How to Attack Quickly With a Katana Sword

Ancient Japanese samurai warriors considered the katana, or sword, to be an extension of themselves. They sought to cut through their enemies in a single, fluid motion. The basis of Japanese sword fighting is speed, and if you learn to strike quickly, you can defeat your opponent easily. These techniques are intended for training only. Always practice with a "bokken," or wooden sword, and only use a katana in sanctioned demonstrations.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Hold the katana in front of you, perpendicular to the ground, with your dominant hand directly beneath the "tsuba," or guard. Hold your other hand about three inches down on the "tsuka," or handle. The little finger on your dominant hand should grip the handle as tightly as possible. The ring finger should grip it slightly less tightly, the middle finger still less tightly and so on up your hand. The index finger of your dominant hand should rest very lightly on the sword handle.

2. Watch for a point of vulnerability on your opponent: a spot between the pieces of his armor, a bare patch of skin or a movement that allows you to take advantage of weakness. You may need to wait for your opponent to make a move. When that happens, aim your blow at the most vulnerable position. Don't strike until you are sure of the blow.

3. Raise the katana directly above your head, keeping it at a straight angle, then bring it down as quickly as you can toward your chosen spot.

4. Angle your dominant hand forward while pushing back on your non-dominant hand as the weapon approaches your target. That will snap the blade down and increase the force applied to the blow.

5. If properly executed, a single blow is all that is needed. The samurai sought to spare their enemies a slow death.

References

• Trueswords.com
• Westlord.com

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