2 3 4 Please note that the publisher and author of this instructional book are NOT RESPONSIBLE in any manner whatsoever for any injury that may result from practicing the techniques and/ or following the instructions given within. Martial arts training can be dangerous—both to you and to others—if not practiced safely. If you’re in doubt as to how to proceed or whether your practice is safe, consult with a trained martial arts teacher before beginning. Since the physical activities described herein may be too strenuous in nature for some readers, it is also essential that a physician be consulted prior to training. Published by Tuttle Publishing, an imprint of Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd., with editorial offices at 364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, Vermont 05759 U.S.A. Pictures and text copyright © 2008 by Cary Nemeroff All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publisher. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Nemeroff, Cary. Mastering the samurai sword: a full-color, step-by-step guide / Cary Nemeroff.—1st ed. p. cm. ISBN 978-0-8048-3955-6 (pbk.: alk. paper) ISBN 978-1-4629-1625-2 (ebook) 1. Swords—Japan. 2. Swordplay—Japan. I. Title. 5 GV1150.2.N46 2008 739.7'220952—dc22 2008005618 ISBN-13: 978-0-8048-3955-6 Distributed by North America, Latin America & Europe Tuttle Publishing 364 Innovation Drive North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436 U.S.A. Tel: 1 (802) 773-8930 Fax: 1 (802) 773-6993 Tel: (65) 6280-1330 Fax: (65) 6280-6290 8 Contents Foreword Preface Chapter 1 • The History of the Samurai Sword Chokuto or Ancient Sword Period Koto or Old Sword Period Shinto or New Sword Period Shin-shinto or Modern Sword Period Chapter 2 • Iai-Jutsu and Ken-Jutsu Fukasa-Ryu Iai-Jutsu and Ken-Jutsu Chapter 3 • Knowing the Sword The Parts of the Samurai Sword The Sword Maintenance Kit 9 Maintenance and Repair Guidelines Preparation for Oil Application Applying the Oil Procedures for Short- and Long-Term Storage Dismantling the Samurai Sword Tying the Sageo for Sword Storage Chapter 4 • Selecting the Right Equipment for Practice Chapter 5 • Samurai Attire Putting on the Keikogi, Hakama, and Obis Folding the Uniform for Storage and Travel Chapter 6 • Saho (Formal Etiquette) Entering the Dojo Training Space Subsequent to Oiling Bow-in onto the Tatame Putting on Attire Presentation of the Sword Honoring the Sword 10