When Wakizashi (Short Katana) are Way Better Than the Katana

[@letsasksekisensei]

🎫Purchase Your Ticket to the Asayama Ichiden Ryu Training Camp 2025: www.patreon.com/c/lets_ask_sekisensei/shop ⚔Join the Online Kobudo Training with Seki Sensei⚔ Sign Up HERE (One Lesson FREE): www.patreon.com/lets_ask_sekisensei Interested in taking lessons directly from the 22nd headmaster of Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu, Seki sensei? Sign up to learn authentic samurai skills with 400 years of history with perfect English interpretation from Let’s ask Shogo (kzbin.info). ❶ No previous martial arts experience is required; you can catch up anytime ❷ Every lesson will be RECORDED and will be available to rewatch anytime ❸ You can ask Seki Sensei questions about the techniques and samurai culture/history ❹ You can join even if you belong to another Ryuha style ❺ You can receive OFFICIAL DAN RANKS by taking exams online (and opening a DOJO in the future) 🛍Purchase the Equipment You Need for Training: tozandoshop.com/letsaskshogo🛍 🗡Iaitō (training katana): tozandoshop.com/collections/habahiro-heavy-weight-iaito/products/byakko-tenryu-semi-custom-iaito?variant=34479502164101 *🗡Bokutō (wooden katana) with plastic Saya (scabbard): tozandoshop.com/collections/iaido-bokuto/products/the-nyumon-iaido-beginners-set 🥋Dōgi and Hakama: tozandoshop.com/collections/kendo-uniform-sets/products/basic-synthetic-kendo-uniform-set-1?variant=39417538216069 🥋Inner Obi (any color): tozandoshop.com/collections/iaido-obi/products/cotton-kaku-obi?variant=34282096230533 🥋Outer Obi (must be WHITE): tozandoshop.com/collections/aikido-obi/products/white-aikido-obi?variant=34120442413189 🦯Short Jō staff: tozandoshop.com/collections/polearms/products/4-21-shaku-jo?variant=39604823195781 🦯Long Jō staff: tozandoshop.com/collections/polearms/products/5-shaku-bo?variant=34073586106501 🧐Frequently Asked Questions About Our Online Lessons: Q❓: I have no experience with katana. Will I still be able to catch up? A💡: You don’t need any previous katana martial arts experience to participate in our lessons. Seki Sensei, the instructor of the online lessons, will carefully instruct you on how to handle the katana regardless of your level. You will also be able to access all the videos of the past lessons so you can watch what every other student has learned. You can also send us videos of your progress, and Seki Sensei will be happy to give you feedback. Q❓: What is the right length of the Iaito (zinc alloy training katana) I should use? A💡: Please purchase an Iaitō at least two blocks longer than the standard length. The standard length for Seki Sensei is about 177cm, so he should use a 2.45 Shaku long katana. However, he uses a 2.6 Shaku-long katana that is supposed to be used by someone 190cm tall. If the katana is too short, it becomes too easy to draw, which is not good for training. Q❓: Can I join even if I belong to a different Ryuha style? A💡: Yes, it’s not a problem at all. The Seki Sensei himself has trained in more than five styles and various other weapons. If you don’t want others to know that you are participating, you can join the online lessons with your camera off. To have the Sensei check your progress, you can send us a video of you practicing. 🗡Join the Online Iaido Training with Seki Sensei🗡 Sign Up Here (One Lesson FREE): www.patreon.com/sekisenseiiaidotraining Interested in taking Iaido lessons directly from the 8th Dan Iaido Master with 40 years of experience in Musō Shinden Ryu, Seki sensei? Sign up to learn authentic samurai skills with perfect English interpretation from Let’s ask Shogo. ❶ No previous martial arts experience is required; you can catch up anytime ❷ Every lesson will be RECORDED and will be available to rewatch anytime ❸ You can ask Seki Sensei questions about the techniques and samurai culture/history ❹ You can join even if you belong to another Ryuha style 💻Seki Sensei's Official Website💻 sekisensei.com/ 🎵Original Opening Theme Song "Hyakuren"🎵 Performance: Hanafugetsu (Singer/Suzuhana Yuko, Shakuhachi/Kaminaga Daisuke, Koto/Ibukuro Kiyoshi) Compositions & Arrangements: Suzuhana Yuko Mixing & Mastering: Watabiki Yuta ❓What is Asayama Ichiden Ryu? / Who is Seki sensei?❓ kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJKlfKCNoq-jgNk 📱Instagram📱 instagram.com/lets_ask_sekisensei/ *Please ask us questions through the DM here #katana #iaido #kenjutsu #kobudo #asayamaichidenryu

[@mickeymouse5652]

Could you please do a review on the kukri (Small/medium version) Very common where I live

[@petervogel5533]

The details in Kata's instruction are an art in itself. I am moved by the privilege of being allowed to see the incredible art unfold.

[@TrollDragomir]

What is important with kata (called drills in European fencing) is that repeating the same movements down to perfection imprints them into your muscle memory. In a real fight you have to act faster than you think, and though you wouldn't execute the technique exactly like in training, all those trained moves could save your life. Another thing is that each of these practices gives you insight into body mechanics, things like controlling your opponent's weapon, psychology, using their own movement and body weight against them, or lock them in place where they can do nothing. Again, you might not perform them exactly the same way, but if you examine them carefully you can learn rules of combat and that understanding is essential to survivng fights. Lastly, each of the kata in these videos has a specific context tied to it. Being attacked in a castle, being attacked when walking against the sun. This was the everyday life of a samurai, and sparing in controlled environment alone wouldn't be enough to prepare them for these situations.

[@Zts_xox17]

I couldn’t say it better my self.

[@Nightwalk444]

Yes but you also need sparring. Technically gifted boxers who don't spar lose to less technically gifted boxers who spar a lot.

[@sword-and-shield]

@@Nightwalk444 Absolutely, repetition is always important for perfection, but the farther it is from EXCATLY how it will be implemented, the less perfected it will be.

[@TrollDragomir]

@@LignumVitae-k9j What's the difference? My knowledge of kata is limited to karate kyokushin that I trained over 20 years ago, so I could be missing some important details

[@WizardOfAtlantis]

The bits of lore and strategy inside the kata are very nice to see. The blade reflecting the sunlight was especially nice, with the other hand as a sunshield. Very cool.

[@fuggleeartshow]

It's good that Sensei was patient enough to explain kata. In today's martial arts world, especially in the west, there is the pervading idea of proving a technique's worth "in real life" and if it isn't "real" then it has no value. While I don't disagree with the value of pressure testing and un-choreographed sparring, I think there is also a lot of value that would be missed in the kata of it's overlooked. Especially in an art like this that has kept its roots from actual combat and hasn't been watered down by the peaceful eras or by the modern martial sports. I still value martial arts for survival purposes in a dangerous world and not just for sport or fun, and I greatly value arts that have managed to keep their combat heritage through to modern times. They are becoming more and more rare, so I am glad to find this dojo is still alive and expanding.　どもうありがとうございました

[@TheCCBoi]

Thanks for pointing out what the purpose of Kata for western audiences - there is so much misunderstanding about the topic.

[@davefletch3063]

Great explanation of the concept of Kata. A lot of people don’t get the fact that kata teach principles more than technique

[@monicab204]

I am a big fan of the wakizashi. Thank you for more information on this amazing sword.

[@konstantinosntelirabakas7340]

i think it would be very good to have actual sparring sessions where these fixed kata are shown in real time and realistic fighting. where one of the partners doesn't know which nor when the technique will be used on him. That will be a great way to showcase that an experienced sword fighter that knows all these tech/ues has the advantage on the less experienced even when they are clearly fighting back, resisting. :)

[@konstantinosntelirabakas7340]

for example: when i was in the army at 20 years old, I already had plenty of experience in fighting, muay Thai, boxing, kickboxing and minimal exp. in swordfighting. I was a chef during my service and sometimes me and other people would play sword fighting with the long wooden ladles of the kitchen. It's really funny how much ahead of them I was, it literally took 4 of them to manage a hit on me. and that was for a wager so we were all trying to apply hits and avoid being hit. So basically, experience is pretty much everything. the alpha and omega. :p

[@Theorof]

@@konstantinosntelirabakas7340 Those are called "kendo" and "tankendo".

[@atom8248]

@@Theorof Some kenjutsu schools spar, it's just not very many

[@Theorof]

@@atom8248 yeah I think I have seen just one. It's pretty rare.

[@atom8248]

@@Theorof I think toyama ryu spar right?

[@stringchz]

Thank you for working so hard and sharing these pieces of history and battlefield techniques with us. I live in a very rural area and there is a TKD school near me but I would like to learn other martial arts too. I really hope Seki Sensei can start online classes. I would love to join.

[@Emberen_Dmara]

It is truly a blessing to be able to watch Seki Sensei teach

[@serpentvert]

These Kata are both exciting and extremely interesting to see!

[@beng6805]

This is GOLD! Seki-sensei is a truly generous educator to share the teachings of his ryuha on KZbin when so many others would be looking for profit. It is a blessing in the study of kenjutsu to find these rarities. Every second of these videos is a precious gift that should be received with honor.

[@堀高士-p5y]

木刀の動きが良く分かり、勉強になりました、ありがとうございました。

[@carn109]

Good explanation about the kata!

[@lauraazure6462]

I feel like I'm learning more with every video, always wonderful

[@Dwinna1]

I like the fact that you doing video's with this sensei. I was following him for a while but there werent many video's with subtitles. So i really like it that you can translate it for the fans and followers who cant speak Japanese. Keep up the good work. Thnx.

[@Thebonesoftrees]

I’m sharing this channel. What a treat. Thank you.

[@Norsebearcat]

Another excellent video. This channel has already become a must watch for me. Thank you so much and I look forward to the next.

[@raymondsosnowski9717]

Thank you for highlighting the concept of "budo logic." Likewise the theoretical nature of Kata - it's a concept my Naginata students struggle with (I have also seen & experienced it in other arts as well - iaido, battodo, jodo & kenjutsu). Finally, that overhead, 2-hand block with the wak reminds we of a similar waza in Tendo Ryu Tanto-jutsu - surprisingly effective against a daito using the proper tai- & ashi-sabaki.

[@WinnipegKnightlyArts]

This is an excellent point about what kata are for. It is the same in all skills. Even in something like boxing, jiu jitsu, mma etc. you still do drills to practice a specific skill or aspect of your training. I will say that sometimes a kata (or a drill for that matter) becomes too rigid in it's practice to be useful, but again, that is entirely on the participants to keep it alive, and demonstrations are a bit different than actual practice as well. The important thing is how the skills develop, all kata and drills etc. are a method of improving your skills, but just going through them passively isn't enough.

[@andresvillegas464]

Verry nice video shogo and seki sensei so interesting.i woud like to see if posible some techniques about how to fight whit one arm or how to kyu gunto swords where used.thanks for those videos...

[@payon1559]

Great video again, learned a few new things, In will explore that in a more detailed way. Those videos gave me the motivation to look into the book about the Asayama Ichiden Ryū that was given to me.

[@lastnamefirstname8655]

cool combat with the wakizashi, thanks seki sensei!

[@Theorof]

I am so glad that the wakizashi is being covered. 👏👏👏

[@shihantemplet]

I wish I could study this ryuha in America!

[@nahte123]

Thank you so much for putting these together, as short sword has been particularly intriguing to me lately. Can you please talk about using the term "wakizashi" vs. "kodachi", which I believe I'm hearing instead?

[@deanmcintyre4334]

Mike Tyson summed up fighting and battle and war best "everybody's got a plan until they get punched in the mouth" 🤣 true words

[@VictorGarcia-qk3dn]

¡AL FIN! Shogo me quito el sombrero, la explicación que diste sobre el entrenamiendo de Kata es perfecta. Como alguien que desafortunadamente tuvo que pelar para evitar un robo/omocidio (Venezuela no es muy segura de noche, y menos en el 2016) uno no sabe qué va a pasar y peleas por tu vida como puedas, no imparte si la técnica fue honorable o sucia, el objetivo es sobrevivir a como de lugar. Es cierto que a veces los movimientos parecen sobre actuado pero si el maestro fuera enserio siempre, todos los alumnos hubiéramos muerto en nuestra primera clase.

[@seaslicks]

These videos are great! I would really like to see some videos on the naginata in the future!

[@DomDomPop]

Domo arigato gozaimashita to both Seki Sensei for sharing this knowledge with us and to Shogo for making this all possible. I really appreciate you sharing this instruction and information with those of us who are far away. The extra history makes it that much better!

[@alextimis3771]

So happy you started this series! goes perfectly with my kenjutsu training and i am trully enchanted by Seki Sensei. Domo arigato gozaimashita 🙏

[@robpercy4883]

Love watching your channel, it’s very informative and teaches in a way many can understand.

[@richt63]

Fantastic 💕. I understand, the kata is to train and condition one's body to respond. It's purpose is not to be used in a real fight. However as one with a walking disability and uses a cane to assist in walking around at times I think it can useful to condition a body to respond with a cane.

[@tshepochipa6104]

I loved this video and how you explained the purpose of training kata. I love learning from this channel.

[@Eudaimonia88]

What a masterful video. A martial art that is like a ballet of grace.

[@richardslater3737]

These techniques are so beautiful and effective. Amazingly demonstrated.

[@Outrider74]

I like the focus on the wakizashi. It's shorter length makes it a very wieldable tool, and in some ways more versatile. Thank you for the video!

[@abeldasilva9368]

Blow away by the techniques taught on this video .

[@N0B0DY_SP3C14L]

I am honored by these gifts of knowledge and insight. *bows*

[@madeleineg2049]

Thank you for the video, it was very interesting. Seki Sensei is a very kind teacher. I used to train in Aikido, but our sensei didn't practice many katas with us. Well, he was pretty young, so maybe he didn't know many. I learned a lot from this video. ども　ありがとうございます。

[@yurikhromov2905]

Thank you for the demonstration! It's very interesting to see how these techniques differ but at the same time are very similar to other budo schools I'm familiar with. It gives an insight on their development and historical application.

[@ohchristonastick]

I am so glad I found this channel. Keep up the great work Shogo san, and please relay our many thanks to Seki sensei.

[@ycplum7062]

I look at Katas as exercises to develop efficient movement and establishing muscle memory. In this way, you do not waste limited mental processing capacity on how to move, but rather focus on what moves are necessary to counter your opponent and your body executives the movement subconsciously.

[@mattberg4842]

Zatoichi's Cane Sword techniques, please! :)

[@johnchipmanseishinaikido1531]

Your content is outstanding I love it! Thank you!

[@KateJohn2013England]

We love the look of the Katana and Wakizashi in the Obi. Stylish yet deadly 👌 Can't even see the other weapons he is carrying 😮 Ready for anything 👍Take care. Stay safe 🙏 John and Kate

[@Ainalom]

I have really enjoyed watching this and it is so informative and interesting! Thank you to all of you for your hard work! Great job!

[@warrennass24]

Kata are templates linked together in a systematic manner. Every martial art has known two person drills just like a jab, cross, hook and uppercut in boxing. They give us a foundation.

[@SeekerOfCheese]

As much as we love the katana it is great to see the focus on the wakizashi for a change :) Shogo-san do you think it's a western thing to misunderstand kata as a step by step instruction to fighting, rather than a way to train your body to move in certain ways so you can adapt to the situation? I've heard this often, and seems quite common to encounter the "what if..." student, ie. The one who is constantly saying "what if I do this instead of that attack" or "but I would just do this and your technique would not work". I always explain that there is always a "what if", always a counter, but in that moment you are training the form and so should focus on what you can learn from it, henka comes later!

[@VictorLonmo]

Demonstrating a kata can be like telling a story. If the story is not unfolding in an obvious way that should be an opportunity to ask "why." If the movement in the kata being demonstrated is not obvious it may be worth asking "What circumstances would make the movement shown in the kata better than a more obvious choice?" Thanks to Shogo for a great video!

[@SeekerOfCheese]

@@VictorLonmo I agree Victor, there certainly should be time for questions and in fact I think it's very important to try to balance just doing what you're told and scrutinising techniques, too much blind following leaves students open to manipulation (unfortunately has happened too often in mattial arts) and too much questioning undermines the instructor/the lesson that is being taught. This is why I say, henka comes later, first learn the form then learn to play with it, and at that point be free to question. I like the wording of your question "what circumstances would make the movement shown in the kata better than a more obvious choice" I recall this kind of thing being asked but in a less eloquent way "why slashy slashy instead of stabby stabby?" 🤣

[@markfergerson2145]

For some reason, Japanese martial arts have acquired the reputation that they are solely about learning by rote, and forbid creativity and iventiveness in real situations. That's strange to me considering that in western boxing for instsnce, we learn certain patterns of footwork and combinatiins of punches but are also constantly reminded not to fall into predictable patterns that an opponent can recognize and exploit. Why then assume any other "formalised" system of combat would be different? No novice boxer is told to expect to take what they learn while sparring in a gym to a street fight and succeed; the same applies to what we learn in a dojo as novices. It takes much experience to gain the intuition to know what to do against a non-cooperative opponent.

[@SeekerOfCheese]

@@markfergerson2145 I'm guessing here but maybe it's due to the range of disciplines you usually get with Japanese martial arts, like with boxing you focus primarily on footwork and punching (I know its a simplistic way to put it but for the purposes of this example..) were as in a dojo you would cover stances, breakfalling, locks, throws, punches/kicks, weapons etc Arguably you therefore spend more time as a novice, and could mean it's more difficult to rise to a level of proficency where you can safely explore the principles behind the kata. For example, contrast a badly controlled punch with a badly controlled wrist lock and you see what I mean. I know there are some people who think that traditional martial arts have had to soften their training in today's world of health and safety, and that sometimes it's difficult to keep hold of students who may have a lower pain threshold or are less confident with their ability to spar, but personally I think both of those scenarios can be down to how an instructor manages things.

[@dantheman7506]

This is such a cool channel to sub to

[@lililinda6947]

Enjoyed the video and Seki Sensei is a great teacher, very interesting and logical explanations ! ❤

[@BlackSeedCH]

reminds me of having, ime, a bastard sword and a long dagger as side weapon... it is far away from this example you masters are showing, and single side blade to double side blade fighting is different, but i see some comparsion to what i learned in european medieval fighting... btw. great addition to karate anyway, great showing of skill and strategy, i like the distraction of the opponet with the wielding weapon, we do such stuff also and btw. abo is for sure

[@bmafirebirdstudios]

Your humility is refreshing, and is something we must reclaim in the west. I applaud your exemplary skills, and appreciate the context. Continue to teach good sir, you do the arts a great service.❤

[@dmzz89]

That's a great point about the Kata and their effectiveness in battle/live situations. I've always held the opinion that Kata train the body in how to move in accordance with the style you are practicing. Once you have the basics down (i.e. Shodan) that's where you learn the real art and use the basics in different applications. Additionally, a lot of tanren is built into certain Kata. So their purpose isn't necessarily to execute a technique but rather to train and build up the musculature by moving in those specific ways.

[@collewis6681]

It has been interesting to watch. Always wondered what each sword was used for.

[@jimanHK]

Awesome Teacher Master Seki.

[@BCS01]

In my humble opinion/observation, Seki Sensei weapons techniques and instruction of said techniques are indeed indicative of that of a true master martial arts practionner. Osu!

[@ludreficur]

Thanks for the translation! now I can understand it

[@vernshein5430]

Thank you and Sensei for the video. I am going to study how Sensei used his left hand to augment his wakizashi block while minimizing the exposure of his left hand. The first three cut defense against the katana was elegant and frightening.😮

[@boyilee1774]

"longer is stronger" and "shorter is more danger" always keeping distance when using longer weapon.

[@zdravkogeorgiev6388]

Shogo, you NEVER DISAPPOINT with the Japanese MASTERS you showing!💯

[@theclocktower3258]

Finally got a wakizashi for myself, cannot wait to practice some new kata!

[@AnthonySell]

I wonder, does this system incorporate randori such as is trained in Aikido, where one person faces multiple attackers?

[@kronoscamron7412]

There is a kamae for the sun thing but with a katana. you place the katana parallel to your torso and the katana blade covers your right eye and use the blade to reflect the sun on your opponent eyes while covering your own from it

[@clemderrick7236]

Thanks for sharing

[@to3ta64]

Thank you Gentlemen for the demonstration 🙏 respect 🫡

[@NoTimeWaste1]

Came here from the community post and don't regret it at all 👍

[@SirMars]

It's hard in the US to find techniques for using wakizashi. Thank you for sharing!

[@FolKlorExXX]

Amazing technic

[@Bludngutz]

My old Sijos and Sifus used to tell us to train. Add tools to the toolbox.

[@alexanderkummer4714]

Please keep on the good Work!🙏🏽

[@Tax_Buster]

This is really good!

[@kingfish4575]

I practice to help me keep the present in mind and help with focus.

[@tjmns]

thank you so much for sharing

[@SwagimirPutin]

The first strike using a katana versus someone dual-wielding these weapons should be a strong diagonal attack on the side of their dominant hand, thus shocking the wrist and almost disabling both of their hands for a brief moment if they block with both weapons. Imagine holding onto a piece of steel and trying to take on the pressure of the strike-through your arms. A dual-wielder is far more likely to deflect or riposte through one of their weapons and then counter-attack.

[@okamihenderson1986]

❤ thank you 😊

[@IcarusRuthven]

In music, we learn how to operate our bodies and instruments through exercises and etudes (learning pieces) that build understanding and muscle memory, so that we can perform more demanding music - and perform it more musically, when our minds are no longer preoccupied with operating the instrument and getting comfortable doing so. Kata seem very logical and somewhat familiar from that perspective.

[@williamtreat7334]

Love it. Our Sensei would teach Wakizashi kata once a week, both sitting and standing kata. Especially at close quarters.

[@willbri9773]

Would love to hear about kendo matches someone has done where they were able to do maneuvers they learned from katas. Im sure it happens a lot and would definitely show the practical side of them.

[@robsarnowski6313]

Thank you

[@DragonForce1393]

3:45 why would he block? the wakizashi can't even touch him? if the answer is :"It's part of the kata" I'm ok with that :D

[@letsasksekisensei]

It’s so that he can parry the katana away to attack! But yes it is part of the Kata!

[@pistazieneis415]

I would like to see a video that shows how to sheath the Wakizashi, does it go first? does it go after the Uchi-Katana in a case you were double wielding? If you were inside a castle and needed to use it, is it the same as normal Uchi-Katana sheathing?

[@leonardoarrighi5898]

I practice Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu and Hoki Ryu and it's always amazing to see such different Budo styles!

[@hgtpmrinbetween3484]

Just subbed today love all the videos

[@-the-light]

This is wonderful! Does anybody know if there is any written material on Wakizashi Kata / forms?

[@CarlDWardJr]

Well done!

[@Zts_xox17]

This is true in these kata they get a better understanding of how the mechanics work and dose give you a better understanding on how to use them and when to use them. And there are many styles but it’s usually the person with the better understanding of the art and more experienced who wins this isn’t always the case but in the battle field it was better to have skill rather then being a farmer sent out to fight with no skills.

[@fangtsu]

You often mention that the uchi-katana is sacred. Is the wakizashi treated the same, or is there a hierarchy of blades?

[@brentzaparniuk8643]

Question: at the 4:05 mark if I understood correctly Seki Sensei says 'kodachi' which is a different blade than the 'wakizashi'. Probably not relevant to the technique but is there a historical aspect to the use of a kodachi within Asayama Ichiden Ryu? By the way, love your content. I started training Takenouchi-ryu last year and regularly watch your channel for additional knowledge and inspiration.

[@stevenbolstridge596]

My Sensei has always described that Kata/Waza are like sentences. Each move is like a word, so you can take each “word” and rearrange them into a new sentence.

[@christianmilia3631]

Magnifique ❤ merci c’est vrai que c’est effrayant Sayonara 🙇🏾👺😻😼

[@phoeniximperator]

I have a question not regarding the video but what is written on the walls? Is it Sun Tzu?

[@dead_hidden]

I LOVE IT. I love it.

[@leonaluceid2388]

If enemy use two wielding sword and we just have 1 sword or even 1 small sword how we can parry or counter his/her attack

[@TechAmbition]

Great question

[@LaNoir.]

Cosindering I almost cut off my finger with a mere kitchen knife, I doubt that after the alternative second attack there's anything left to grab to throw the enemy to the ground with 😂 truly a fiece move, I flinched even with those wooden swords

[@sprk11]

best description of kata I've ever heard " about learning the logic " perhaps my biggest take away from this video.

[@ТеоМарков-ц1л]

I have a bamboo katana, but I don't have wakizashi to train these skills, so now I am looking for a katana AND wakizashi kit. XD I found a steel ones, but they are going to be really heavy... and OBVIOUSLY dangerous (these are swords after all).

[@raymondsosnowski9717]

Bokuto/bokken of the long & short sword style are rather effective - in my experience, they do work well in both Kendo no Kata and Kasumi Shinto Ryu Kenjutsu.

[@IQzminus2]

My way of viewing kata as a european is to relatie it to old saga or story. Where creating a story allows for more information and detail to be rembered easily over time. Its a fixed thing you can tell and retell, and they can retell to the next generation. A type of record that helps have more information and knowledge retained over longer periods of time. My view of kata from a karate perspective, is its both a record of different techniques in a style, but also how its put together is meant to convey a way you should think and understand the technique or a wider approach in how you should think about blocking and attacking or even the style as a whole. Just like old european sagas often were a way to both create a record of historical events, but also to convey moral lessons, and teach concepts. I dont see kata as just a training excerise to do X block of Y attack, i think that is missunderstanding kata. I see it more as the fundamental records of knowledge from prior generations, that are used as the foundation of the martial art you train. And perfecting a kata is from my perspective, about understanding the concepts of the kata and then trying to embody and express those concepts as fully as possible with your movements. But this is from a very nothern european and karate perspective, and I might have trained a long time, but not nearly as many decades as many other more knowledgeable people than me

[@TheRealMrCods]

Kata is so important in building muscle memory 🙏