Samurai Sword and Other Weapons
Our schools main
weapons training is focused on the Samurai Sword, however we do teach
many other traditional Japanese and Chinese weaponry. You will learn
a balance of Kata (formal exercises) and how to spar with weapons safely.
Sensei Mike Armstrong “The Blind Swordsman” is a certified
instructor of Chanbara “the full contact Japanese weapons fighting
sport.” He also trains in the traditional Chinese weapons of Shoalin
Kung Fu (Wu Shu). This kind of cross training will give you a great
perspective on weaponry.
Our school puts more emphasis on the Japanese Arts; but there are advantages
to learning about both Japanese and Chinese weaponry. The reality and
strength of the Japanese arts is extremely important. However, the beauty
and agility learned in the Chinese systems has validity.
In our school we also teach techniques that make it possible to defend
your self from weapons. Including ways to disarm an attacker of more
modern weaponry, such as guns, knife’s and clubs. These are proven
and effective methods that are currently used by law enforcement and
the military.
So if you would like to experience a full Martial Arts system, including
a safe version of weapon training, please give our school a try.
The Development of Safe Weapons Sparring
The innate desire
for self-preservation led to the development of tools to defend oneself.
At first stones and wood clubs were the primary tools used, however
with time weaponry evolved. Until projectile weapons were invented,
the sword was the pinnacle of weaponry.
The sword long represented power and wealth and was one of man's most
prized possessions. Design and technique were created for the practicalities
of war and defense. The sword has also been used worldwide in traditional
ceremonies as well as social and cultural events. Many of these traditions
are still in use today.
Originally Japanese warlords trained their armies with various metal
and wood training weapons. This practice was extremely dangerous; a
single mistake could lead to injury or even death. Each warlord developed
his own fighting techniques, which were tested on the battlefield. Some
techniques were retained while others were discarded. This all depended
on how effective they proved to be in battle. After centuries of civil
unrest and war, Japan united into a single government. The warrior no
longer fought wars but the samurai spirit remained.
Toward the end of the Edo period (circa 1875) one of the larger sword
schools developed a new combative sport, called kendo. This evolved
into a national sport. Kendo utilizes a sword made from strips of bamboo.
This old-fashioned practice sword was combined with the use of protective
head and body gear. Now one could practice without fear of great bodily
harm. Then Tanabe Tetsundo and his group founded goshindo, also called
chanbara. These traditional swordsmen, aware that times were changing,
began to educate the public in the way of the modern samurai while utilizing
traditional ways and techniques. Swords made out of flexible plastics
(called a ‘choken’) proved a stroke of genius, because wearing
a light head mask for face and eye protection was all that was required
for safety. Today, chanbara is the fastest-growing combative sport in
the United States, boasting 200,000 combatants worldwide. This type
of Art offers the Ultimate Physical Game of Chess.
