Kenjutsu - The Art of the Sword②

The samurai warrior remains an enduring symbol of Japan. In the 17th century, when peace came to the country after more than a century of wars and turmoil, samurai continued to practice their sword-wielding skills, with emphasis shifting from the demands of the battlefield to ideals of self-cultivation. With expert Alex Bennett, we examine the philosophy of influential swordsman Yagyu Munenori, who popularized swordsmanship as a means of cleansing one's heart and achieving one's full potential.

[@airon3348]

I can't help but comment on how Master Sakaguchi of the Mugai-Ryu blocked / deflected the cut with his weapon's spine (mune), changing his grip with a twist of his wrists to perform the cut in response while avoiding nicking his blade. This is the correct way to face an opponent's cut, even when practiced with a bokuto, this twist of the wrists is essential in the use of the katana and it is increasingly rare to observe it. Many practitioners of the sword, (Do or Jutsu) even of recognized rank neglected this aspect. These are the kind of details that speak of a true swordsman.

[@adohko]

Great documentary. Didn't know about Katsu-Ninken. Reminds me of Bruce Lee's "the art of fighting without fighting" scene in Enter the Dragon.

[@zanetabuckovamartinova4978]

Zdravím,)))

[@bedheadboy]

These are awesome keep it up!!

[@jwgoon]

Funny thing is that the katana was never the main battlefield weapon. The spear on the other hand, was the king of the battlefield

[@airon3348]

Totally true: The spear (yari), halberd (nagina-to), and bow (yumi) were the dominant weapons on the battlefield. The "Uchigatana" (single-sided edge) fulfilled the function of a secondary weapon. On many occasions, it was not even used, since many encounters ended on the ground, the knife (tanto) ended up being the weapon of choice for fighting melee due to its speed and versatility, reaching the vulnerable spots of the armor easily. The katana only became relevant in the Edo era, when there were no longer wars with extensive armies, armor was no longer necessary and skirmishes occurred mainly in streets or alleys where long weapons did not work. This was the golden age of the katana and wakizashi use and many schools emerged or the ones already in existence specialized it's efforts in this new way of fighting. For this reason, when you see a demonstration of these old schools, what is most observed is their huge repertoire in the technique of the katana / wakizashi over halberd and spear.

[@sleepingturtle32]

Horse + yari = death

[@sleepingturtle32]

Well yes, but during the eco period the katana was a good weapon because people were always trying to ambush and assassinate you, that was when iaido was made because if you could draw your sword fast while someone was attacking you, you would win the fight

[@snowtail1951]

It seems like Sin Jakai has much to learn if you think about it

[@anas-432]

This philosophy was applied in a peaceful time like the edo period, jin sakai was in kamakura period it was still feudal japan and it was the mongol invasion so it was a time of war.

[@diGritz1]

Anyone interested to see the whole smithing process from the clips it's from an old NOVA program, kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2TZlaqug56Km7M