Re: Iaito length plus other boring questions
Originally posted by Andoru
...Since I'm 164cm, should I err towards a 2.35? Swordstore's calculator says that I should pick 2.30.
I would go for the 2.35 if I were you. 5 bu isn't a huge difference, but I think longer is better than shorter for what you're doing as it will help you to really concentrate on your form. Your sensei is the best judge of this, however.
Originally posted by Andoru
...For iaito, I'm currently looking at the Higo Koshirae standard (ka105). I was interested in the dotanuki at first but it seems that it might not be suitable for a beginner. I wouldn't mind training with a heavier sword though.
I agree with Roar; you're probably better off avoiding a really heavy sword, at least in the beginning.
You say you're well built, but a heavy sword might lead you to try to "muscle" your way through the kata, rather than letting the sword do the cutting. Repetition is key, and the lighter sword will help you to keep proper form further into each class' instruction.
Yours in Budo,
---Brian---