How to Make Your Own Tatami

Cutting tatami in action!

Tatami are often used in martial arts training as a tool for practicing swordsmanship. Throughout Japanese history, tatami mats were made from soft rush straw that was stuffed with rice straw. Other materials (particle board, styrofoam) are now used in the production of tatami. When these earlier mats wore out, martial artists and warriors would use them to test newly-crafted swords or to improve their swordsmanship. Tatami have a strength and consistency similar to the human body. The problem today, especially for people who live outside Japan, is not only finding tatami to use for practice, but also the cost. In 2009, it costs upwards of $100 for a single mat. The good news is you can make a tatami for pennies on the dollar compared to what you would pay for a factory-made tatami.

Things You'll Need

• 3 straw floor mats
• 1/2-inch pipe
• 45-gallon tote
• 30 to 35 gallons of water
• 3 pieces of string or twine, 8 to 10 inches long

Instructions

Rolling Tatami Mats

1. Take the 1/2-inch pipe and place it at the very end of one of the straw mats. Roll the first mat around the piece of pipe until it is completely rolled up.

2. Take the second straw mat and place one of the ends under the end of the first mat that you wrapped around the pipe. The first mat should overlap the beginning of the second straw mat by 6 inches. Continue to roll the second straw mat around the first mat and the pipe. Repeat this for the third straw mat until all three mats are wrapped around the pipe, creating one large, rolled tatami.

3. After all three mats have been rolled together, take the first piece of twine and tie it tightly around the middle of the mats with a firm knot. Now take the other two pieces of twine and tie them 6 inches from the end of the mats. Once you are finished, remove the pipe from the tatami.

4. Now you will need your 45-gallon tote. They can be purchased at a local superstore for a few dollars. Fill the tote 3/4 full with the 30 to 35 gallons of water. You also can use a garden hose to fill the tote.

5. Take your tatami and place it in the water that is in the tote. Be sure the entire mat is completely submerged. Leave it in the water for 24 hours. Soaking your tatami makes the mat firmer and more dense. This allows for a much cleaner cut. The mat often will bend while you are cutting it if isn't soaked in water first.

Tips & Warnings

• When rolling the first mat, be sure to roll it loosely. If rolled too tightly, the mats easily can become undone when you remove the pipe. Twine is best for tying the mats together, however, string will work fine. Knitting string will also work.

• Use the proper sword for cutting these tatami. If you don't have proper training with a sword do not attempt to use the tatami for practice. Katana swords are extremely sharp and can easily cause serious injury or death.