First "live" sword

futabachan

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For fun throw in a jump just to see what Ohmi Sensei, Carol and Sandra have to say about it!

Quote from Ohmi-sensei from a recent class: "That is KABUKI! That is ACTING! That is not iai!"

(For context, the thing he was commenting on did not involve any jumps or twirling or flashiness.)
 

Brian R. VanCise

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MBuzzy be careful with this sword. I caution cutting with it as you do not know it's history, metallurgy, if it is a full tang, etc. Lot's of accidents can happen with cutting if the quality of the sword or the handle is poor. I would have it thoroughly looked over and disassembled before I cut with it.
 
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MBuzzy

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MBuzzy be careful with this sword. I caution cutting with it as you do not know it's history, metallurgy, if it is a full tang, etc. Lot's of accidents can happen with cutting if the quality of the sword or the handle is poor. I would have it thoroughly looked over and disassembled before I cut with it.

Thanks for the tip Brian! I already had it looked over before I bought it. The guy I bought it from is a 5th Dan in Japanese sword. I believe his organization is Taikai, but I'm not sure. He showed me how the basics of taking it apart, re-wrapped the handle, etc. It is full tang and I've seen it cut. His studio uses identical swords for cutting practice as well and haven't had any problems. I talked to a bunch of his students to confirm also. I wasnt about to buy a sword that I intend to cut things with without a pretty thorough inspection. Especailly after all the stories of pegs breaking, blades falling out and flying across rooms, etc....

For the low price, I was very impressed with how thorough and caring the guy I bought it from is. He owns a dojo and a martial arts supply store, which specializes in swords. So the dude isn't off the back of a truck and he isn't a joke. Although I still do have to find out the name of the forge...
 

Brian R. VanCise

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Thanks for the tip Brian! I already had it looked over before I bought it. The guy I bought it from is a 5th Dan in Japanese sword. I believe his organization is Taikai, but I'm not sure. He showed me how the basics of taking it apart, re-wrapped the handle, etc. It is full tang and I've seen it cut. His studio uses identical swords for cutting practice as well and haven't had any problems. I talked to a bunch of his students to confirm also. I wasnt about to buy a sword that I intend to cut things with without a pretty thorough inspection. Especailly after all the stories of pegs breaking, blades falling out and flying across rooms, etc....

For the low price, I was very impressed with how thorough and caring the guy I bought it from is. He owns a dojo and a martial arts supply store, which specializes in swords. So the dude isn't off the back of a truck and he isn't a joke. Although I still do have to find out the name of the forge...

Excellent! I am glad you had it inspected and also that you have someone close to you who uses the same sword in their Training Hall!
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MBuzzy

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We'd call both of those "iaito." Most folks use the Al-Zn version, especially since the weapon control laws in Japan make steel iaitos vanishingly rare there.

How long does it typically take a HDGD practitioner to get to dan rank? Is shodan considered a beginning rank, or a recognition that you're actually pretty good?

Considering that I'm a Chodan (shodan)....I don't know if I'm qualified to answer that! The average student it takes around 3 years, with hourly requirements behind the different ranks. My instructor is also one of the 6 Chief Masters for our Federation, so she is VERY good at her style and at instructing. We have quite a few more requirements than the average dojang. She teaches as much of the art as she knows, which is a lot.

Up to Chodan, you get through basically 16 hyung/kata, which are pretty long- some over 70 movements.

But then, my feeling still carries over from my other style....Chodan just means that you're ready to really learn. You have the fundamentals, but you're still a beginner.
 
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MBuzzy

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Excellent! I am glad you had it inspected and also that you have someone close to you who uses the same sword in their Training Hall!
icon14.gif

I consider myself VERY lucky that I don't have to wait to afford the $2000 sword that I won't even have a chance to see or touch before I buy....

Now I just have to get some straw mats and stands..... :)
 

Namii

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Awesome. That one looks alot like the Hanwei practical series. My first live sword was also a Hanwei Practical. Im willing to bet he got it from Nihonzashi- same place I got mine
 
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