What Does a Japanese Katana Trainee Think About Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto Fans’ Videos?

[@skysuju3086]

Before learning Iaido, I thought that many of the contents on youtube shared were real and cool. After learning Iaido, I found that many videos were misleading and ridiculous. Shogo can be one of the few credible ones. Every introduction will have a reliable reference and principle.

[@Angiie884]

No better way to learn properly and respectfully about katanas than from experienced Japanese trainers

[@LaNoir.]

Which is what saddens me. I love japanese culture but even tho I watched and read over 10.000 hours worth of history, mannerism, culture and everyday life, I feel like I would fail writing a book about it...

[@anglerfish4161]

I was very surprised at how Shogo manages to keep this very calm and respectful poise, even though he's criticizing misinformation. I tend to get easily frustrated at people who propose to teach others but do it carelessly, based on surface-level knowledge. Shogo's kind and humble attitude really made me reflect.

[@donatellomcmullen6687]

I also really like that about them. Shogo is so cool

[@NathanielBibawi]

I absolutely love Shogo’s smile. He looks so happy.

[@LetsaskShogo]

I am the happiest person on this planet… I have you guys supporting me😉

[@davewill4713]

The European broadsword/longsword was also not the primary battlefield weapon. Like with the katana in Japan, it was a backup weapon. The main weapons in medieval Europe were spears/polearms.

[@generic_asian_]

The hilarious thing is that the longsword was also used for fashion and self defence more than battle because the longsword was a late medieval period sword.

[@joycechuah6398]

Late Medieval Period had guns right ?

[@generic_asian_]

@@joycechuah6398 kinda yeah. They started getting better guns but hadn't fully adopted them until a little later

[@Spaced92]

The longsword was also not ineffective just like the katana wasn't, longsword was brought in when armour was well developed. You have very bad odds of defeating a fully armoured man if armed with a longsword because you have to strike very specific places which was no different from a Katana (they had armour too). But these are self defense weapons, and that means a lot of skills were developed for them because that's what a fighter would carry around. That's a big difference in meaning from fashion. And if they were useless on the battlefield they would not use them at all, not for hundreds of years, not everyone is decked out in armour.

[@lauraazure6462]

I agree about not comparing the 2 swords against eachother. They are both amazing in their own way!

[@LetsaskShogo]

Exactly!!

[@Arkansya]

and also using both you can see that with a katana or a longsword most combat movements are very similar (look at kenjutsu and HEMA for illustration)

[@cartmaneric4042]

I love both. They’re cool and have an amazing background

[@kadda1212]

Depends on what kind of armor you are up against, I think. I am not sure how a katana would do against full plate armor and chainmail. Then, you rather need a weapon that can stab into the weak spots.

[@outsideiskrrtinsideihurt699]

@@kadda1212 Using longswords against armor is far harder than one thinks. idk if I would even trust a longsword in that situation. I’d either want a specialized anti-armor sword like an estoc or simply use a dagger up close and grapple.

[@Oppetsismiimsitsitc]

A sword is like a handgun. Yes, it's for walking around. Yes, it's partially a symbol of status or rank. No, it's not typically a primary battlefield weapon. But you have it there for when you need it.

[@AdamOwenBrowning]

a handgun is a symbol of status? It shouldn't, because your concealed carry should be on point!

[@longrifle2955]

@@AdamOwenBrowning i think that person is talking about the time when only army officers issued a handgun

[@Kenzaki1010]

@@AdamOwenBrowning Have you heard of BBQ gun(s)?

[@RandomL0s3r]

​@@AdamOwenBrowning I mean, police officers and the like tend to have revolvers with lanyards to signify their profession. And even some revolvers have engravings (which offer no tactical advantage whatsoever)

[@youngimperialistmkii]

Less than 30 seconds in. And I'm like Oh no. It's one of those, "Katana is the best sword in the world" people. 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@Sawgrass-TML]

Fr

[@theredshift180sx]

Oh hey I like your pfp

[@cartmaneric4042]

Who are we talking about? Shogo or the ones in the original video?

[@Heresjonnyagain]

@@cartmaneric4042 the latter

[@cartmaneric4042]

@@Heresjonnyagain so the one who doesn’t wear the clothing properly?

[@biggerdoofus]

It's also important that both "katana" and "longsword" are categories and neither tended to be the primary weapon type for full armies. Spears and other polearms were just easier most of the time.

[@andljoy]

100% correct . Pointy stick > all .

[@namethefifth7315]

@@andljoy pointy stick

[@V-Phoenix]

Maybe halberds and hammers too cuz they penetrate through armor

[@aurelian2668]

​@@namethefifth7315 stick with heavy metal block>plate mail

[@namethefifth7315]

@@aurelian2668 long stick with axhead and tailpike>stick with heavy meatal block

[@fakemoviesrealtrailers7737]

Shogo, You are much nicer than I am when it comes to talking about Samurai and Ninja Museum Kyoto Fans!

[@puppikun]

😂 Shogo’s face when the blade is being held in his hand. The shock and horror.

[@Luffy-su1ho]

His disappointment was immeasurable, and his day was ruined

[@LaNoir.]

@@Luffy-su1ho for at least 3 seconds, then Harumi came in

[@kdefensemartialarts8097]

Haha

[@arpioisme]

Would also be my face if someone non-chalantly step over a javanese bow

[@outsideiskrrtinsideihurt699]

It was an iaito but still hurt to see

[@23Disciple]

I study battojutsu for 6 years, and Shogos channel is one of the most correct and accurate channels in japanese historical/swordsplay terms what you can find on KZbin. Thank you for your hard work Shogo, because internet is full of misconceptions and nonsenses about japanese and samurai history.

[@JacRios]

Just by reading that it was about "Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto Fans" I knew that Shogo will have a rough time, those guys had the enthusiasm but not the knowledge... 😅

[@ColonelMarcellus]

Many so-called Japanese restaurants display replica katana, or daisho, and I always correct their display. EVERY ONE OF THEM displays edge-down, handle to right. They must all order them from the same catalog.

[@markfergerson2145]

Much of the mystique around tamahagane is a consequence of the Japanese islands being volcanic in nature with no iron ore deposits comparable with those of countries based on continents. The iron sands which were the traditional source of iron for so long required the bloomery process followed by much hammering and folding to get rid of the residual sand and slag. It was not suitable for the crucible method which can produce better steel with more control over alloying and carbon content more easily. If anything the quality of traditionally made katana is a testament to the extreme dedication of the ironmakers and swordsmiths to do the very best they could with what they had.

[@Oldtimyviolence]

I really like how realistic you are in your answers. Thanks for making this reacting vid. I more point on the metallurgy of folding steel. It was done in Europe too, it was done as a way to prevent impurities in the steel from building up in 1 area of the blade. This would obv. create a weak point that may break the blade. Folding the steel homogenizes the steel, spreading any impurities throughout the steel making sure a weakpoint isn't created.

[@Theorof]

All 100% reality based responses. So happy to see the truth put forth. Thank you Shogo!

[@VariableZero]

Thank you, Shogo. These guys are an absolute joke, and they go against everything that you’re trying to teach.

[@mohebbi71]

A question Shogo: if it was etiquette for Samurai to walk on the left to avoid bumping into another Samurai's scabbards... did this influence the decision for Japanese drivers to drive on the left too?

[@AdamOwenBrowning]

Yes, you are exactly right! Because this samurai rule formed a basis of traffic laws which then carried through into other vehicles, and eventually into cars. It's one factor as to why Britain and Japan drive on the same side :D I'm not Shogo-san but I hope you appreciate it :)

[@robt2778]

This was also the reason the British travel on the left, most people are right handed so it was easier to draw a sword to defend oneself

[@ShiningDarknes]

@@AdamOwenBrowning source, or this is just speculation.

[@peterwaite8301]

Also jousting on horseback, Knights would hold the lance in the right hand. @@robt2778

[@miz591]

Your channel is the most informative. Thank you. You do a great job. 👍

[@memeg8076]

Can’t wait for mini katana’s next video: “Why the MG42 is inferior to the katana.”

[@greentea1941]

I think that title is a little bit...overpraised. but I understand if they really made that video. since they are the katana seller. only answers I could think about that title is... 1) katana don't jams. 2) katana don't run out of ammo. just like any melee weapons. such as knife, machete, axe, shovel. etc. so it's not that big deal. (plus it's still can blunt or break) 3) katana is lighter. 4) katana is more quiet. just like any melee weapons. anything than that... yeah, mg42 definitely superior.

[@vinz4066]

​@@greentea1941 I have a counter Argument BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT

[@matiasdelatorreoverton3612]

There is absolutely NO sword that doesn't get dented after fights. Some have stronger steels and get dented less, but then again, supersteels swords are not indestructible either.

[@ShiningDarknes]

This is factually inaccurate. Ever watched forged in fire? There have been plenty of weapons on that show that have gone through way more than any weapon would on a battlefield and come out with no damage whatsoever.

[@robertkoontz7865]

They cut down the length of the Tsuka after the Menji restoration. Because its offensive bumping into each other. Thus, reducing the leverage & shortening the Kashira striking distance. There's a sword block where you contort to enable the back of the blade to Cam not block the Uke's blade. Of course, in battle, they'll get damaged. The habaki can stretch open the friction fit. No slam.

[@tx7140]

I remembered seeing a few of these videos which would show up in my feed usually after watching your content... I actually reported them for containing misleading content a few times. Thank you for spreading awareness about this.

[@TheSteam02]

That channel is literally the embodiment of the Japanophile's paradise.

[@Sashimi_Boy2404]

When I thought about Samurai being cut but ended surviving, I wonder how their wounds are treated. When I did a lot of research about it, it was very difficult to find articles about it.

[@annajonasson612]

Well when it comes to european swords, rapiers and sabres one must remember that especially in later times it was common with dress swords. That is a more decorated weapon used for example at court. Ie a for example General had a dress smord and one a bit more simple in style in the field.

[@gamer7916]

Sabers wasn’t really a decorative piece. It was used in battle for cavalry charges up until the 1800s

[@masonmeyer6055]

You are the reason I’m learning iaido

[@LetsaskShogo]

Wow thank you!!

[@TheShogunate]

So glad you made a video on them Shogo.

[@LetsaskShogo]

I’m glad you say so😉

[@fri5kas]

Your humility is such a breath of fresh air.. Thank you for your teachings! 😌

[@aristosachaion_]

The only katana that could probably reliably cut a human torso in half (and with a strong enough person wielding it) was the dōtanuki katana, and even then it would have to be really well-made so that it didn't get stuck halfway through. These blades are noticeably heavier than the katana that people nowadays like to swing around or display, and their aesthetics are nonexistent compared to even katana from the Edo period, let alone today.

[@the_timinator77]

10:51 I study using the European longsword (I practice H.E.M.A. [Historical European Martial Arts]) and I've studied and researched the "longsword vs katana" debate and I have to agree with you: it doesn't matter. True, in some videos I researched I found guys were demonstrating with both swords facing each other and both certainly have their pros and cons, but in the end, they're SWORDS and they're both still AWESOME!!!

[@chrisbarrett8377]

So happy to see Shogo addressing this channel. I always considered these guys to be like dollar-store Shogo and now it's confirmed!

[@annajonasson612]

When it comes to notched eggs after training and battles. I was taught to avoid meeting egg to egg. And parry with the blunt parts of your for example sword or sobre, kind of shuffeling the other blade out of the way when not using a shield or buckler to parry with. But I have never trained with katanas, just european blades.

[@Vlad_Tepes_III]

I understand what you're trying to say, but I believe you meant 'edge', not 'egg'.

[@somedude23]

10:12 Shogo was like : yes it’s folded ,but not a thousand times , it creates a thousand layers but not a thousand times ,dude really learned his stuff from anime

[@KMO325]

It took Shojo less than 5 minutes to discredit their whole video-that Uncle Rodger level of demolition😂😂. With the comparison of swords between Europe and Japan, it’s sort-of a moot point: the rapid development of firearms in both cultures dramatically changed how battles were fought (people are so wedded to the idea of samurai=just katana that they forget that by the end of the Sengoku period every samurai army had riflemen). Also, the channel is almost at 1.50 million subscribers so congratulations in advance.

[@TheWeekendShooter308]

I'm glad I found your channel first as an iaido trainee myself 😅

[@AMD7027]

One thing to add on the last point, I fenced in college with the epee’ and Sabre, fighting a left handed fencer was very difficult as you usually trained with another right handed fencer and were out of step. They on the other hand, having always faced right handed fencers were always in step with attacks and defense.

[@gibrannicholau3447]

In a way, medieval European steel is a lot more like tamahagane than what we think. There are manuscript and artefact evidence that longswords and arming swords may have hamon on them, although probably more subtle than katanas. Only in the late medieval period would we have swords of monosteel property.

[@jonajo9757]

If I remember, Europeans began to spring-tempering on a wide scale by the 17th century, but this didn't mean it was inherently better than a differential hardened blade.

[@S1L3NTG4M3R]

Thanks Shogo for the extra information... I know some and learned more!

[@elitemorron9093]

I learned a lot from Shogo videos, I love this chanel.

[@KimTaeHwan114]

Speaking of Tamahagane(玉鋼) steel,its just made of magnetic sand which iron ore deposited under a river or sea in the shape of sand. It is used as a raw material for iron. In korea,we call '사철' [sacheol] (沙鐵) and in japan, they call 'さてつ' [satetsu] (砂鉄). Most of Iron mine fields in Korea and Japan mined these magnetic sand and used for producing weapons and other stuffs. But in the past, we couldn't use it for a long time. It was difficult to maintain its form cause of the tiny amount of titanium and vanadium that could not be separated from magnetic sand. This is one of the reasons that debased the quality of iron at the time. And it caused the huge deforestation in Japan where producing Tamahagane steel. This is because a lot of firewood is needed to process a large amount of magnetic sand into a small amount of Tamahagane steel.

[@Kushina947]

Great video Shogo! Thank you! About the left-handed tópico, I can’t agree with you because if a person is left-handed it doesn’t mean he has more power, but more control and self-awareness with the left-hand! So be “forced” to a training made for right-handed would be a BIG adjust, not exactly an advantage!

[@Specters0rd]

I mean... The reason why everyone used the right side is bc most ppl under their right side over their left. That's why we call it a dominant hand/side for a reason.

[@vilidious]

Thanks for calling out some of my pet peeves, and the new info too. :)

[@sevenproxies4255]

European swords were also vulnerable. They will lose their edge and get damaged in much the same way that a katana could be. At the end of the day, both are still sharpened steel. The edge will be brittle and if exposed to a head on collision with another steel edge, it will roll or get nicked. And Europeans swords were also used just as much for fashion as katana would be. Both are still battlefield weapons, only they weren't usally primary weapons but used as secondary weapons. Saying that a katana is not a battlefield weapon is like saying that a modern semi-automatic pistol isn't a battlefield weapon. Even though modern soldiers also train with and are equipped with pistols as a back-up weapon if their rifles run out of ammunition or they encounter a situation where the rifle is unsuitable (like in tight corners indoors where a longer rifle won't ve as agile, or when a soldier needs his other hand free to carry something)

[@theapplegod4525]

He seems like such a nice person I love his personality

[@marc-antoinejean6428]

The reason why the steel was folded is to remove slag from it. The Europeans were also folding the steel for their swords 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@JohnDoe-yq9rt]

It's hard to set the record straight about misleading content without harming the creator's credibility, but it must be done.

[@diegoL783]

Muy buen video! Cómo todos los que subes. Saludos desde Chile 🇨🇱 ⚔️

[@Angiie884]

Hermoso lugar!

[@Coldbeneaththehils]

Great video watching this On my way to Kyoto after visiting the sword museum in Tokoyo. 😊

[@radroboogie112]

That was pretty interesting and pleasant to listen and to watch, thanks, man 👍

[@JerryClaustro]

Shogo, takes the cake. Shogo's references are more reliable.

[@Muichi__]

I saw these guys on my yt shorts and was like i wonder what shogo would think a out this 🤔

[@totchj]

Shogo: I understand what he intends to say... I hear: This man is a blithering eejit!

[@Berserkerbaboen]

I once sliced the top of my toe in half. ....not by sword. I had an iron plate in my hall, and descided to cut corners... The doc flopped it back on.

[@daveburklund2295]

Surprise, surprise, even European longswords got chipped and dented in battle. It's what happens to steel when you whack it on steel.

[@Krishnaeternal]

My path/practice focuses on the importance of being able to use either hands with the katana, so that an injury to the right hand does not cripple the warrior in any way. Surely we cannot be the only path that has this view.

[@m1stersn1pe42]

Another point to add about the quality of steel, is that it is mostly iron and refined to steel during the final stages of making the sword. (According to my recent memory)

[@crystaltechavanich7101]

I recently visited Seki City's Hamonoya Sanshu Seki Hamono Museum and they let me hammer the hot metal! If you haven't been, it was fun to do!

[@Saiga12308]

Another reason for the folding is to spread out the impurities in the steel. Impurities like to clump together, and those clumps would otherwise comprimise the blade's structural integrity.

[@mariorojas5350]

Hello!! I love your channel and enjoy every video and learned a lot about your culture. I only want to point out that in wicca is also used a sword for the wedding ritual

[@stevenluther-pb1ni]

Thank you for educating everyone about the folds, that was like nails on a chalk board to me...

[@zulemazahir666]

Near the end of this video, I suddenly wanted to see Shogo react to Kill Bill. 😅 Great and interesting video!

[@mr.noface1988]

THANK YOU SHOGO!!! 😂 Saw that 1st short a while ago and it's been in my head since than, "Is it true a katana can only be used 3 times to cut and is it true it's just for fashion? 🤔" that questions have been answered 😆

[@LaNoir.]

Since you mentioned heaven in the video, I'd like to hear more about the most commen religious beliefs in Japan. I already watched some of the videos about differences in buddhism and shintoism (there's also christianity to some degree?) and that japanese people mainly consider themselves not being religious, but apart from that, there still are a lot of everyday behaviours that are rooted in religion, like the family shrines. My main question right now would be: what does the majority of Japan think does happen with their deceased ones, do they go to heaven? Do they stay to watch over their relatives? Do they become ghosts? Will they go through the circle of rebirth? I pretty much have heard of all of those cases before and I am a little confused what's the main belief, if there even is one that can be named the most common belief.

[@nickjudd7420]

Love his information on swords

[@davidrobert3971]

Shogo, can you make a video on reputable Japanese guides/translators someone from America can hire, and a range of prices? I’d love to visit Japan but am worried I won’t have time to learn the language.

[@davidrobert3971]

Plus ones who also know proper tradition and etiquette in different situations that may arise.

[@ajshiro3957]

Dang, the whole left side, right side thing must have been rough for Miyamoto Musashi. Everyone must have thought he was ready for battle 24 7.

[@williamjohnson476]

After you mentioned it in one of your videos, I have been curious- what do traditional katana smiths do to purify themselves before making a katana? Is it a period of fasting, is it a incense offering, what rituals and processes are typically involved?

[@babyinuyasha]

Swords are displayed they are worn, for example tachi are displayed with the cutting edge down

[@TheWasteOfTime]

I do recall when I saw that first video ye showed I was taken quite aback by it. While as ye said when it comes to the battlefield the swords were backup weapons, the idea that a katana was just for fashion and useless in a real fight was more than a little eyebrow raising. Though I think their description of a katana's weaknesses were a bit overblown, when ye train in a koryu ye learn the proper way to use the sword so as to work around them. If any of the people behind that channel had any actual experience I'd be very surprised. Edit: after digging around I guess that Sherlick guy trains ninpo with one of the x-kans. No idea what if anything the dude in the first video does.

[@SirHellNaja]

I'm gonna keep editing as I watch the video First video: For usage of swords in battle, Shogo explained it really well so I will not talk about that. The thing that hurted me mentally and physically is how he handles the sword. Third video: Shinto is not really a religion. Shinto is more like a way of life, it doesn't have specific teaching or gods to believe in. It doesn't even have the kanji 教

[@SeowonYoon]

Thank you for explaining the misconceptions.

[@evanceaicovschi7230]

As a longsword enthusiast, I can say that I do not agree with the statement that "the katana is the best sword in the world" and that the debate between which sword is better is pointless (pun intended). If I got a chance to learn with the katana I'd leap at it. Also, the macuahuitl is an Aztec weapon lined with obsidian glass, which is, as far as I know, the sharpest thing we have access to.

[@gonzalocarbonell4242]

Hola Shogo, gracias por comentar y aclarar ciertas cosas, así podemos aprender a hablar con propiedad y no decir cosas que no son. Soy de Argentina, fanático de las Katanas y de toda la filosofía y creencias de los samurai. Un abrazo. 👋👋

[@ChilledPsycho]

The first video wants to make me cry it feels like something someone around me would think, and im not even a katana enthusiast it just seems obvious. 😂

[@danytargaerys712]

I dunno about a human torso. But I have seen katana beind used to slice dead pigs right through the middle. And it pretty much looked like butter to me. The katana is very sharp.

[@WeebVibes]

Would you consider doing an official series of at home iaido trainings? You give great tips and the core structure to practice with. But weekly guided trainings or something like that would be awesome! If not, could you tell me why?

[@annoyed820]

Love ur vids shogo💯👌

[@esoes835]

Putting katana to the left side as a sign of "i don't want to fight" is really similiar to greeting in ancient Roman Empire, where they were grabbing each other forearms instead of hands to show that they don't have blade hidden there.

[@KimTaeHwan114]

Shogo! I hope you also watch youtube channel called 'Weaponism'. Its about kendo but also battles with various weapons!

[@Imagocorporation]

I think the other channel has some rather entertaining explanation of events or cultural things, in a fun way, this one is a bit more.... Precise, like if you REALLY want to learn about the culture

[@damirk3]

Katana surviving so much emotional damage

[@BlazingBulletNZ]

Hi Shogo, are you able to make a video about how to perfectly iron your Gi? There must be some kind of special technique that isn't very well documented on KZbin. I'm from Melbourne and obviously giving my iaido Gi to the dry cleaners is just going to create confusion. Love your Iai - you've come a long way!

[@citizenofcorona8783]

I think it can be a fun thing to check out especially if it's your first time to Japan. Cutting tatami seems like it would be cool but I wonder if they would let you do gyakkugesa and suihei or they only let you kesagiri.

[@thomasturner4253]

Thanks for the information

[@808souljahxl5]

You need to tell us about those shakuhachi in the back.

[@LetsaskShogo]

😎

[@canadian_american84]

Can't compare swords cause it's different fighting style and Damascus steal from Demascus was pretty great

[@ol48spring]

I’m left handed but swing sword with right. However I can use swords well with my left. When I did epee fencing I had to decide which hand to use. Makes me want to equal out both sides. You never know if you might need to to something sneaky 😈

[@frostaegis8653]

my personal opinion on the katana vs longsword argument is not quite that you can't compare the two, but that they are basically the same.

[@mayclark3659]

thanks a lot for making this video!!!

[@hmongghoststoriesinthedark]

Just subscribed. Thanks for the video.

[@TeachmeGin]

Love your videos do you by chance know the meaning of kakajumanokushidaisojin??

[@MiyamotoMusashi9]

I usually carry 2 swords i use 1 in each hand or sometimes I win duels with no sword , or maybe a stick.

[@JoseNunez-mo9zf]

Amazing I love Japanese culture❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️⚔️✌️

[@slykele547]

People in these types of videos are often very hyperbolic to incite comments and attention. Don’t worry about it too much Shogo!

[@LEO-730-d5k]

the painful part of channels like that are the slight truths that what they often talk about are taken wildly out of context, i am no expert by any means but i have an intrest in weapons and warfare throughout history so i come across many people who claim to be experts but put out inacurate sometimes dangerous but almost allways bad information

[@ShortyyGurl]

I just found your channel and I like your videos

[@BlueShogunOFFICIAL]

alot of katana info.. they seem rlly dedicated to this topic.