Jester san
01-15-2001, 08:50
Greetings all,
I've been reading a few posts regarding historical accuracy and the no-dashi vs katana debate. I put this post here because i've not realy related anything back to the actual game.
I have been a member of the SCA and New Verangian Guard. Both are medievel recreation societies.
I've also trained in aikido, karate and kendo (amonst other martial arts).
With this background i've wielded both real and practice swords.
OK, which is the better sword?
The answer to this can be found in The Art of War or the Go Rin No Sho (Book of Five Rings).
To Paraphrase: 'It's not the strength of the steel but the mettle of the swordsman that counts'
Katana's were made to order and were sized to the wields height.
When holding the katana in one hand (loosly) the tip of the blade must hover one (or two) inchs from the ground.
A heavier or longer sword offers no advantage. Timing is the most important element. When the attacker commits to the attack the defender then uses the defence that will beat that attack, (if they are good and fast enough).
Musashi (who appeared in the 16th centry) is alleged to have defeated his greatest opponent (who weilded a no-dashi all his
life) with a rotten oar.
On the topic of the expansion and legandery swordsmen, Musashi is also alleged to have defeated an entire school of swordsmanship in a day. Yes one man defeated over two hundred samuri, well so the legand goes.
There is a series of five books which are a fictonal account of Musashi's life (based on real events), published by penguin. They are MUST read for any STW fan. (As is the Go Rin No Sho by Musashi)
For those who read this i hope you found it interesting.
------------------
Do not attempt to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sort.
I've been reading a few posts regarding historical accuracy and the no-dashi vs katana debate. I put this post here because i've not realy related anything back to the actual game.
I have been a member of the SCA and New Verangian Guard. Both are medievel recreation societies.
I've also trained in aikido, karate and kendo (amonst other martial arts).
With this background i've wielded both real and practice swords.
OK, which is the better sword?
The answer to this can be found in The Art of War or the Go Rin No Sho (Book of Five Rings).
To Paraphrase: 'It's not the strength of the steel but the mettle of the swordsman that counts'
Katana's were made to order and were sized to the wields height.
When holding the katana in one hand (loosly) the tip of the blade must hover one (or two) inchs from the ground.
A heavier or longer sword offers no advantage. Timing is the most important element. When the attacker commits to the attack the defender then uses the defence that will beat that attack, (if they are good and fast enough).
Musashi (who appeared in the 16th centry) is alleged to have defeated his greatest opponent (who weilded a no-dashi all his
life) with a rotten oar.
On the topic of the expansion and legandery swordsmen, Musashi is also alleged to have defeated an entire school of swordsmanship in a day. Yes one man defeated over two hundred samuri, well so the legand goes.
There is a series of five books which are a fictonal account of Musashi's life (based on real events), published by penguin. They are MUST read for any STW fan. (As is the Go Rin No Sho by Musashi)
For those who read this i hope you found it interesting.
------------------
Do not attempt to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sort.