How to Calculate Tsuka Length

Proper tsuka length is very important to a practitioner of Japanese swordsmanship, particularly Kendoka. The tsuka is the portion of the sword or shinai, which the swordsman grips with his hands. Too long of a tsuka and your blade will be slow and require too much arm movement to deliver your cuts properly. Too short of a tsuka and your blade becomes fast, but weak. The blade is very sensitive to hand position and will telegraph your intentions to a skilled opponent. The length of the tsuka depends on the length of the swordsman's forearm. So the length will vary slightly from person to person.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Place the butt of the tsuka into the crook of your right elbow. Lay the tsuka along your forearm, and then grasp the tsuka where your right hand falls naturally. This is where you always want to hold the sword with your right hand.

2. Tighten the grip of the right hand and relax the wrist to a natural position. Measure from the butt of the sword to the top of the right hand.

3. Add about 3/4 of an inch to the measurement made in step 2 for clearance between your right hand and the tsuba (guard). The sum of the measurement in step 2 plus 3/4 inch is the desired length of your tsuka.

Tips & Warnings

• Sword and shinai manufacturers usually have a size chart to convert inches to their sizing code.

References

• Frank Anselmo; Sandan Kendo instructor, New Orleans Kendo Club; New Orleans, Louisiana.
• University of Hawaii Press: Tokeshi/Kendo