Never Make Custom Katana

[@LetsaskShogo]

●The video where I bought my first real katana: 6 Real KATANA Recommended by Kyoto’s Iaido Dojo | The Very First Real Katana of My Life kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnWVpoGGl6-lodE ▼Please support me through Ko-fi (a donation platform like Patreon)▼ ko-fi.com/letsaskshogo I have a new dream… It is to raise money to enroll in a school to become a Japanese language instructor (an official qualification)! I promise you that I will become the best Japanese teacher who not only teaches Japanese, but is also familiar with Japanese history and traditional culture. Things I want to do after I get the qualification: -Free Weekly/Monthly Japanese lessons on KZbin LIVE -Online private Japanese lessons etc. ▼The BEST 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▼ -5 MORE Real Katana Recommended by Kyoto's Best Sword Shop | Which One Did I Buy? kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJvYmZewaM13iq8 -Why I Will Never Buy Katana From Websites Overseas kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ2yqptsjMt_q7c -Where You Can Become an Apprentice of a Katana Swordsmith for a Day kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3iqi6mHaqt4htk ▼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 -Weekly Zoom call or live stream -Priority reply to comments ▼[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. ▼Places recommended to visit in Kyoto | "Kyoto Hidden Gems" series▼ kzbin.info/aero/PLpIWoYf9KNFU7LIIFB0P_reDt_oMdkCOq ▼Instagram▼ instagram.com/lets_ask_shogo/ *Please ask me questions through the DM here!（⚠I do not use e-mail）

[@AlertGbgz]

How can we do Katana training you have to be in Japan to do that

[@fuckyouandiwillkillyouall]

I have always enjoyed the appearance of Japanese feudal culture and the discipline. However, I know that if I were to time travel into feudal Japan or even go to modern Japan. I would probably be killed. No seriously I have little to no manners or etiquette

[@tonimanz7025]

@@AlertGbgz maybe there is a dojo in your region that you didn´t know about? I was asking myself the same question but surprisingly there actually is a dojo where I can train Iaido although I´d have to drive like almost an hour just to get there. Maybe you have more luck than me, if you didn´t already searched it up 👍

[@xcg9408]

“You should not have any special fondness for a particular weapon, or anything else, for that matter. Too much is the same as not enough." - Mayamoto Musashi, I suppose this would also heavily apply even when talking about a particular weapon. Why have a custom katana when you may have to be ready to use one that is not your own?

[@fuckyouandiwillkillyouall]

@@xcg9408 ..*all of this going on, Old English guy whistles, beautiful custom rifle with engravings even on the bullets.* Custom weapons custom tools Is a sign of prestige and status in that profession. I think if you're a samurai and you got a custom sword with something that is meaningful to you as an individual as a samurai, then you should have that meaningful custom sores if you have the money to do so. Showing off custom things is a way of showing off your rank in your position

[@tcs007]

"There is nothing noble about being superior to your fellow man. True nobility comes from being superior to ones former self."~Ernest Hemingway

[@fitusmaximus]

beautiful quote

[@Jakoni7]

I'd rather not be noble than die fighting

[@thegrayone5666]

That is rather profound.

[@toddellner5283]

There may be nothing noble, but if your trade is killing, then you don't get a chance to be superior to your former self if you aren't superior to the guy who is trying to practice his trade on you.

[@judahboyd2107]

If today is triumph over yesterday's self, then tomorrow is truly victory over lesser men.

[@aristontrusty]

Even though i’ve had a passion for Japanese culture my entire life, your videos, and explaining the morality and spirituality of Iaido, and training, has really ignited my passion even more. Thanks Shogo!! :)

[@danielantony1882]

You got a typo, man. You have a missing i in iaido.

[@williammitchell1864]

@@danielantony1882 Everyone makes typos. No need to nit pick. Leave the nit picking to women

[@danielantony1882]

@@williammitchell1864 This isn't a nitpick. I'm simply trying to help.

[@aristontrusty]

@@danielantony1882 Thanks didn’t catch that! :)

[@danielantony1882]

@@aristontrusty No problem, man. Always there to help, if I can.

[@Dilophomasnaurus]

"The sword chooses you" is something that is sometimes repeated in the nihonto collecting community also. Even if you're not going to use the sword you can get positive or negative feelings when picking up a sword, regardless of its age or quality.

[@Mortablunt]

I remember when I bought my first real functional sword. I grabbed it, made some guards, took some swings, and knew I had to have it. My hand cried when I tried to let it go.

[@mauricejohnmac]

It's like different version of "The driver don't pick the car. The car picks the driver."

[@Chilledintheshadows]

@@Mortablunt That’s true then again for me I collect more knives and one time I bought a knife that looked cool and cut myself on it now I get nervous when holding and using it

[@rallen7660]

I felt that when I picked up an old Marten guitar. When I strummed it, angels broke out in song, and I realized I wasn't qualified to hold it. And I definitely wasn't rich enough to own it. I'm still practicing music, and still not ready for it. But someday...

[@toddellner5283]

I have handled gods-only-know how many weapons and tools. None of them chose me. They are inanimate objects. Nobody trapped a djinn or demon or kami in them. If they're well-made and match your size, proportions, and biomechanics and you have the experience to recognize this you will prefer some over others.

[@sevenproxies4255]

I feel very saddened that you would be afflicted with Raynauds disease. Of course I don't wish it on anyone, but it is especially sad when you are so passionate about katana and the martial arts that involve katana. If there's ANYONE who rely on and treasure the use of his fingers and hands, it would be you, Shogo-san. But, at the same time, the journey of facing adversity like this, head on, is the foundation of legendary human stories. Who knows? Maybe there will be a book or a manga about the legendary Shogo, the swordsman who persevered despite having rotted fingers. Like Zato-Ichi who was blind, but became a legendary swordsman despite not being able to see.

[@ColdNapalm42]

Just a quibble...but surgeons around the world says hi.

[@JS-xh4yf]

@@ColdNapalm42 It's a struggle between the modern day practical mindset and the "archaic" long-suffering one, to be sure.

[@ColdNapalm42]

@@JS-xh4yf no...no it's not. A person can't do thier hobby is in noway comparable to a surgeon can no longer SAVE LIVES.

[@JS-xh4yf]

@@ColdNapalm42 Oh, I'm sorry for misunderstanding - I thought you were saying "well why doesn't he just get surgery then".

[@yasuke414]

I've been saying this since he made the first video about it! Sounds way too cool for someone not to write a story about it. The swordsman with rotting fingers

[@DaakkuuYRS]

This concept of "The sword chooses the owner" is something very popular in anime. For example, in Bleach that their Bankai is only achieved through understanding your sword. Nice to see that origin for that.

[@toddellner5283]

I've picked up tools that were just about perfect and ones which would give me tendonitis after an hour or two. None of them gave a flip about me. The didn't have brains. They didn't have volition. They just happened to have proportions, balance, weight, and other properties which allowed me to use them efficiently or not. And every tool I own from hammers to kitchen knives to computers has been gone over and often modified even if just in little ways in order to work just a little better.

[@YokaiX]

@@toddellner5283yes, the practical reality behind the spiritual concept.

[@theadministrator2641]

"The blade and me" "The blade is me"

[@AzraelThanatos]

@@toddellner5283 Those are kind of the things that makes it feel "right" for you. Some of the things with proportions, balance, weight, ect are things that have different specifics that make them better or worse for different people. With a lot of actual swords being individually crafted, minute things in each sword can lead to one being the "right" one for you and you can normally feel it when you find one that specifically matches to you. This can even extend to specific types of swords that might be vastly different than you would expect. I kind of stumbled upon the khopesh and found that it just felt more right for me as one to train with compared to the various swords that I'd learned to use before it, and it took a LONG time to find the right specific one for me that I felt was correct. You get the same thing with a lot of tools, especially if you get to some hand forged ones, one that is exactly fitting you is something you end up feeling.

[@toddellner5283]

Very much this. There are plenty of tools which will work for you, some which will with modification, and some that need to go to someone else (someone else can be the foundry guy who will puddle them :) And there are those rare few which you pick up and they're just right. One of the reasons I took up blacksmithing was to be able to have other tools including sharp ones which were right for me. @@AzraelThanatos

[@jimslater8685]

You have some very deep insights. Thank you my friend

[@themaverickblackbelt8054]

This was a fantastic explanation. As a martial artist who has been injured on my path and who still struggles in the confines of my body condition now, I really felt the "best version of myself" part. I've had many setbacks and difficulties in life, as everyone has. I constantly have to struggle with myself to find the purity to continue martial arts without it being a crutch for those past or my present difficulties. You said it so well!

[@dominiclapinta8537]

I don't technically know a martial art in the sense of I've been trained under a sensei, etc, but basically practicing with a sore is actually improved me as an individual. It's sharpened my mind, has increased my hand eye dexterity, and even the way I engage people throughout the day. I started out not knowing very much about swords in general but I had eBay at my disposal and so I bought my first sword, which was a miniature claymore sword. With my limited knowledge I knew that it is a dangerous weapon, so I practice basic basic just cutting across and down. over the years of learning through trial and error that swords do not cut like a hot knife through butter, I began to build more respect for weapons in general. They weren't just different shaped axes that you could hack against something with. I recently purchased an entry level shirasaya, and it is an entry level katana, but I love it so much. I looked up even the history of it, and how it's name translated and it's basically the sword for me. It's truly special and I love it. people often don't understand me when I try to relate to them how great owning a sword is, because they think that you just buy sword because you want to kill people. But the sword helps keep me alert and everything and it rains my mind and even has saved me from getting into auto accidents, because of how it's trained me and my body to move.

[@rallen7660]

It's very satisfying to hear your words. I've been trained in various martial arts and weapons since childhood, and am now nearing sixty years old. I'm no master, just an eternal beginner. Over the years, I've learned that the first steps are the basic mechanics. How to hold my hands and my stance. How to hold the staff, or gun, or bow, or whip. Then you start learning about flow. How to move from one action into another. How things tie together. As you develop in your training, you move along to more abstract lessons. In the military, a private digs ditches, the Sargent knows how to direct the ditch diggers, the Captain is creating a dance with victory for his people being the outcome, the General is developing his people by giving them appropriate challenges. Each level has it's own lessons. Don''t be in a hurry to advance beyond your level. It will naturally come to you when you're ready.

[@dominiclapinta8537]

@@rallen7660I think that having a love for it is what ultimately helped push me toward basically learning it on a basic level. Which is why I can relate much with what was being said about maturing in the sword. Much comes down to training your body into reacting in time and responding. That naturally then effects your lifestyle in which you go about from day to day with, even down to sharpening your mind to reason and perceive things and helps you to relax more. Probably also because your mind then knows the difference between being in situations that could actually kill you and ones that would just inconvenience you. I believe that one of the greatest thing that that years of training with the sword can teach you, is balance and temperance. If more people just had those two things alone, many problems and much fighting would be avoided. People would begin to accept the fact that they cant control and manipulate everything, but there are some things that can be.

[@langshu6446]

This strangely reminds me of Way of the Samurai 3, where making a custom katana IS an option, but the techniques you use must be learned from using katanas you find throughout the game. Because your character is customizable with no specific weakness, the flaws are instead put on the katanas themselves, giving each one various but limited techniques to master for their respective discipline, including Iaido. I like to think the developers share your sensei's values, making the most of what you're given in this life.

[@SunFyyre]

I absolutely love that game

[@Tzukaikari]

Shogo you are an inspiration and a motivator, thank you for teaching me this wonderful lesson, passing on this knowledge and mindset. Your master would be very proud!

[@buzzsawgr81]

man, that was pretty deep.

[@glennnash2606]

Your sense is a very wise man as well as his student.

[@psoren423]

I have had a desire to learn about Japan’s culture, history, and philosophy since being very young. Your channel randomly showed up today and I am very thankful as I binge your videos.

[@thomasfahey8314]

Thanks for sharing your light Shogo.

[@link4444swords]

This applies to my chronic pain that almost prevents me from exercising and speaking. The keyword is ALMOST. I still wanna workout and say what's on my mind no matter how shitty it may come to be. At least I'd still express something (anything) and live life in some capacity. Thank you for the lesson & inspiration, Shogo.

[@bobschiebel3325]

Great message, not just for swordsmanship but also life. Thanks Shogo.

[@izabela.wilson]

A really beautiful metaphore about our real life struggles. As a 41 years old artist, I felt really sad when I realised that I've giving a lot of excuses not to give my best self: I wasted a lot of time studying too much, working too much, worrying too much, and too much busy to realise I just have to start. I feel old, but I'm repeating myself every day I'ts not too late for anyone - why it would be too late for me? Thank you for this video, Shogo. I hope you the best to endure your own limitations with grace and wisdom. ☺

[@Blissoren]

Hi Shogo, I’m from Tahiti and training in Iaido for 13 years. My sensei is from Shizuoka and said exactly the same thing as your sensei. The katana choses you and not the other way around. You have put into words what I felt when practicing Iaido. I have discovered your channel not long ago and enjoyed every topic you have covered. Thank you very much for sharing your passion with everyone. Right now, I feel that I am not ready to own a real katana. Did you have this kind of feeling before?

[@leonidus224]

I know this feeling well I’m in a Renaissance acting troop. We put on shows but we work hard to fight like knights in show. When I picked up my German broad sword I knew this one was for me. Not only that it was the same with my Zweihander it’s truly a magical experience.

[@Tylertrone-bv2jv]

As I heard of "the katana chooses it's owner" I was blown and I understand where that comes from, it was actually inspiring to find a katana for me but hope it chooses me as well if its my proper partner. Your sensei is wise and inspiring I wish to be like him someday.

[@latimil838]

Hello Shogo, big fan here! I'm a medicine student, and lately I have been struggling a lot to keep up my morale in my studies. I've finally reached the moment where I learn how to make proper physical exam and the terrified me. Seeing this video, after having a class that mentioned Raynaud's Syndrome, was the coincidence and the motivation I needed. You are great example for me and certainly to many others. Arigato!

[@TheGreenNinja33]

Thats a very inspiring message Shogo, I always liked Katana's and didn't realize too much of the meaning. The message is very inspiring and definitely makes a Katana more meaningful than a normal sword, I know swords in history around England and The United States in old times didn't really have the same meaning that the Katana has. If I ever receive a Katana, definitely it will be more special to me.

[@supsup335]

I like that way of thinking, and I would like to myself. Only one problem: kinda hard when the only way to buy one it to buy online.

[@ТеоМарков-ц1л]

Your master is really wise... A deep obeisance.

[@Dark_Lord_Mr_B]

I agree to an extent with your sensei. My own teacher never really spoke about this point and my Iaito is a bit short for my height. The only consideration I generally look at for when I am able to return to proper training is how it feels in the hand. Length is obviously a factor for my use case but being near 6ft I think it comes close to the classification of a nodachi and thereby likely changes what I am looking for.

[@willwilliams9557]

Absolutely adore Japanese and Samurai culture.

[@russv4753]

Thank you Shogo for sharing, your Sensei and yourself are awesome keep up the great work!

[@kaiferox8008]

You are such an honorable person. Thank you for sharing your story with us and the wise words of your Sensei.

[@sinalobuzo4040]

I appreciate your expertise and opinion

[@feral_shade]

At first, this video resonated a lot with me! Several years ago, I was watching a children's anime called Naruto Shippuden, and one of the characters, Rock Lee (and his team), had a similar idea they used as a mantra, "Train to be better than I was yesterday". The way it was framed within the story made me cry at the time and continues to inspire me, even to this day! (at least conceptually) As the years passed, my heart became less and less able to surpass the increasing obstacles of my mind and body. I wonder if that's a universal inevitability... or perhaps, a universal character-defining challenge, varying in degree and visibility from person to person.

[@SergioLeonardoCornejo]

TBH I think it is your life telling you to take a small break before resuming the challenges. If you keep working your muscle without a single break, ot won't grow as fast as if you take breaks after workout.

[@leoalcaraz6153]

You’re an inspiration shogo not just a great ambassador for your culture but an inspirational person who shares a lot to your life with your audience

[@nazarnovitsky9868]

Absolutely ! It was really interesting to know your point of view !

[@solarpunk_hive1306]

Very deep video! Very nice

[@vecistus]

Here in America we don’t really have katana shops and are forced To order online. Online shopping obviously doesn’t allow the holding of the katana; so do you have suggestions for those of us forced to buy one that way? I would also suggest all martial arts help solidify one’s confidence to face the world. I also have a body with issues, lymes disease destroyed me and left me with bad back and joints with fibromyalgia. I’m hoping having an exercise form I want to do will help me push through the pain my body presents daily.

[@stonefox9124]

Eat lots of strawberries and fish oil preferably with fatty acids like 3, 6 and 9.

[@victoriazero8869]

Speaking as someone married to sword practicioner... get aluminum alloy sword and practice the technique and philosophy. Forget cutting memes or sparring, and just focus on the core of swordsmanships.

[@vecistus]

@@stonefox9124 strawberries eh? I do take d daily with fish oil get b shots once a month

[@NevisYsbryd]

@@victoriazero8869 ... what? Sparring _is_ the core. Stances and kata without appropriate pressure testing are so far removed from the core of authentic martial arts as to no long qualify as martial arts.

[@victoriazero8869]

@@NevisYsbryd You want HIM to spar with that physical condition? I'm not being a nanny here. Your entire post just singlehandedly trigger every iaido practicioner. Why are you even here?

[@margarettrevino7525]

Shogo I don’t know anything about Katana or will I ever swing one (I am in a wheelchair and have no legs) however I love all aspects of Japanese culture (this is why I watch all of your videos). This video however inspired me for the way I feel about myself in general! This video made me weep thinking about how I am always feeling like I can’t do anything because of not having legs… Just hearing you describe your Sensei telling you about because you have renaulds disease that you can do your best at it and basically don’t use a disability as an excuse for not doing something you love or want to learn!!! SO INSPIRING!!! ❤ Thank You so much Shogo!!!!!❤❤❤❤

[@Kenkaranger]

Hi Shogo! I’ve been following your channel for a few months now and it’s become one of my personal favorites as of late. You not being afraid to criticize but try to improve upon the country and culture you love is admirable. Your channel and videos have taught me more about Japanese culture than I ever thought I could. It’s made me appreciate the country’s history and culture a ton more and makes me hope for its future. This video has become one of my favorites and shows your goals of self improvement that inspire me to do the same. Despite your country’s conditions and your own, thanks for doing what you love to do. Arigato gozaimasu! -Kenka

[@WolfmanVormand]

Interesting. it explains why there wasn't much change on the shape and form of Katanas over the years. A respectable Ideology.

[@AngelMacleod]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I have tried to live by this philosophy for most of my life. You are an inspiration.

[@emalieth8220]

It’s a very interesting take on the relationship between the katana and its wielder. I will definitely meditate on this in my personal practice. I think there is a balance to be met somewhere. Iaido is very repetitive and can put a lot of strain on joints. I intend to wield a sword until the very end of my life, so training wisely is important. I had an iaito that was severely putting that at risk. No amount of technique or adaptations could overcome the stress of daily training with an ill-fitted blade, so I had to let it go. Despite this, in the end, that blade still are me better by pushing me towards a better technique. :)

[@vman-sy2gh]

Thank you for sharing the profound words of your sensei. This struck a cord with me.

[@lyrad24]

Again, I am just backtracking on the videos but I got surprised the Katanas displayed increased in number so you actually bought your real one. I will watch that video too. Thanks again! :)

[@Simon_Electric]

This video was very inspiring. With so many things happening in my life, the words of you and your sensei have touched me deeply. Thank you for posting such a beautiful message.

[@OwO-mx8uv]

As a person with sever chronic pain, this has inspired me greatly. Thank you, thank you. Thank you.

[@KoityO]

Thank You for this Video Shogo. I'm from Brazil and I really enjoy see you point view for BUDO (武道). I'm teacher of Ninjutsu, Bujinkan, and a see similarity about the Katana/Martial Art choices the student. Jesus Bless どうもありがとうございました

[@AnastasiaCooper]

This video was a lesson in humbleness I desperately needed. Yesterday my Sensei pointed out I was not moving my feet correctly - which I did because I have an enourmous blister on my left food at the moment and I tried to avoid putting pressure on it. Retrospectively I know I could push through the incovenient sensation if I just put everything into it. I will do better in the future! I am heartbroken to hear about your condition! But it inspires me to recalibrate my own limitations.

[@Foobits]

Shogo, your sensei is very wise and you are an inspiration thank you very much.

[@lastnamefirstname8655]

interesting perspective. thanks shogo. i can understand what this means, and i can appreciate it.

[@siddiaz1623]

Wow, thank you so much for the words you shared. I really appreciate the way you deliver it

[@TheRealViking]

For me, although the traditional katana is an ideal path to travel; I add a challenge to you: as I have, I had a katana made, not to fit me; but to create a katana that requires me to exceed my skill level. I chose to create a holy katana that was heavier, longer, and more dense; so that I am forced to increase my strength and endurance. This has enabled me to learn that, as an adaptable human, I can learn to handle any weapon... or handle life with no weapon. The victory in humility is in increasing the height of the mountain one climbs; never in standing on its peak.

[@LetsaskShogo]

Arthur, that's exactly what we do with our Iaito (training zinc alloy katana)! The longer and heavier the more difficult, therefore better for training yourself✨ I personally believe doing that with a real katana would be a good idea too!

[@tenshiakuma6217]

I needed to hear this. Not just about katanas, but about life. Thank you sensei Shogo.

[@darrianweathington1923]

Me: using my Japanese VPN to see how much a custom katana is. Shogo: never make a custom katana Me: HOW DID HE KNOW!? 👀

[@yukidaruma3912]

I was very curious about the content of this video, but it was a kind of relief to hear your words. I truly understand the fact that the katana chooses its owner, it's more like 2 pieces of puzzle gathering each other. The katana obviously has a soul, and share this soul with its owner. There are so many lessons to learn through the training, and even when we are not training. It's like a mirror of our strength and weakness, it's a life long lesson. Sorry for my poor English, I'd like to write more but it's complicate to deeply explain my thoughts in an other language.

[@HigherEdBob]

There is only one way to concern yourself of, the way forward. No matter the obstacle, or tribulation, if you can only move an inch. Keep moving inch by inch, no matter how bleak your situation is, you can reach the light at the end, if you just keep moving forward. No obstacle can stand to this devotion, persist and move forward. The Samurai loved the dragonfly because it cannot go in reverse, it epitomizes this ideal, since it can only fly forwards. Be as the dragonfly, summon the courage to go forward, however large or small your movement, you can reach your destination, if you just keep pressing forward. Never retreat, never to repeat, just move forward. Ponder to decide, then commit, then act, the simplest way to view honor. One's thoughts should mirror ones spoken words, the two should not be different, then those words should line up with your actions and behaviors, when these things are aligned, we say this person is dependable, or reliable, or honorable, and when these things are misaligned, we say the person flakes a lot, or that person says one thing, but does another, or they are a hypocrite... I am glad your katana has found its souls match, may your blade serve you, as you serve. And may those two things, be as one with you.

[@garrydelongii3966]

I love this explanation, it makes alot of sense from an art and spiritual aspect. Thank you for the information! Arigatou gozaimasu!

[@sennheiser1986]

I love how genuine and authentic you are in your videos. I really love your channel. Keep it up sir.

[@Dantprime]

This video spoke to me, especially the part about your hands. I've been feeling down lately from the skin of my hands being all messed up, as I can't easily do what I want to do right now. Your perspective gave me a new way to look at things, and I feel a lot better. If I think on what I can do in spite of my skin being ruined, then it's a challenge to overcome. I really like that because it makes me feel more in control of my life again. Thank you Shogo. I'll keep what you said in mind, both about your hands and about swords.

[@johnholt4265]

Amazing words of strength and kindness. I completely understand.

[@mesici9979]

Shogo I personally think that mindset you set and your way of thinking is masterpiece go for it 😄

[@lordtanatos84kmkn59]

Great video, I completely understood the concept. I own many swords, but my katana happen to be a poorly balance and very simple design but I love it.

[@Kristina.Larson]

Thank you for this window into your mindset. Actions with appropriate mindfulness have much more meaning than just the mechanics of the movement.

[@stiggywatts4258]

As a past martial artist, I totally agree with your remarks about sword choice and the philosophy behind it.

[@LinRuiEn]

Thank you so much for this video. I love your channel and watch every video! I have chronic pain and this is a very important message. What is important is working to our best ability with the circumstances we are given. I hope you continue to make videos for as long as you find yourself able to. Thank you!

[@bjornronaldson6017]

This really hits home. I was a life long martial artist and worked in a very physical industry until I broke my back. I spent a few years mourning everything I thought I had lost after the injury. However, I began blacksmithing and making cutlery after the injury and it has become my driving passion, my physical and mental therapy, as well as my living. I have never been happier in my life. Without that "crippling" injury I never would have discovered my passion and joy in creating.

[@musamusashi]

I've been watching many of your videos over the past year, Shogu San, and there's always much to learn in each of them. But this is probably the deepest teaching toward understanding the true spirit of martial arts training. Thank you and thanks to your Sensei.

[@michaelbatts7149]

Thank you, Shogo. Wisdom well spoken and put forth!🙏

[@zargonfuture4046]

The the perfect words and because of this the perfection you seek is achieved. Thank you for this wisdom.

[@elimuskovitz7685]

I also have raynaud's disorder, as part of ehlers danlos syndrome. Training aikido has been big for me in learning to accept it and move forward.

[@lincolnworsham1085]

My dad, who was a hunter and soldier, had a similar outlook on firearms. That is people spend all kinds of money on custom fit this and that to gain a competitive edge in competitions. A different path is to improve ones skills so that you can pick up any rifle and shoot.

[@Pentium100MHz]

Improving your skills goes up only to a point IMO, at least as far as competitions are concerned. If you have two competitors with identical skills, the one with better equipment is more likely to win. Would that make a difference in real life (hunting etc) - probably not, but in a competition there is usually a tiny difference between first and third place. While F1 drivers are extremely skilled, make the best one compete in a car with one broken spark plug and he would most likely lose.

[@user-do1fq8oy9c]

VERY well said sir! THAT my friend was very inspirational!!

[@themanunleashed]

Great video! Thank you for a very inspirational message.

[@jeffcristina4667]

You inspire me Shogo! I developed Reynauds in my thumb after a fencing injury. Let’s keep going!

[@Von_D]

Very inspiring! I don't train in swordsmanship (though I do find it very cool), but I do practice shodõ. I learned everything I know through research and self-study. I've had plenty of brushes that were unwieldy, but they still write, and they still have something to teach me.

[@alx3290]

That wakizashi behind you🤩 with no tsuba & white tsukamaki. It seems to be be a so wonderfull piece of art!

[@DoXLocK]

This was a very inspiring video. Thank you for giving me the chance to improve myself.

[@GlenMarkMartin]

The timing of watching this video was rather bizarre, given the comment about katana/iato length. About 15 minutes before watching it, I had located the website for a nearby Dojo that teaches Iajutsu (after having been unable to locate any Iato training nearby). Their website had this quote: “Once you understand the long sword, you will know all shorter swords.” - Sekiguchi Komei sensei

[@swordbreaker1714]

First things first, I love your videos and seeing your perspective on things. And your general positivity is always great so thank you. Now my thoughts are I kinda have to agree but from a different perspective. As a fighter in Buhurt we pretty much only ever buy our weapons by order and so they are always "custom" and I have my preferences in weight and balance and design and so I order with that in mind, but what happens is that our swords never feel "alive". I've never held a sword and felt the spirit of the sword, that sense that I am holding my Excalibur, a feeling to name it. It becomes just a soulless tool. Because that is how it is made, with little passion from the smith. I think the reality is no matter what you commission you won't ever really know what you want deep down. You are more likely to get a sword that is truly yours, or it chooses you, when you pick up a sword that had qualities you didn't know you wanted. And the smith is allowed to make the sword with passion and freedom.

[@iteststuff1197]

This is a lesson you can take into anything, very well said shogo!

[@sinisterswordsman25]

We choose to train the sword not because it is easy, but because it is hard. Great video thank you for sharing 🤘

[@Marquise1]

Thanks to be so inspiring and remind us what we forget so often.

[@scoobydoo6903]

Thank you shogo I know u derstand more and have even more motivation to make myself better

[@M1Tommy]

Thank you for sharing these thoughts,your own lessons learned and experiences . I will definitely pass this along my Sensei and others close to me . very sincerely .....

[@yhhor]

Another great video as always Shogo. The Katana in Japanese history and culture is considered as a sacred object that has its own spirit or soul and was treated with the highest respect, especially by Samurai. As a fellow lover of Japanese culture and a huge fan of Star Wars, which the latter itself was inspired by former, I can't help but notice the similarities between the Samurai and the Jedi. One of the most important rites of passage for the Jedi was to embark on a personal but perilous journey of self-reflection to choose the crystal that would eventually be used to build their lightsaber. But in fact, it is actually the crystal that chooses who its rightful owner would be. Your Sensei's words definitely resonated in me as well. It's simply beautiful.

[@tomkeightley5202]

I've wanted to learn a katana martial art for ages! But sadly no dodos nearby. I can only keep trying though. Your videos just inspire that desire more.

[@patientzero697]

Shogo, your master sounds like a brilliant. Stay sharp my friend

[@hitorideronin]

Thank you for this video and for all the hard work teaching about Budo and japanese culture

[@sparkplug1018]

This is a, I think similar mindset to my training with my rifle. It is custom, but a lot of the fittings I really don't have an explanation why I have that specific one on the rifle, it just works, for me. And most of them aren't the "typical" ones people pick, usually for weight or ease of use, etc. And the purpose of training on it is also similar. The odds I will ever carry this rifle into combat are near zero. But training on it, pushing my own limits each time I visit the range is a constant reminder to push hard for the things I value. And I am training my focus, mental skills, perception of my environment, as much as I am training to achieve greater and greater accuracy with the weapon. And while a rifle definitely does not have the same aura and mystique of Katana, when viewed that way it really does become part of you once you have trained long enough and spent enough time with it.

[@robertb880]

Amen young man. Words of wisdom from someone so young.🙏

[@RoboticSafey]

I do Hema when it came to sparring my instructor told my that sparring sword was pushing me to a particular mindset when it came to sparing. To become a better-rounded fighter, he gave me one of his older sparring swords to practice and spar with. Honestly with hema sparring swords are generally the last bit of gear they recommend you get because you need so much protective gear, it is easier to lone sparring swords then protective gear, and lastly if your new it's hard to know what the right sword is for you or for your situation.

[@lucashenry6281]

There’s actually a similar mindset in my (future) profession of firearms. Custom builds, tend to not function as well and taking a stock firearm and swapping internal parts just creates opportunities for failures. That said, I’d imagine that ordering a custom katana (longer or shorter blade and anything cosmetic) would be fine as you progress in your training

[@lucashenry6281]

@View Bot and it’s those two that prove me right

[@lucashenry6281]

@@JadeHarleyCoffeeMug You feeling bold enough to list your country, since you apparently feel morally superior? Just know that this will become very uncivilized and even more uncomfortable for you

[@Junkzillabox]

A weapon is just a tool. It's the people that use it who determine whether they make the world a better or worse place.

[@Wingzero90939]

That’s not necessarily true if it’s not your custom build, no Fud building if it’s a high end custom build like the STI 11, one of the guns made for the John Wick films and you get a high-end builder to do it... You can get some really nice stuff for that amount of money. Custom/ high end is always better for a reason...

[@lucashenry6281]

@@Wingzero90939 Yeeaaah no. There’s only so much you can change about a firearm before things start to break. Take a look at the steel frame .40S&W’s. Those things develop cracks in the frame because of the higher pressures of the .40

[@amitmarkel]

Great that you left the page open to donate 🙂

[@haldurion24]

Thank you for your dedication. Your experiences and your way of seeing certain aspects of life inspire me. The content of this channel is something worthwhile.

[@iamsupersammie]

Came for some info on katana, left with a life lesson. Thank you Shogo!

[@HermanLoud]

Thanks for sharing this deep philosophy Shogo.

[@RubyInferno]

When I clicked on the video, I was expecting something like: “Know this when you get a katana” but you actually explained something amazing - I love that perspective!

[@Solinesn3p]

I totally understand what you mean about a weapon speaking to you. I also understand why a master would encourage their students to learn with a sword that is easy to use. Learning and mastering techniques of any martial art is key yes? Then moving forward, to get better rather, you find a katana (or other weapon or complicated technique) that finds you is the next step.

[@21quynhnhunguyenthi65]

I am approval of your opinion and admire your sensei's lesson. How he thinks about the purpose of training Katana also has a connection with other martial art trainings. For example you will frequently see that many people who have completed their training up to the highest level, what they have most is not the physical power but the mind and their morality that we must respect: Calmness, Humanity, Kind and Perseverance

[@williamcooper8024]

Shogo, you're amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this story.

[@windpeoples]

One of your best videos. Thank you!

[@billyr81]

I really loved this video .. I want to thank you for your words Salutes from argentina