Ninja Sword Shop

The Japanese Katana developed in the 16th century is undoubtedly the best martial arts weapon ever created. It was broadcasted so in several international documentaries and certainly deserves this title with its technological perfect structure and fearsome cutting capability allegedly able to split a man from throat to groin in one swing.

The Katana’s physical body can be divided into 2 main sections – the blade and hilt. Let’s begin with the blade.

The blade point Kissaki is the most difficult part to be forged and polished making it one of the main determining factors to a sword’s value. There are 3 types of Kissaki categorized by their length – Ko-Kissaki (short), Chu-Kissaki (medium) and O-Kissaki (long). An interesting way to learn Japanese language Nihongo, isn’t it?

Let’s move on to the Shinogi, the ridge line along the length of the blade. You may have heard of the Ko-shinogi. If you remember the Nihongo tips above, you may have a good idea what it is. Ko relates to ‘short’ so Ko-shinogi is a Shinogi in the shape of a small sharp arc that stretches along the Kissaki (blade point).

Yokote is the dividing line separating the Kissaki (blade point) plane and blade plane.

Hi is the blade groove made to reduce the sword’s weight while giving it better strength. It’s not designed for the blood to flow along as hyped by many.

Next is Yakiba – the tempered line with a distinct design that stretches across the blade. It separates the hard blade edge as a result of differential heat treatment.

Boshi is the extended Yakiba tempered line stretching into the Kissaki (blade point).

Mune is the back ridge of the blade.

Ha is the sharp edge of the blade.

So there you have it, a short and simple glossary on Japanese Katana blade. It can help you to study and value a Katana before purchasing your next collection.

For a more visual-friendly description with labels for easy reference, you can visit this page :

http://awesome-movie-sword-replica.blogspot.com/2008/09/japanese-katana-terminology-for-movie.html

And if you’re an avid sword collector or planning to be one, you can check out my blog for info and guides on movie sword replicas :

http://awesome-movie-sword-replica.blogspot.com

By: Jason Liew

About the Author:

In the previous article “Learn Japanese Katana Sword Terms (Part 1)”, we covered the sword glossary of the Katana’s blade section. In this second article, we will continue with Japanese terms used for the Katana’s hilt section. The hilt section starts from the cross-guard and ends at the pommel.

Tsuba is the cross-guard made of steel, copper, silver or some other durable metal and it serves to prevent the wielder’s hands from sliding to the blade during a thrusting strike. It is also designed to protect the hands from an enemy’s sword. A Tsuba usually has fine meticulous design and in ancient days the Samurai craft their family crest on to the Tsuba. These days the Tsuba is a favourite collector’s item. There are still some Tsuba used as family heirlooms passed down from one generation to another.

Tsuka (which sounds almost like Tsuba) is the handle of the sword, commonly made of wood and wrapped in ray skin. Tsuka is where the wielder’s hands grip the sword.

Kashira is the pommel at the end of the hilt.

Saya is the scabbard or sheath usually made of wood to protect the blade. If you’re an anime fan, you certainly know that Saya was the heroine character in Blood+ and she wields a unique sword with a groove that requires her blood to kill demons. Quite a character name for a sword-fighting anime which makes it easier to remember too.

Sageo is the cord used to secure the sword to the obi (belt).

Kurikata is the knob on the scabbard through which the Sageo (cord) is passed through.

Kojiri is the ornament at the closed-end of the scabbard. Technically it is the butt-cap of the scabbard. Ko- means small while jiri- implies tip.

Koiguchi is the opened-end of the scabbard where the sword is sheathed and unsheathed from.

So there you have it, a short marathon on the Japanese Katana terminology. All the above are just some of the basics introduced to the general audience. There’s still a lot more terms that we haven’t touched on such as the Nakago (sword tangs), Nakago-jiri (tang tip), various blade shapes, etc. So keep posted for future updates on some of these advanced terms.

For a more visual-friendly description with labels for easy reference, you can visit this page :

http://awesome-movie-sword-replica.blogspot.com/2008/09/japanese-katana-terminology-for-movie.html

And if you’re an avid sword collector or planning to be one, you can check out my blog for info and guides on movie sword replicas :

http://awesome-movie-sword-replica.blogspot.com

By: Jason Liew

About the Author:

one of the few martial arts that necessitates the use of several protective gear aside from the traditional kimono or gi. Practitioners look threatening and quite ominous with their black hakama (wide pants covering the legs), bogu body armor (for the torso, shoulders and part of the head), the men or helmet and the metal grilled mask, and of course, the sword.

The katana, or samurai sword was the centerpiece of Japanese history. Noble samurai held these in almost god-like regard. To these medieval warriors, the sword was an object of profound veneration and is one ot the three sacred treasures of Japan. According to Japanese folklore, when Susa no wo no Mikota, nephew of Amaterasu- the Sun Godess slew an eight-headed dragon, he found a katana in its tail.

The study of the Japanese art of swordsmanship or Kenjutsu was restricted only to those of nobility and included many aspects which included Tameshi-giri or the art of cutting and Iai- the art of drawing a sword. This is where the modern art of Kendo descended from. Derived from the words ken, or sword and do or way of life, Kendo literally translated means ‘The Way of the Sword’. It reflects the spirit of the Samurai whose aim it was to cut through their opponents in one initial blow. Being able to achieve such a feat needed a combination of speed, strength and flexibility.

Because the design of the sword used in Kendo is quite different from the traditional Western sword, so too are the movements used in the sword strikes. For obvious reasons, the razor-sharp katana is replaced by wooden bamboo swords called shinai or sometimes boken or wooden swords. Strikes are allowed on specific targets like the top of the head, the upper-left and upper right areas of the head, the right wrist, the left wrist when it’s raised, and either side of the torso. Thrusts to the neck are only allowed for kendokas (practitioners) who have reached advanced levels to avoid risking accidental injury.

Kendo training sessions are relatively noisier because in addition to the kiai shouts, stomping-like fumikomi-ashi are also performed every time a strike is executed. These are essential as improperly-timed steps result in invalid strikes- meaning no point is awarded for the hit.

With approximately 8 million people around the world practicing Kendo, it is hardly a secret martial art. Its combination of strong martial arts values and competitive and physical aspects have earned it a huge following in throughout the world. Kendo halls or dojos has been a long-time symbol Japan and its culture and movies have been using Kendo scenes to add Japanese flavor to the film.

By: Allen Owen

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bmatthentrich asked:

i need a new series to watch with ninjas/ samurai’s in it… action packed sword fight super techniques and stuff like that… any anime suggestions similar to that category will help…(not so much like samuria x or champloon) more like naruto ninja scroll, bleach with techniques could b similar 2 dbz or yu yu hakisho

Sub-Zero asked:

What are all the teams you can create, and which characters do you need to have? The only ones I don’t have is Itachi and that Shark guy, with the really big sword.And I already unlocked: hot blooded master and student, master and student,byakugan,the cursed,eternal rivals,author and fan, and the legendary sannin.