Question about wearing a katana

[darenyoong]

When we wear a katana, why is it that the cutting edge is facing upwards? Could we flip the saya 180 degrees and wear it that way?

Is the katana worn with the cutting edge facing upwards to facilitate and easier draw, better drawing grip? I am learning kenjutsu and i would like to know the reason.

[Jock Armstrong]

It's worn cutting edge up to facilitate drawing but also because the shape makes it the easiest way to carry it in the obi. Earlier the sword was worn "tachi" style, sling from the obi edge down.

[shotofan]

Also so to protect the cutting edge of the sword.

[socho]

probably less to protect the sword than to protect the saya and your hand. Sharp steel vs soft wood (or your hand), steel wins.
Tachi style works fine from a horse, but would bang around on someone just walking. Edge up in a proper obi (not a karate belt), there is very little unwanted motion or shifting.

[Robert Miller]

Excuse me, slight thread drift...if the katana is secured by the obi, with the saya sticking out the "side vent thing" of my hakama, where do I put my wakizashi? (Anyone that supplies a pic will recieve accolades, appreciation, and a chocolate chip cookie.) Thanks for reading...and any input!

[Jock Armstrong]

The wakizashi used to be worn across the stomache- usually long enough for the saya to poke ot of the side of the hakama. The katana was worn through a different layer of thew wrapped obi to prevent saya rubbing together and damaging the lacquer [maintainance cost money- then as now. professionals look after their kit]. some times, some preferred to wear a dagger rather than a full size wak- personal choice. Certainly less cumbersome.

[darenyoong]

Thank you for the replies. The most convincing arguement is that it protects the saya and the hand, i feel.

[Brian Owens]

According to the tradition I was told, the switch was made not to protect the saya or the hand, but because of the change in tactics.

When the bushi fought from horseback, the tachi -- worn edge down and slung from the belt -- was used in a "ground to sky" draw that was effective against foot soldiers as well as other mounted bushi.

When the emphasis shifted from battlefield tactics to dueling and defense from sudden, unexpected attack while walking, it was found that the "ground to shy" draw wasn't as effective as a "sky to ground" draw. Flipping the saya over facilitated this draw.

It wasn't really a new concept, of course. The companion sword to the tachi was worn edge up in the sash all along, and may have been the inspiration for the new way of wearing the katana.

There are still waza where a "ground to sky" draw is used, and in those waza the saya is turned over in the obi at the beginning of the draw. If you've done this, you probably know how much more difficult the draw is than when done the "right" way.

[socho]

Originally posted by Yagyu Kenshi
... There are still waza where a "ground to sky" draw is used, and in those waza the saya is turned over in the obi at the beginning of the draw. If you've done this, you probably know how much more difficult the draw is than when done the "right" way.

Of the styles that do this draw/cut, not all of them turn over the saya. It completely 'telegraphs' the cut, plus is much more dangerous for the user, that 'steel vs wood'(saya) thing again. I have seen very few people do it properly, with consideration for what a shinken would do to a saya (or a hand). Not to say that it is not effective, the Sekiguichi Ryu guys have a very powerful and dynamic version of this, which you can see at the seminars and tai kai in Tuscon in two weeks (plug).

Robert, re your wak question, as Jock mentioned, it would be worn in a different layer of the obi. Depending on style, the katana would be in the closest layer to your skin, sometimes all the way against your body (heavier weapon - more support), and a wak or tanto would be in an outer layer (less support needed).

Dave

[Brian Owens]

Originally posted by socho
Of the styles that do this draw/cut, not all of them turn over the saya.
I can't picture how you can do a ground-to-sky nukituske without flipping the saya. How is it done? (I can't make it to Tucson.)

[ulvulv]

Originally posted by Yagyu Kenshi
I can't picture how you can do a ground-to-sky nukituske without flipping the saya. How is it done? (I can't make it to Tucson.)
If you grip the tsuka correctly, you can twist the sword at sayabanare without twisting the saya, and do a decent cut upwards

[Jock Armstrong]

In toyama ryu the saya is only turned to about 45 degrees [from the rest poition]. The hasuji or cutting angle is achieved by wrist action after the kissaki [point] has cleared the scabbard. The saya does not turn over at all. When done well, its smooth, fast and doesn't damage the saya.