Chanbara

[Prince Loeffler]

As I understand "Chanbara" is translated as "Sword Fighter". I found this thru the action flex website. Then what is the Japanese term for "weapon" fighter ? if possible in one word.

Note: Weapons as to all types of weapons such as Pilipino and Okinawan.

Thanks !

[Brian Owens]

As I understand "Chanbara" is translated as "Sword Fighter".

My understanding is that chanbara is a term used to describe sword-play movies, because of the sound -- chan! chan! bara! bara! -- of the clashing swords and swordsmen. I've never before seen it translated as "sword fighter." I believe 剣士 (kenshi -- swordsman) is more accurate for that.

If you input チャンバラ (chanbara) into Babel Fish Translator, it comes back as "sword battle," not "sword fighter."

(I wouldn't rely on ActionFlex for reliable translations of Japanese.)

[Prince Loeffler]

(I wouldn't rely on ActionFlex for reliable translations of Japanese.)

Now I know ! whew its good to have back ups here !

[Brian Owens]

As I understand "Chanbara" is translated as "Sword Fighter". I found this thru the action flex website.

Which web site? I just checked http://www.actionflex.com/ and didn't see this.

[Prince Loeffler]

Here's the site in question:

http://www.samuraisports.com/chanbara/development.html


scroll all the way down the bottom.

[Brian Owens]

Here's the site in question:

http://www.samuraisports.com/chanbara/development.html


scroll all the way down the bottom.

"The word 'chanbara' loosely translates to 'sword fighter.'"

Agghhh! I shouldn't have looked!

Their definition of "loosely translated" is my version of "total BS and they don't know what they're talking about."

[Josh Reyer]

My understanding is that chanbara is a term used to describe sword-play movies, because of the sound -- chan! chan! bara! bara! -- of the clashing swords and swordsmen.

To be precise, the "chan-chan" represents the sounds of metal clashing, while "bara-bara" represents people running around every which way. "Bara-bara" is an onomatopeia representing a scattered, disorganized state.

[Andrew S]

To be precise, the "chan-chan" represents the sounds of metal clashing, while "bara-bara" represents people running around every which way. "Bara-bara" is an onomatopeia representing a scattered, disorganized state.

Curses, Josh beat me to it.

Worth noting that Sports Chanbara is organised so that, theoretically, any spear, sword or concussion weapon could be simulated for competition.

[Prince Loeffler]

So ...in one word..lol What's Japanese for mock battle ? My students seems to enjoy using the "action-flex" style okinawan weaponry and I thought we could put a name for it. I don't want to use the "chanbara" term as I know its copyright.

Thanks guys !

[Brian Owens]

...What's Japanese for mock battle?...I don't want to use the "chanbara" term as I know its copyright.

No, it's not.

Action Flex is a trademark, and Sports Chanbara (both words together) purhaps, but chanbara itself is a common Japanese word.

"Okay, kids; ready for a little chanbara?" It seems appropriate to me.

HTH.

[Prince Loeffler]

No, it's not.

Action Flex is a trademark, and Sports Chanbara (both words together) purhaps, but chanbara itself is a common Japanese word.

"Okay, kids; ready for a little chanbara?" It seems appropriate to me.

HTH.

Thanks Brian ! This helps !