I'm happy because people like you introduces us to the way of the katana👌Greetings from the Philippines!!!

[@ShinigamiOni]

OMG 5 is so under rated for all blades! I was always taught to present bladed objects handle first, after that I started noticing how reckless people are with handing off those kinds of items. I cringe every time. I suppose scissors are one thing, but knives of any kind, sheathed or unsheathed says a lot about awareness.

[@cesarquijano94]

Taboo 1: I am guilty of this. I held my sword straight up and shouted "BANKAI!" Taboo 2: I do not do this. I'm too worried about damaging my blade Taboo 3: Understood. I will make sure to keep it on my left waist Taboo 4: Respect sword. No step over. Got it. Taboo 5: When I bought my sword at Otakon, I treated it like a knife, handing them back the katana by the handle

[@jedanaestaplaneta7866]

Mate i totally understand you about that bankai part

[@jeffreyyoung7824]

I thought that when you lay your katana on the mat in front of you, the blade edge must be facing you. It's supposed to be a grave offense to have the cutting edge facing someone sitting in front of you. I also read that it is a serious offense to point your katana at someone unless you are in a duel, in war combat, or training with a partner or instructor.

[@AdamOwenBrowning]

It makes sense that is a serious offense to levy threat of deadly force at someone. If someone pointed a rifle at me "as a joke" I would not shoot with them again.

[@duncan4260]

Same as any blade really. Pointing a plain kitchen knife at someone is pretty damn rude in most cultures

[@activeenglishlecreusot9628]

@@duncan4260 agree. We dont need culture to teach us that. Being human is enough.

[@lucasfv1357]

@@duncan4260 and yet...

[@ronin2167]

Blade toward you with tsuka to the left so that it can't be easily drawn by you.

[@lordadamant8182]

This is the kinda stuff I'm here for, interesting, informative, entertaining. And the suggestion to speed it up at the beginning was both helpful and amusing.

[@bhull242]

3:38 I feel like this idea also applies very well to guns and holsters. Not the goofing around bit (although that also applies), but this statement about the sense of tension when removed as well. When you pull out your gun, a life may be lost, and so you should be very cautious when doing so and afford it the utmost respect. (This applies to everyone with a gun, be they police, military, or civilian.)

[@gussie88bunny]

Shogo, you're so ordered, well spoken and polite. It's so refreshing to see, compared to what i experience in a western country where i live. I enjoy your videos, thank you, Gus.

[@shirolune]

I've been noticing some small but regular changes that the videos have been receiving, its these smalls additions like the attention hold at the beginning and the like&sub at the middle of the video, the remind of setting playback speed so the view count multiplies, all of those not only are making the videos higher quality but also are making the experience of watching and learning much more engaging by blending it in with the video as a whole.

[@Seth_Kiro]

Here in the last couple months I have been practicing sword martial arts by self teaching (I am not trained by anyone).I feel like I should thank you and many others for helping me learn about things you should and shouldn't do.i also think that even though I've taught myself and watched numerous videos that I've doing rather well and hope to continue. P.s:the reason I'm teaching myself is because there are no areas near where I live in the united states where the teach iaido, kendo,kenjutsu,etc

[@AgonyAlienai]

I have a theory, bear with me for a sec. The reverence we see towards the katana, what if, that reverence was more for the huge time It took for bladesmiths to forge it, paired with the lack of natural resources in Japan rather than a spiritual symbol.

[@muurrarium9460]

Oh, nice one :). But why not both, since the act of creation is usually linked to gods in general. Blacksmiths have always had a place apart in society because of the almost divine skills (esp. in pre-industrial times of course, massproduction took a lot of 'specialness' away).

[@ZombiePotatoSalad]

I can see that. But also, being handed a real weapon is also being given the ability to take a life. You are given power, and are expected to wield it responsibly.

[@benitoloco899]

Like in America with guns, you have to respect the weapon as it's dangerous. In Japan the katana is sacred, thus, it must be treated with care and respect. Even though this is Iaido practice, I am slowly learning kendo martial arts and I appreciate learning sword etiquette wherever I can find it. Thanks for sharing.

[@eternaldreamer8764]

I found this video extremely helpful. I’ve been writing a story for the past few years and my main character in one of the installments uses a katana to fight. I clicked into the video because it occurred to me that I hadn’t done proper research about wielding and handling a katana and I got worried about portraying something incorrectly or disrespectfully. Thankfully, I haven’t done any of the taboos you’ve mentioned, but I want to change my character’s fighting style to better represent the “true battle should be done within the sheathe” saying you mentioned. Thank you so much for these videos!

[@Ninja0608]

So glad you made a video like this. I've seen so many katana stores that display fooling around with katanas as an advertisement and it upsets me so much to see. Glad you are telling others to respect it 👏

[@helciobmello]

Great video, Shogo! Very interesting. I'd like to ask a question, please: instead of stepping over a katana, would it be better to walk around it or to move it out of the direction we need to walk on?

[@muurrarium9460]

I was wondering the same :)

[@SpacetimePilgim]

You should walk around it.

[@StevenSmith-pt8rz]

You respect the blade, You respect the history, and you respect the person who does so. As all ways great vid. My respects.👍

[@ArisandBeth]

Thank you for enlightenment. Now I respect more the katana, even the bamboo sword used in kendo training. 🙂

[@cascadianrangers728]

Oh, that upwards slash through the tatimi mat and the beautiful follow through with your wrist position is an absolute pleasure to watch

[@derfreisi4317]

Rule 2 and 4 were on of the first things I learned for Dojo etiquette, when I started Kendo. From the first rule I cannot set me innocent. Some times I try to replicat anime moves, but in a way that theyre not just flashy but also looking like an actual technique. Indeed I never use my Iaito for that, only my Bokuto. Also in Kendo once in while, we do an balloon Battle Royal. Everyone has an Ballon bound on his Mengane and everyone is only allowed to strike Men. The last one who still has a Balloon wins. This is also kind of goofing around.

[@jordanconner3808]

I mean doing outside your house is different then with people near by

[@wolfiegames5307]

Everytime I watch you shogo I'm learning something very new about how stuff is done or understanding my katana better

[@boglenight1551]

To think someone would wave a sword around without concern, that’s scary. I probably will never do a group class, that terrifies me.

[@oversavior6892]

Martial arts are usually practiced with either a wooden representation of the sword (specifically for sparring) or with special swords that have dull blades made out of soft metal alloys (in case of iaido that would be "iaito")

[@Servellion]

There were video of a bunch of german fellows dueling with sharp longswords. It was...uh..graphic as they did this barechested.

[@Theorof]

In group classes everyone spreads out so that you can't reach each other with the blade. Some schools even put marks on the floor so that you keep a safe distance.

[@Herr.P]

Those people are actual idiots and no you don't want them to have a sword or any other weapon for that matter.

[@szarekhthesilent2047]

@@Servellion they were mostly cutting only. Also swinging wildly. I suspect they might have gone extinct.

[@michaelmckimm541]

Thank You as a very young boy I was samurai in a past life🤺

[@dawson_arbogast]

My great grandfather was stationed in Okinawa for 3 years, and while he was there he bought a katana that is 162 years old and has been pasted down to me through all my family

[@ObservantPiratePlus]

My wife and I love your videos, as they have been very instrumental in exploring and celebrating our recently-revealed DNA report revealing our shared partial Japanese ancestry.

[@jamescarey9197]

I have a personal saying " violence is the last act of a weak mind", I found this video very informative and helpful 👍

[@stasastankovic6968]

I just wanna say there is no need to speed up your videos listening to you is relaxing and I find the videos fun.

[@bigbrowntau]

Lovely video, Shogo-san. Thank you so much. It must have been painful enough just using your bokken for the taboos. I liked your method of passing a sword. I was taught a slightly different technique (pass using just your left hand, blade towards yourself), but very much the same principle. Your method looks more stable!

[@jasonuerkvitz3756]

Thanks for explaining. Also, thanks for keeping this incredible tradition alive and sharing it with the curious masses who find this aspect of your culture fascinating.

[@ouissandy2806]

A great General once told me. Don't fall in love with your tools. I can relate to samurai in the past.

[@NeetchianQueen]

Thank You. As an Older woman I have admired Many martial arts, their weapons, and practices throughout my life. I Appreciate your clear instructions. It is good to have truth to learn from, Integrity, Honor, and Respect is much needed in this day and age above so many past. I Wish you Great Success, Peace, Health, and Prosperity. -from Jackson, Michigan.

[@izzy8915]

"Getsuga Tensho" LMAO I could imagine the inner weeb activating in that very moment

[@Bardock10235]

I would love to learn this art,altough i think i'll have to rely on books. I have walked the path of martial arts for some time in search of overcoming myself and my weak spirit. Thank you for showing us part of this amazing art!

[@thac0twenty377]

I was taught to hand the sword in that manner because it gives the person receiving it the ability to grasp it and kill you with it. Ssnsei said if you don't trust them to that degree you shouldn't be passing it to them

[@chadmat761]

shogo youre a wonderful man i joined a dojo which practices battodo 2 weeks ago mainly cause your videos made it seem absolutely great and it is i love this martial art a lot

[@longrider42]

I am more into European style blades. My mother is half German so I have acquired a Grosse Messer, or Big Knife. A sword bigger then a Katana, but still single edged. I've always worn it on my left hip, since I draw it with my right hand. Just seems natural to me. Yes Swords are mystical things, but in the end, they are designed for the soul purpose of being a weapon. Which is why when I buy a sword, does not matter what type. I make sure they are Carbon steel, and full tang and battle ready, because you never know.

[@gamer7916]

You shouldn’t messer around with a sword like that.

[@alandavis5531]

Thank you so kindly in going over rules and points in handling a Katana. Now I have two Katanas and one Wakizashi, this makes me a responsible owner.

[@kay266_x]

Actually…no 3 is very accurate. I once fought against my friend's sheath collided with mine ... at that time my master was really mad about it.

[@ВсеволодВладимиров-б6ц]

Wow number 5 is very interesting. It is first time I have seen a katana being handed over vertically like that. The way I learnt was Horizontal, but the same principle of have the cutting edge face yourself, and the handle on your left hand (assuming the person you're handing the katana to is right handed and will use his dominant hand)

[@geovaughan8261]

I train informally with a tate group but have always tried to treat it with the same seriousness of mind as a true martial art. I was terrified to watch this video because I thought I would learn that I had been rude with my equipment all these years. Im glad to learn number 2 has been my only real transgression. I’ve been following the others out of general common sense but I will adhere to them more purposefully in training from now on. I’m wondering why number 4 is necessary, though. I have always treated my gear as something never to be left lying on the floor or to walk away from. From the point of view of a samurai, I always imagined a sword is never to be left where another person could take it, and unless you are surrendering it to the care of a trusted person it should be with you at all times. Are there times when one is obligated to leave a sword on the floor, or when having your sword on your person is considered inappropriate? Maybe I’m being too cautious but I would think a samurai would never want to leave a katana lying around any more than a soldier would want to leave their firearm unsecured.

[@amazinggrace5692]

He did give examples, such as when bowing to the sword and another example I don’t recall.

[@Karma-bi9cv]

U committed all those taboos to explain! Thanks mate

[@Junkzillabox]

It's a shame they don't really have a HEMA system for Japanese Martial Arts. It's kinda sad to see the fighting arts fade away little by little.

[@hazukichanx408]

Historical European Martial Arts for Japanese Martial Arts? That's kind of contradictory. There are some programs to preserve aspects of Japanese culture, as I understand it, but not sure how much they extend to martial arts. Still, some people will probably always want to learn this stuff.

[@Junkzillabox]

@@hazukichanx408 Yeah, like a Historical Japanese Martial Arts system similar to Hema, where you can learn various styles of historical Japanese combat techniques not exclusive to one style or another.. it's a shame to watch these historical japanese combat methods fade away due to it being exclusive to only one martial sect or another..

[@dylangrant102]

This was very helpful. I am getting a Katana soon and there were things in this video I did not know. Thank you.

[@johnurbanek1027]

I only buy cheap replicas so I can goof around with them without problem, lol. I never heard the one about wearing them on the left being mandated so they don't bump each other while walking. Learn something new everyday.

[@butterflycut2330]

I’ve been recently practicing some katana stances and proper handing and with this video, it will help me respect and properly handle a katana the right way when learning and in general. Thank you for the video.

[@axemanlion3475]

I taught weapons traing for many years. Nunchaku, bo, bokken and then finally for the senior students, sai and tonfa. Personally, I also practised the sansetshukan bo and to a lesser degree, the chinese sabre. I have my own knife fighting techniques, but I don't teach them, because they're too efficient and in South Africa where I live, that would be bad for society if the criminals learnt these. I practised, read up and developed the techniques, but as I went along, I discovered that most of the techniques I developed, were already available, I just rediscovered them. Respect for the weapons you may need to depend on for self protection, is a no brainer. Thank you for additional knowledge on the katana. Arigato gosu mas

[@alexmiles9916]

Hey I wanted to say I have 3 katanas in my house and knowing all those steps now I know how to properly clean them Katana video and I want to say thank you for telling me to not mess around with them I've broken one of mine for messing around with the handle too much and since I got new ones I'm glad that I saw this video thank you

[@benth162]

If Americans thought of our guns like you think of your Katana, they'd think we were obsessive and just a little bit delusional. Personally, I admire the reverence toward the tool, I just don't display my guns for everyone to see. What others don't know you have will serve you because surprise is the first order of attack.

[@ItsMasonMoney]

I 100% respect every single firearm but I have a similar "obsessive" respect towards one gun but that gun is extremely old and belonged to my great grandfather. As in i won't even let anyone else really touch it but thats because its extremely old. To most its an old single shot 4-10, to me its a family heirloom. It still fires and works safely and is an awesome squirrel gun. I have a rack just for it.

[@benth162]

@@ItsMasonMoney That I can respect as I have a few Heirlooms of my own that stay in a curio cabinet. No one is allow to open the door. If they want to see something I will open the door and show them the item of their curiosity. My one special heirloom is a .32 cal semi-auto Sig Sauer & Son my dad brought back from WW-II. It is a German police issue and looks very much like a Walther PPK, but it is all steel and heavy for that caliber. So yes, we all have our obsessions. Thanks for the reply !

[@EECAI]

It probably has something to do with history and stuff like that

[@ghost_inc]

This helps me understand the Japanese culture more. I hope that I can visit japan someday and learn how to use a katana.

[@MrShinydude]

Lol at "who would goof around with a blade in their hands". I used to think that too, but I've almost been gutted by someone doing that with a knife. Only the fact that I dodged and parried the hand on reflex saved me.

[@lukelblitz3627]

Remember to hit the person every day for this.

[@JohnnyYeTaecanUktena]

Where i live they say that Butterfly knives were actually banned for a bit as people kept hurting themselves doing tricks so much that the doctors got pissed with having to treat wounds from it all the time.

[@MrShinydude]

@@JohnnyYeTaecanUktena It was actually worse than that. We were practicing knife fighting with practice blades, and someone decided to show off their knife collection. One of the real blades made it into the fight practice.

[@JohnnyYeTaecanUktena]

@@MrShinydude how does a real blade make it in unnoticed? like that should be more impossible than accidently firing a loaded gun that you did not think to check if it was loaded

[@MrShinydude]

@@JohnnyYeTaecanUktena I have no idea. I wasn't the one that did it. I'm just the one that almost got a trip to the hospital from it. I can tell you that I am now a lot more vocal about not doing things like passing around real knives at knife fighting practice.

[@Angarsk100]

Thank you for sharing all your culture. I've been enjoying your videos so much. I find funny you suggest to watch at 1.25 to 2.00 X speed, I acutally enjoy your paced, serene talk and helps me concentrate... guess some people are a bit more in a rush than I am... Also, I'd love to ask, if possible for you to subtitle the bits in Japanese so I can understand what you say. Already subscribed, wishing you the best toward that 1,000,000 goal!.

[@SSAandTeam2020]

It will interesting if tell us about 'zen' meditation...

[@shoken4421]

Ill admit when i first got my kitana(ichigos bankai) i used it as a prop when taking a picture with it. After seeing #2 I'll never do that again. Thank you for these lessons🙏

[@packue8838]

I WANT TO GO TO JAPAN SO BAD BUT COVID!! 😥😥

[@Arkhemiel]

I watched a few of your videos and was definitely gonna subscribe but 1:31 pushed me over the edge. I had no choice. Awesome content in every video I’ve watched so far.

[@Thunor93]

"who would play with a blade" Answer : Weebs ..... And my grandma, not sure if she is crazy or channeling her inner shield maiden (we are from Norway). Then again crazy runs in my family sooo yeah.

[@opticalraven1935]

Sword fighting is fun.

[@TrickinNinja]

Practice is play, and it's the only way to grow your skill.

[@dimasgomez]

Nevermind staying alive... 🤔Since honor offenses were paid in blood.

[@Thunor93]

@@dimasgomez lol

[@Thunor93]

I prefer axes and hammers as well as my bow, swords are over rated in my opinion.

[@legendaryassassin8564]

Finally somebody that knows what they’re talking about way too many people don’t know how to properly handle a blade

[@brucekirkpatrick3653]

Literally can't imagine your thoughts if you attended one of the large Japanese Sword Shows here in the U.S. If the show allows "the public" to come in(some don't), the most frightening or disrespectful scenes occur.

[@maxplaysgamesmore8552]

As a firearms enthusiast and student of Hung Gar Kung Fu, the rule about handing a sword randomly makes so much sense. There are proper procedures that must be followed when passing any weapon from one person to another.

[@stevenbolstridge596]

We teach all of these on our students first day at the dojo, our Sensei has always installed in us that etiquette is the most important part of an iaido dojo.

[@SamaLlamaStudios]

1:33 Kenshin reference had me crying, amazing video!

[@c.t.m.shinobi]

"amakakeru ryu no hirameki" you have destroyed all my child and teenage life. I am just kidding, it is important to know about real history

[@murraykriner9425]

Appreciate the proper handling of these instances when handling the Katana. Though a few seem just common sense a couple would not be evident to most who didn't grow up in that culture. My gratitude.

[@FischerFilmStudio]

You see, this is why Americans love guns. Other cultures created their own weapons of reverence, so we did the same with guns.

[@og_kushwhacked]

The only one I could've seen myself doing, would be stepping over the katana. Now I know the importance of why I shouldn't. Thank you.

[@Beneficiis]

At the end of the day it's a sharp bar of steel. As such it's nothing but a tool. But looking from other perspective - every tool is a symbol closely related to person using it. Disrespect it and it's like disrespecting them directly. Worse still if it's used as a symbol for certain class of society or historical legacy... then you risk disrespecting everybody around you. Because humans give meaning to things. It's just how we all are.

[@rebeckahadvig437]

Also: It's a sharp bar of steel. I do HEMA, and I know just about nothing about Japanese swordsmanship. However what I do know is that if you're handling a sharpened blade, you treat it with absolute respect at all times. If you don't, you will sooner or later hurt yourself or someone else.

[@Beneficiis]

@@rebeckahadvig437 Like with any sharp object, you need to be aware where the cutting bits are at all times. But same applies to firearms as well or even kitchen knifes for that matter. Part of the reason why training with weapons can be relaxing for some - it requires to mind to be present, drowns a lot of internal noise...

[@rebeckahadvig437]

@@Beneficiis Absolutely Respect your tools, and they'll respect you as well

[@DANRBEAM]

Thank you for this. I always love learning more. Especially how to respect/honour the coulter.🥰

[@michaeldecuffa8762]

Just so you're aware, any (sheath) made with a wooden core in english is technically called scabbards . Sheaths are soft or made from leather

[@chop25official]

I recently got a katana from my grandfather, so this video popping up in my recommended was nice.

[@lilporky8565]

If I were to disrespect my katana by stepping over it, how should I apologize to it?

[@gabrielgaster3992]

I honestly didn't expect a Rurouni Kenshin reference. Thank you.

[@evancoffland19]

Randomly handling a katana. Me having flashbacks of Luke Skywalker doing just that, the first time he’d ever held a lightsaber.