The wakizashi is still blade up, possibly as it's not intended to be used/ as often. Seems to me this could be forgotten because the post Edo practices became the new norm. Kenjutsu becomes more ceremonial then practical. But It's really surprising any of it survived the Meiji "Restoration"
Kind of reminds me of how modern people put their hand at their waist to emphasize their gun/knife in its holster/waistband as an "I have my guard up" gesture!
There's a chinese sword manual that likely has it's roots from actual samurais, but it depicts an odachi worn with the edge up which confuses me. pictures: kknews.cc/other/ml2n98g.html
for what it's worth - here's a link to a video th-cam.com/video/JueYh4pCYoc/w-d-xo.html of 1952 footage of tameshigiri where at the 1:42 mark a fully armored samurai is shown wearing his katana with the hasaki,/ha/cutting edge of the blade is faced down
at 1:55 when he draws his katana you can see where he has his hands - I didn't know what it felt like to draw with the cutting edge down, but after trying it a few times I see my hand falls "down, naturally" onto the tsuka: it feels like it would quicker in battle - with the cutting edge up, I have to bend my hand back at the wrist and begin my draw with my hand below the tsuka; grabbing from above fells better than reaching up from below but I don't any better since I've only recently begun to study Iaido
Interesting ! I have two questions : 1) Why was the Tachi more popular than Katana in war ? 2) Why did they wear their swords '' blade down '' in battle ? Did this make the drawing easier ? Or was it only an indication about death and war ?
1) First, the tachi predated the katana. Second the Tachi became a symbol of status and rank both on and off the battle field. Being more decorative then the cheaper katana, the tachi was more expensive and often given to a Samurai by a lord after preforming an act of notice. An example of this can be seen early in the movie Throne of Blood by Akira Kurosawa. 2) If I remember correctly in the first video he did it was a sign of seriousness. Like rolling up a sleeve when you mean business.
this gent pretty much said it. Great stuff. the katana or uchigatana started to take over. point 2. It was mounted that way, most think that this was because the tachi was from the times of the mounted samurai. So be better to draw.
Are you aware of whether there are any Japanese idioms that incorporate the concept of one turning the blade edge downwards to denote a situation intensifying or become severe? Thanks!
These videos are fantastic for those who study and practice the history and application of the sword, particularly in medieval Japan. It’s amazing to see how both culture and history dictated even how one who wear their sword into battle. Truly fascinating...
The wakizashi is still blade up, possibly as it's not intended to be used/ as often. Seems to me this could be forgotten because the post Edo practices became the new norm. Kenjutsu becomes more ceremonial then practical. But It's really surprising any of it survived the Meiji "Restoration"
Kind of reminds me of how modern people put their hand at their waist to emphasize their gun/knife in its holster/waistband as an "I have my guard up" gesture!
There's a chinese sword manual that likely has it's roots from actual samurais, but it depicts an odachi worn with the edge up which confuses me. pictures: kknews.cc/other/ml2n98g.html
I have it
for what it's worth - here's a link to a video th-cam.com/video/JueYh4pCYoc/w-d-xo.html of 1952 footage of tameshigiri where at the 1:42 mark a fully armored samurai is shown wearing his katana with the hasaki,/ha/cutting edge of the blade is faced down
Fantastic thank you
at 1:55 when he draws his katana you can see where he has his hands - I didn't know what it felt like to draw with the cutting edge down, but after trying it a few times I see my hand falls "down, naturally" onto the tsuka: it feels like it would quicker in battle - with the cutting edge up, I have to bend my hand back at the wrist and begin my draw with my hand below the tsuka; grabbing from above fells better than reaching up from below but I don't any better since I've only recently begun to study Iaido
Interesting ! I have two questions : 1) Why was the Tachi more popular than Katana in war ? 2) Why did they wear their swords '' blade down '' in battle ? Did this make the drawing easier ? Or was it only an indication about death and war ?
1) First, the tachi predated the katana. Second the Tachi became a symbol of status and rank both on and off the battle field. Being more decorative then the cheaper katana, the tachi was more expensive and often given to a Samurai by a lord after preforming an act of notice. An example of this can be seen early in the movie Throne of Blood by Akira Kurosawa.
2) If I remember correctly in the first video he did it was a sign of seriousness. Like rolling up a sleeve when you mean business.
this gent pretty much said it. Great stuff. the katana or uchigatana started to take over. point 2. It was mounted that way, most think that this was because the tachi was from the times of the mounted samurai. So be better to draw.
Are you aware of whether there are any Japanese idioms that incorporate the concept of one turning the blade edge downwards to denote a situation intensifying or become severe? Thanks!
Not that i know of but i am sure a native would know or be able to find out quickly, i will put it on my list! Good idea!
Great content! Lack of good camera and mic is a disservice to your awesome channel.
HOWEVER.....lol
These videos are fantastic for those who study and practice the history and application of the sword, particularly in medieval Japan. It’s amazing to see how both culture and history dictated even how one who wear their sword into battle. Truly fascinating...
yo bro nice video samurai were their sword blade down an you show pic long with facrts thumb up
went draw japanese sword today have to turn it, but in war every second counts so wil probably hold the edge down for quick draw.