socho
12th June 2000, 08:54
Greetings list-ka,
Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a tameshigiri tai kai (cutting tournament) at the Kashima Jingu (shrine) in Kashima, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the sword arts and is the home of Kashima Shinto Ryu. It has a huge and impressive dojo. The tai kai was run by the International Batto-do Federation(IBF) and attended by dozens of schools. Several hundred people competed, cutting rolled tatami mats. Nakamura-sensei was an honored guest, and I went as part of his group from Yokohama. I'd like to share a few impressions and invite comment or questions.
1) overall, very impressive. good evidence that sword arts, especially cutting arts, are alive and well in Japan. A sword dealer was present, with about 40 swords plus fittings and supplies, and seemed to do a good business.
2) lots of different sword sizes and shapes used by the competitors. Noticed several that seemed a bit short, but were very wide in the mihaba (top to bottom, mune to ha). Don't know how thick they were (kasane), but they cut very well. One very large (tall and broad, not fat) Japanese man had a very long sword, with an extra long handle. Didn't see him cut. Didn't see many like it. Lots of very light swords. These make me nervous, they are fast and great for kata, but not forgiving of poor cuts (they bend).
3) the seitei toho forms for the IBF are different from the All Japan Toyama-ryu Batto-do Federation, which the Nakamura-ryu group follows, and I think this was evident in the judging. The Nakamura group cuts a lot, and pay more attention to the angle of the cut, controlling the blade, and moving into correct position for the next cut. They allow 'free style' and experimental cuts within that framework, and you usually get multiple cuts from one mat. It seemed that the judges (don't know what school or style) looked more for cuts from within their kata set and the kind of flourish you see with MJER. (not denigrating, just commenting)
4) The competition was well controlled and moved along pretty quickly. Each sword was checked to make sure the mekugi was in place. Two swordsmen/women faced three judges. Each would cut, then the judges would kantei (judge). The winner moved up the ladder. The number of cuts was determined by your rank. At the semi-final or final level within your bracket there might be a cut or two added, or you could cut on two mats.
5) the winners in each group were truly impressive, great control, good spirit. It was fun to watch, if a little overwhelming, and I learned a lot (I hope). If you get a chance to attend one of these, I highly recommend it.
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Dave Drawdy
Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a tameshigiri tai kai (cutting tournament) at the Kashima Jingu (shrine) in Kashima, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the sword arts and is the home of Kashima Shinto Ryu. It has a huge and impressive dojo. The tai kai was run by the International Batto-do Federation(IBF) and attended by dozens of schools. Several hundred people competed, cutting rolled tatami mats. Nakamura-sensei was an honored guest, and I went as part of his group from Yokohama. I'd like to share a few impressions and invite comment or questions.
1) overall, very impressive. good evidence that sword arts, especially cutting arts, are alive and well in Japan. A sword dealer was present, with about 40 swords plus fittings and supplies, and seemed to do a good business.
2) lots of different sword sizes and shapes used by the competitors. Noticed several that seemed a bit short, but were very wide in the mihaba (top to bottom, mune to ha). Don't know how thick they were (kasane), but they cut very well. One very large (tall and broad, not fat) Japanese man had a very long sword, with an extra long handle. Didn't see him cut. Didn't see many like it. Lots of very light swords. These make me nervous, they are fast and great for kata, but not forgiving of poor cuts (they bend).
3) the seitei toho forms for the IBF are different from the All Japan Toyama-ryu Batto-do Federation, which the Nakamura-ryu group follows, and I think this was evident in the judging. The Nakamura group cuts a lot, and pay more attention to the angle of the cut, controlling the blade, and moving into correct position for the next cut. They allow 'free style' and experimental cuts within that framework, and you usually get multiple cuts from one mat. It seemed that the judges (don't know what school or style) looked more for cuts from within their kata set and the kind of flourish you see with MJER. (not denigrating, just commenting)
4) The competition was well controlled and moved along pretty quickly. Each sword was checked to make sure the mekugi was in place. Two swordsmen/women faced three judges. Each would cut, then the judges would kantei (judge). The winner moved up the ladder. The number of cuts was determined by your rank. At the semi-final or final level within your bracket there might be a cut or two added, or you could cut on two mats.
5) the winners in each group were truly impressive, great control, good spirit. It was fun to watch, if a little overwhelming, and I learned a lot (I hope). If you get a chance to attend one of these, I highly recommend it.
------------------
Dave Drawdy