Please note that the publisher and author of this instructional book are NOT RESPONSIBLE in any manner whatsoever for any injury that may result from practicing the techniques and/or following the instructions given within. Martial arts training can be dangerous—both to you and to others—if not practiced safely. If you’re in doubt as to how to proceed or whether your practice is safe, consult with a trained martial arts teacher before beginning. Since the physical activities described herein may be too strenuous in nature for some readers, it is also essential that a physician be consulted prior to training.
Published by Tuttle Publishing, an imprint of Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd., with editorial offices at 364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, Vermont 05759 U.S.A.
Pictures and text copyright © 2008 by Cary Nemeroff
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publisher.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Nemeroff, Cary.
Mastering the samurai sword: a full-color, step-by-step guide / Cary Nemeroff.—1st ed.
p. cm.
ISBN 978-0-8048-3955-6 (pbk.: alk. paper)
ISBN 978-1-4629-1625-2 (ebook)
1. Swords—Japan. 2. Swordplay—Japan. I. Title.
GV1150.2.N46 2008
739.7'220952—dc22
2008005618
ISBN-13: 978-0-8048-3955-6
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First edition
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Printed in Hong Kong
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Contents
Chapter 1 • The History of the Samurai Sword
Chokuto or Ancient Sword Period
Koto or Old Sword Period
Shinto or New Sword Period
Shin-shinto or Modern Sword Period
Chapter 2 • Iai-Jutsu and Ken-Jutsu
Fukasa-Ryu Iai-Jutsu and Ken-Jutsu
Chapter 3 • Knowing the Sword
The Parts of the Samurai Sword
The Sword Maintenance Kit
Maintenance and Repair Guidelines
Preparation for Oil Application
Applying the Oil
Procedures for Short- and Long-Term Storage
Dismantling the Samurai Sword
Tying the Sageo for Sword Storage
Chapter 4 • Selecting the Right Equipment for Practice
Chapter 5 • Samurai Attire
Putting on the Keikogi, Hakama, and Obis
Folding the Uniform for Storage and Travel
Chapter 6 • Saho (Formal Etiquette)
Entering the Dojo Training Space
Subsequent to Oiling
Bow-in onto the Tatame
Putting on Attire
Presentation of the Sword
Honoring the Sword
Wrapping the Sageo
Final Thoughts Regarding Saho
Chapter 7 • Sword Holds
Five Methods of Carrying the Sheathed Katana
Five Methods of Laying the Katana on the Ground While in Seiza
Samurai Sword Inspection
Chapter 8 • Ken-Jutsu
Ken-Jutsu: The Practice
Te-Moto (Hand Position)
Dachi-Waza (Stances)
Kumai-Waza (Guard Positions)
Shizentai (Natural Posture)
Chuden Kumai (Center-Level Guard)
Joden Kumai (Upper-Level Guard)