Since ancient times in Japan, the skill of using a sword was considered one of the most important. The katana, or samurai sword, was more than just a symbol. It was a deadly weapon in the hands of a trained samurai. How can one learn to wield a sword in modern conditions?
Instructions
Step 1
Practice at first with a bokken, a wooden ball. Do not touch a real weapon until the mentor is confident in you. Grasp the end of the bokken handle with your left hand. Squeeze it tightly with your ring and small fingers.
Step 2
Place your middle finger on the grip. Also make sure that your index and thumb can move freely. Do not enslave them.
Step 3
Grasp the top of the bokken handle with your right hand if it does not have a forend. Leave a space in your finger between the fist and the grip. Make your index fingers and wrist parallel to each other. Leave a wrist-width space between your hands.
Step 4
Hold the bokken for 15 to 20 minutes without changing your grip. This is necessary in order to get a good feel for the grip technique and train your fingers.
Step 5
Turn your wrists inward at the same time, as if wringing out a wet rag. Then return your arms to the starting position on the sword. Both palms of the hands should be on top of the bokken at the end of this movement. Do this exercise 100 times a day. This will help increase the strength of the hands and forearms, and will also train you to use the sword.
Step 6
Place your feet together and rotate your left leg 30 degrees. Slide your right foot forward until your right heel and left toes are aligned. Bend your knees and shift your weight onto your toes.
Step 7
Press your toes against the floor. This will allow for corner movements and fast rotation. All this can be done much faster than in the combat direction of kudo.
Step 8
Learn to stab and slash with a wooden sword under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Remember to work on your arms, legs, and torso every day. Exercise your wrists as often as possible using the above methods. If you follow these recommendations, you will learn to work with a real sword after a certain time. Take a very gradual approach to this question!
