Atlanta Blade show 2014 James Williams Sensei Tameshigiri demonstration

[@DannoCrutch]

I love your adherence and obvious respect for classical form. This is the real deal. Developed by a people whose life really depended on it, and who practiced this in real conditions. The modern arts, while somewhat impressive, do not ensure survivability to the same level. Even your simple but important mention of the perimeter of defense seems to be almost non-existent in a lot of the schools I've audited. Much Praise to you Sensei.

[@brianmccarthy8444]

Impressive skills, I didn't roll my eyes once, I actually watched this whole video with interest.

[@TsarOfRuss]

i watched the whole video too, he is impressive

[@HeavensBladeTM]

Finally I found a video with a competent man who knows what he's talking about. I was quite tired of noobish kids cutting water bottles with cheap $300 katanas without any sign of technique.

[@MCShvabo]

Well to be fair although Willams Sensei is real artist those swords are actually really cheap, much less than 300$

[@AGC828]

As mentioned..he is a master I'm guessing on both Iado and Kenjitsu...both sword arts...so he's more than "competent". You were watching probably some teens untrained...who probably have cut themselves and each other a few times. Luckily not fatally..then. Don't know if t they're still around. These practice swords still clearly have cutting ability. They shouldn't be sold IMHO to any one who can pay the $745...really they should be licensed as firearms are. Both can kill and severely injure some one. Too many idiots end up saving their money for these practice swords to play with...sometimes when intoxicated. Or, they buy them out of interest...leave them on display in their room...little brother sees it when big brother isn't home...unsheves the sword and cuts himself or friend, or parent...etc. we saw how lethal some one that skilled can be. As with a trained boxer you would never see most of the sword swings coming. I'd love to see some one make a modern day "realistic" sword film. Hollywood. But this time have the contact "real"...consequences as explained here. Even if the fights would then be over in 2 seconds. Get actual actors who can act to train. Make the sword fighting secondary. Not the focus of the film. As they tried to do in the John Wick films with firearms.

[@miguelreyes481]

Great demonstration by the sensi love his craft

[@infamousdrunk]

still 200$ katanas aint no joke tho

[@EODReddFox]

There isn't really any way to explain it, but when you watch Mr Williams move and cut, the level of skill and experience is practically visible

[@bushimotter]

Great upload, 13:03, simply amazing. Never seen a draw combo like that!

[@xxmrbrooksxx]

Great video. I always learn something from this man. Great sensei, a vet that gives back and an all around good man. I own four Bugei swords each one awesome and I own a Hisshou, a great knife.

[@stevekille6239]

I enjoyed meeting James Williams at the 2004 SHOT show. Looks like he is still going strong.

[@shaugt241]

Nice to see Mr.Williams is still going strong. The flow and ease of those cuts are just beautiful to watch. Especially the cuts with the katana and the wakasashi at once. Good and interesting demo. Thx for sharing :)

[@SystemOfStrategy]

Thank you for the kind words. No demonstration at the Blade show this year. For the first time in 25 years we were cancelled by rain.

[@SystemOfStrategy]

I will be teaching a cutting (tameshigiri) seminar at the River of Life Dojo in Fort Washington, PA the 23rd and 24th of May. For those interested contact the River of Life dojo for details.

[@sethgriffin9872]

Mister Williams I've admired your skill for quite some time, I have tickets to the blade show in Atlanta this year, was wondering if you'd be doing another demonstration this year?

[@SystemOfStrategy]

Yes I will be on Saturday at 1400 hours. Come up and introduce yourself after the demo.

[@sethgriffin9872]

It'll be a pleasure sir. Can't wait, see ya then.

[@FreestyleSwordsman]

SystemOfStrategy mister williams I was there, I met you, I was the guy that messed up the cut (you asked me if it was too much tension). I've purchased one of the Hisshou knives, and sharpened it to crazy sharpness, I was wondering if next year when I attend your demo if I may bring my personal Hisshou and try the cut again? It was so great to meet you, thank you again!

[@SystemOfStrategy]

Seth Griffin Yes, and it was good to meet you as well.

[@wyldewest278]

Wow... truly a masterful demonstration. Man I can't believe how much i just learned in only 24 minutes. Awesome, thank you so much for posting this!!

[@SystemOfStrategy]

Thank you.

[@DALEGPEKEL]

WOW - Immensely knowledgeable and incredibly gifted! - The true artist and professional always makes it look easy.

[@SpicyCactus]

DALE G. PEKEL It is easy, trust me I've watched plenty of anime.

[@JoeSteel1]

Very impressed, subscribed and shared your video on my channel, so great to see a true master in action, verbally and physically, great show

[@SystemOfStrategy]

Thank you, much appreciated. Many decades of training and hard work and also being fortunate to run into some exceptional teachers of which I am extremely grateful to.

[@JoeSteel1]

@SystemOfStrategy I was wondering if you can help me, I missed my chance to pick up your CRKT Hisshou, why has it been discontinued, that is a Grail knife for me as I have a channel and review swords and knives, do you know where I can still get one?..I am in live with that piece

[@SystemOfStrategy]

I will check around. Looking on some of the internet sites for used knives etc is probably best. @@JoeSteel1

[@prabshiro]

Mr williams, thank you , This video really helps with my Iaido. Knowing how strength can hinder, when it comes to the sword.

[@nesking3115]

James Sensei is awesome ,I admire your skill and knowledge sir ..

[@strix2035]

great! demonstration, you made some real nice cuts look like they are easy to do. I also picked up a sword from Bugei I use it to practice when I cut so I don't put to much wear on my main blade, but let you tell you! even though it is only one of there lower end blades man it is a great blade to cut with.

[@SystemOfStrategy]

Cutting puts wear and tear on any sword. It just makes sense to have one that you can train with that is not your best/expensive sword. I love these blades.

[@AirAdventurer194]

Wonderful video, Sensei! I can't wait to get back to the dojo over the summer

[@СерыйВолк-ш1э]

How to care for a sword after cutting? How to clean and sharpen it?

[@SystemOfStrategy]

There is a video on this channel on sword maintenance. Sharpening is a more complicated process.

[@09nob]

Fascinating, thank you for posting this.

[@SystemOfStrategy]

You are welcome

[@namazuryusshugyo5214]

oh wow this a very good demonstration and explanation. im a fan!

[@Decado1628]

what an excellent demonstration. Thank you for sharing.

[@i.c.y.]

I love him - That left index finger sticking out; I cringe every time I see him do that, afraid that he'll cut it. And that cut @13:06 - beauty in motion!!! Thank you for posting this video. Now let me start saving for one of these katanas...

[@SatsumaTengu14]

Another great video, BHutto really get a lot from his explanations.

[@Gilmaris]

It seems that in the enthusiasm of cutting tatami, some of the video was also cut in certain places.

[@adhithyasodhi3203]

That first cut was still cleaner than most practitioners can manage :)

[@Aikidobear129]

Very nice! Are you planning on being at any knife shows in 2016 as it would nice to see this kind of demonstration in person.

[@SystemOfStrategy]

+Aikidobear129 I will be at the Atlanta Blade show this year and we plan on giving a demonstration.

[@ronin6016]

Great video, excellent instruction and information, thank you very much for sharing your knowledge

[@Magneticitist]

I love seeing such a respect and mastery of art forms pioneered by other cultures. It's good to know there are westerners who can actually stand in the same room as Japanese masters and still be justified a level of respect and appreciation, I mean how could he not?

[@poppawolf26]

Aloha All I have are a couple rusty unsigned Japanese Wakazashi's that I am trying to restore and fit with furnishings. I am currently researching sharpening and polishing techniques. I do have unsigned a polished O'Wakazashi if I am terming it right, that is 22 1/4 " long that can be used as a short Katana. I'll probably fit it with a two handed tsuka and may try my hand with soft cutting though I do not want to mar the polish too much. It's heavy for a Wakazashi because of the meaty blade construction. I would love to buy an inexpensive blade and I am researching a low budget blade for cutting and I looked at Bugei offerings. Does your training site explain how to make and set up a tameshigeri "target". Thanks for your help.

[@SystemOfStrategy]

Get a 5150 blade from Bugei Trading company or a Raptor from CAS Iberia for a low cost cutting blade. We do not show how to roll mats on our site. your 22.5" blade is probably a Chisa Katana. Proper polishing is a learned skill. Check out the value of your blades before doing anything to them.

[@emmanuelbenyatoun4261]

What is Japanase In this video ??

[@poppawolf26]

Quick question, does the tatami mat simulate the bone in an arm or leg? Does your sword easily slice through bone, especially a thigh bone or would you need more effort to go all the way through? I know in battle you do not need to go all the way through to cause catastrophic damage? Your technique is great.

[@SystemOfStrategy]

Vincent, I do cut with 1" oak or hickory dowels in the mats at time, and also with bamboo. I have a video of cutting a 350 hog however it is not something that I put up on the internet. The bottom line is that the swords go through all of the aforementioned. Arms, legs, necks, the sword will pass through. A cut to the skull could result in a stuck sword so one of the most common cuts to the head only uses 2 to 3 inches of the blade so that you can cut and keep moving. Multiple adversaries being the order of the day. Just like in modern warfare, time to solution is critical as there are many problems to solve.

[@poppawolf26]

thanks

[@SystemOfStrategy]

You are welcome Vincent. I have an OnLine dojo which will include, among many other things, how to cut and why if you are interested in further training or explanation. www.systemofstrategy.com/pages/online-training

[@FacultyFan]

totally amazes me the level of thought that went into Japanese Martial arts! just wow..... amazing!

[@WettenWasAlberto]

I think my first sword would be one of the raptor series. What do you think about that?

[@SystemOfStrategy]

Ben o A good choice

[@FreestyleSwordsman]

Ben o The raptor series is just fantastic

[@Moribund_art]

What is the proper way to cut? Like how you demonstrated on the man the "Club" like swing which he could resist ,and then you did something else that knocked him down.

[@andgalactus1]

be mindful of the edge, cut with the tip.

[@janicebass665]

Mr. Williams is an amazing. So impressive and a wealth of knowledge. This is true budo.

[@elixir5503]

4:05 looks like someone was "caught by surprise" XD

[@michaellittle226]

Thanks for sharing .

[@SystemOfStrategy]

You are welcome.

[@vermanshane]

Really great demo. Do you do regular sparring with training swords as well?

[@SystemOfStrategy]

vermanshane No we do not spar with the swords, it detracts from the proper programming. Check out the video of Kuroda Tetsuzan sensei on my youtube channel.

[@vermanshane]

SystemOfStrategy Ok, thanks.

[@Gilmaris]

Detracts from proper programming? I cannot agree. If anything, just the opposite: it places programming in its proper context. Sparring teaches you, above all, that things do not always go according to plan. You need to be able to adapt to your opponent, and nothing teaches you that better than fighting - and sparring is the closest thing you get to fighting without actual fighting. I have a MSR Iaido background myself, and there was no sparring. The first time I did spar, with friends from Schola Gladiatoria, I felt like a fish out of water. I didn't do bad, because I felt like I was able to apply my knowledge reasonably well - but the most important knowledge had always been kept from me: the knowledge only an actual opponent can teach you. And the sparring was an eye-opener for how I understood Iaido kata as well. The sparring was mostly backsword, but there was also some longsword. There is a reason why sparring is integral to all competitive martial arts, because those martial arts are result-driven. Neither did the Japanese eschew sparring back in the day, that seems to be more a peace-time thing.

[@jjs3890]

In sparing with swords, your assuming that there is a back and fourth , exchange of blows and cuts. In proper Kenjutsu, iaijutsu the point is proper body movement that is used in Jujutsu. No back and fourth.

[@willithewilf]

Sensei Williams, will you be doing any seminar's in the UK?

[@josephzaitz2250]

Awesome

[@icecorebaby]

Well done. Thinking of picking up one of those 5160 blades from bugei. What size handle and blade are you using in the demonstration?

[@SystemOfStrategy]

This one is small for me, it has a 13"Tuska and 28.5 Nagassa. Never the less you can see that it cuts very well.

[@OmegaShortFilms]

@SystemOfStrategy I'm curious on if you sell the sheath for the bokken?

[@SystemOfStrategy]

+Alpha_Panda 888 You can use a golf tube. I am currently using a bokken and saya made by James Dinh of River Reed, facebook.com/riverreedcrafts/

[@OmegaShortFilms]

+SystemOfStrategy thank you for the reply and the link, I appreciate it. Also one more question. Would I need a specific length for a bokken being at 5ft2in and also would you recommend the subirito or standard bokken for a beginner?

[@SystemOfStrategy]

+Alpha_Panda 888 Bokken not a suburito. A 28" blade would be fine. You are the height of the average Samurai and they used much longer blades until the Josun laws in the mid 17th century.

[@OmegaShortFilms]

+SystemOfStrategy thanks again as always. When would a suburito be required to train with and what it's the purpose of it?

[@SystemOfStrategy]

+Alpha_Panda 888 We do not use suburito. Some ryu use it for strength training.

[@zeroa6]

Great information and fun to see!. Master James, about Sakimori: With what intention the Japanese forces asked for it? Utilitarian? Because for fight they had Shinbu or Hisshou, right?. Thanks!

[@datex8]

Such a long, well-explained video, thank you!

[@SystemOfStrategy]

I am happy it was of value.

[@PerfectlyFreedom]

4:57 that insanely requires a lot of control

[@i_love_crpg]

Finally! Someone who knows what hes talking about

[@thomaswhite2802]

5160 is good steel, i currently use T10, what is the company that your nephew owns i and does he distribute? I am interested in his work, thank you.

[@phaikia13]

Err... that's a real master, not a guy who bought a sword off e-bay.

[@honorb4glory606]

I know, when he cut the mat low and it just stood there, I knew this guy was the real deal. I'm an ebay swordsman, I have about 1/4 his skill, I imagine.

[@adksherm]

Can't tell if this is a joke or not

[@stevenedmund5680]

20:20 was brilliant

[@ជួងសុវណ្ណគីរីរាជ្យ]

Wow 🤩 was his skill was unbelievable

[@-CrampedStyle-]

I wish he would bring back his line with CRKT. His new line with his son is nice, but way out of most people's price point.

[@SystemOfStrategy]

There will be some new designs coming with CRKT

[@-CrampedStyle-]

@@SystemOfStrategy Fantastic news!

[@staatsnoobNr1]

3:34 when you finally get your uchigatana.. :)

[@A.E.B.0]

Sakai Forge? So that’s what Jin’s up to.

[@douglastalkington]

Sick what a gentleman!

[@chrisb7398]

Damn that is some clean cutting!

[@mkultraification]

It would be nice if you did a video on proper cutting technique. You talk about it in a lot of you videos, but I've never seen it broken down.

[@satobukandojo-namiryuaikih3600]

There are a number of Nami Ryu dojos around the country where you can learn this skill.

[@sekiromusashi4451]

He has mastered all of the Ashina skills i see.

[@aloha_amen3049]

Finally someone I can see knows wtf he's talking about. 🙏

[@ericellis9393]

This is amazing, it's not a depiction of accurate history because of dress. It is because of the absence of predictable events.

[@tonyray449]

Effortless. Beautiful to watch

[@hiyall524]

best part is at 12:00

[@mainaerial]

Rewop Nayr What about 19:54 starting with reverse cut?

[@roninsurvivor4640]

I don't know anything about Nami-Ryu or any of the styles he claims that said, I would like to see more bowing to the targets and use of chiburi or removing the blood from the blade. maybe unnecessary but it is tradition.

[@SystemOfStrategy]

It is a target, why would one bow? The blade is wiped before I noto every time. Chiburi is insufficient. If you have bone, hair, chunks of stuff on the blade it is good to do before wiping however for us there is nothing ceremonial about Tameshigiri. We are a practical application art. Tameshigiri is a part of our practice for cutting efficiency.

[@marcpabel4768]

Real good but if you speak while you have your sword out it is just 40 percent of your concentration on the blade. Thats still quiete a lot in your case aslong as you are fit but there is a lot stuff on the Ground.

[@nathanlee7330]

I think saying tameshigiri is not an art is a very very poor choice of words . I know what you were trying to say, but it came off wrong. It is it's own discipline. There is a practice to it. There is formality to it. There is an infinite amount of wisdom and technique to be learned by it's execution. It is by no means the epitome of modern sword practice but it is a part of what we do and should be treated with the same reverence as any other art.

[@SystemOfStrategy]

The art is Kenjutsu, an art of war. The cutting of inanimate objects reveals but a very small aspect of that skill. It is a physical practice that has value and there is nothing sacred about it. If by modern sword practice you mean those arts that no longer have a combat prime directive that is fine however don't confuse them with the classical study of strategy.

[@lightsoul8973]

a Gaijin who masters so perfectly the tameshigiri? NANI??!

[@brianmccarthy8444]

I don't even want to envision would that sword would do to a person. I would rather be shot than split open with that sword. No wonder people in the past wore so much armor. Disturbing.

[@SystemOfStrategy]

Close combat with edged weapons is the most demanding of human physical conflict. Hence the vast difference between training for it and modern sport based derivations.

[@Gilmaris]

The wounds of knife slashes alone can be extremely horrific, making one think they were from much bigger weapons.. Slashes from swords... Like you said, I don't even want to envisage.

[@kishorraika6411]

11:36 that cool as f

[@soldierboy_4349]

Can’t tell if these comments r sarcastic or not

[@lostmarimo]

i thought i knew how to use a sword.. i have much to learn

[@yusufjorgenz5951]

Why does napoleon dynamite come to mind

[@myname-mz3lo]

thats why i dont like kendo, every match ends up with both people technically dead . they dont learn how to survive a fight they just learn how to be the first to hit a target (like fencing) . kenjutsu is way better for learning real sword skills (as long as you do sparring)

[@garymccreath2773]

Sensei steven Segal taught him all he knows

[@SystemOfStrategy]

Never met the man.

[@garymccreath2773]

@@SystemOfStrategy it was a joke , you must have known that"Sensei steven Segal "was not serious😀

[@SystemOfStrategy]

@@garymccreath2773 I was a bit slow on the uptake on that one. Maybe I didn't slip as many punches as I thought when I was younger....

[@garymccreath2773]

It's an honour to hear from you,I apologies if my attempt at being funny failed , your skills & knife designs are premier tier

[@SystemOfStrategy]

@@garymccreath2773 no apology needed and thank you for the nice comments

[@MrYougotcaught]

WOW, seriously those swords are like giant straight razors!! The sword is so sharp i could probably shave my beard off with one

[@loganbrooks7690]

This guy talkin like we actually gonna get in a sword fight 😂

[@Swimbait_fishing]

Logan Brooks I was thinking the same thing, hes talking like he’s chopped 100s of people. How many people has he killed with a sword? Zero

[@jjs3890]

Logan Brooks you’re missing the point. Proper cutting technique = proper excursion of jujutsu techniques.

[@nunya4107]

nice video. he's a badd ass.

[@ActionHero29]

I would not want to face you in a dual

[@Karmakazi369]

Pshh worst cuts I ever seen, I've watch a lot of anime and this guy clearly doesnt know what hes doing. Just kidding. Legendary. How am I just finding this now? Bought a classic tiger from paul chen, 13 3/4 tsuka, and the hunt for instruction lead me to Nami Ryu then here. I will watch this a great many times. Thank you.

[@m.l.861]

James Williams is good but Shihan Dana Abbott is the # 1 swordsman--Williams won't stand a chance. I mean, just look at this guy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6a7ZoR3otuWh9k

[@schleckson1048]

10:00 great focus... NOOOOT!

[@jjs3890]

I'm sure your skill is impeccable. Keyboard warriors are always so quick to criticize.

[@brianlawson3757]

I'm interested in the practice and the form of sword testing. However, I am deeply disturbed by the implication that this was a proper way to treat prisoners when almost no evidence beyond conjecture and eye witness testimony held any weight.You're talking about a feudal system under which I could simply accuse someone lower than me in social rank, and they'd be put to death. Think of the Salem Witch Trials. No one was ever deemed innocent until someone accused the governor's own wife. Then, as if by miracle, all demons, devils, foul spirits, and witches seemed to flee as if by *magic*. I enjoy the demonstrations, but can't bring myself to abide by the notion that feudal culture was anything but cruel and inhuman, much as I regard Spartans with their revelry of slavery and the violation of young boys. Leonidas was never a great man, nor was any Japanese emperor, or warlord. All were deeply flawed, egocentric, and violent psychopaths hell bent on glory and excess. Strength does not equal greatness. Reservation, understanding, kindness, humility, and mercy mark the road of a real warrior. All else is just physical and martial prowess, which dwindles and then dies eventually with the passage of time.

[@simonhumphries3747]

"1 inch punch"

[@a661992]

Proper technique and quality weapons vs cold steels garbage with running up giant swing cuts and grunting and yelling

[@SpicyCactus]

This dude's cool lol

[@PrincessUnicornSprinkles]

Little brutal for little kids lol