Tameshigiri for Kendoka
@ London, UK. Dec 03, 2004
Photo 01-05 ... Photo 06-09
01.
It is a rare opportunity for kendo people to hold a real sharp sword.
This day at Nenriki Dojo the club has invited people from other parts
of the country to join a Tameshigiri (test-cutting) session. The aim
is to give the participants the feeling of cutting with the real thing,
using correct te-no-uchi.
Japanese sword expert Victor Harris here gives us the introduction.
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02.
Aiming your target...
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03.
Mike Tucker gives the chop.
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04.
A good kesa-giri cut with correct te-no-uchi leaves the makiwara (or
the mat) with a clean, flat surface at an angle. Like this one.
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05.
Harris demonstrates how to do 6 cuts with one breath, on one mat.
(The ghostly zanshin shadows are made by the low-frequency fluorescent
ceiling lights.)
Harris turns around and says, "See, this is very easy."
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