The word “kenjutsu” normally stirs up the idea of training in Japanese-style swordsmanship with the standard katana. In truth, this is more of a modern labeling. During Japan’s history of medieval warfare, the idea of kenjutsu was not limited to a sword of one size. This idea is retained in kobudō, and is put into practice in specified types of lessons, which is also upheld by our Chikushin group.
It is not impossible to apply the techniques of kenjutsu which incorporates a sword of specific length to, say, a sword of a longer length. In fact, it’s this same concept that was applied in the past (along with trial & error from experience), which can give birth to legitimate systems, such as kodachijutsu. This lies in the establishment of solid fundamentals that transpire in the multitiude of weapons one can learn in kobudō.
Some Japanese martial schools that possess various disciplines with different types of bladed weapons, each bearing a clear curriculum of skills, may be called a sōgō bujutsu (総合武術). There may be other non-curriculum content, such as sotowaza (外技), or skills that come from other martial systems not part of the current martial school’s philosophy¹, but in turn offer unique skills that prove beneficial. It’s from factors like these in which one can learn kenjutsu that can transpire across bladed weapons of varying designs.
In this article, I will demonstrate the similarities and differences in kenjutsu based on 3 types of bladed weapons, as well as the neccessity of understanding these finer points in order to use each one effectively. This demonstration encompasses fundamental skills that each of the weapons presented below share.
DIMENSIONS
Presented here are 3 bladed weapons, each of a different type that serves different roles: long sword, standard sword, and short sword.
LONG SWORD (NAGAMAKI): The first is a nagamaki. For starters, this features a 34″ blade, which is longer than the standard katana length of 27″. Along with that is an enlongated handle of 38″, giving the wielder a great reach advantage. A battlefield weapon that was once very devastating, whether on foot or while on horseback.
STANDARD SWORD (KATANA): Next is a katana, the common representation of Japanese sword. This one features a 28″ blade and 11″ handle. The katana accounts for much of what martial artists train with when studying kenjutsu. It’s not only crucial to be adept at using one, but also how to defend against it, since many weapon systems use lessons where one goes against an opponent who wields a katana.
SHORT SWORD (TANTŌ): Lastly is a tantō, coming in with a 10 1/2″ blade and 5″ handle. A bladed weapon that makes a good pair with a katana, but wouldn’t have been the 1st choice for use in combat. Still, it makes for a handy improvision when a bigger weapon isn’t readily available, especially since it’s common for people to carry something similar nowadays.
While the differences between the 3 weapons look daunting, a person can learn how to adapt the concepts of kenjutsu through dedicated practice. For example, while the katana features a common two-handed handle size, the nagamaki is unique as it can be utilized through techniques of both the katana and naginata due to its longer blade and handle. On the other hand, many Japanese martial school teach using a shorter sword against a standard one, allowing one to understand the principles of kenjutsu while wielding a tantō, along with developing dexterity in one’s movements to compensate for its short length.
The following scenarios below uses elements from the kenjutsu of Kukishin ryū to demonstrate how they apply to each weapon, despite their apparent differences. Note that, while Kukishin ryū has specific skillsets for each of these weapons, I will not be going in dept and comparing them to each other. The purpose of this overview is to analyze and compare the overall usage of each in specified situations.
#1 KAMAE – IKIYŌI (SEIGAN)
Here we take up a standard position of readiness, which most know as Seigan (正眼). According to each weapon, how this posture appears will be different, although the intention is the same.
NAGAMAKI – Much easier to control distance with the longer blade. On top of this, one can intimidate and take initiative through the additional handle length. This is achieved through te no uchi (手の内), or how one manipulates the nagamaki using different hand placements.
KATANA – Maintaining a moderate distance, we can keep a proper form. Through skills, one can be ready to either attack or defend when the opportunity arises. Those familiar with kendō can grasp this idea quickly.
TANTŌ – Extend arm to protect oneself and effectively anticipate an attack. Although your arm is more vulnerable this way, one can retract or adjust rather quickly due to a tantō’s light weight and balance point.
#2 KATA – TSUKE KOMI
Next, let’s see all three weapons in action. I will use the following kata, called “Tsuke komi” (附込), in where the main point centers on the defender using a thrust attack to close the distance and defeat an opponent who is open as they raise their own sword over their head. Going solely based on appearance, this kata illustrates the advantages and needed adjustments when performing a thrusting attack through each of the three weapons against an opponent who wields a katana.
NAGAMAKI – At any movement, the opponent is at risk of an uncontested thrust. We can also increase our advantange based on our hand placement on the long handle.
KATANA – Sharing similar reach with the opponent, you crouch down and thrust when a clear opening is made. Timing is still necessary to avoid aiuchi (相打ち, mutual strike that could lead to both killing each other), so speed and placement play an important part here.
TANTŌ – Wielding a shorter weapon, the opponent may be more willing to take the initiative and strike first. In most cases, you intercept with your free hand to neutralize their weapon, while simultaneously stabbing.
#3 UKEGATA – UKEKIRI
For this last scenario, we analyze how to beat an opponent’s overhead sword cut with a strong ukekiri (受け斬り), or cutting-like receive. The timing for this is to wait abit after the opponent commits with their attack, then move accordingly with a strong defense. The key here also lies in the footwork, where for each weapon the right foot is back. The ukekiri we deliver is possible based on how we step with the right foot.
NAGAMAKI – Maintain distance as you take a large swing and cut the attack away, while centering your body behind your weapon. Although slower, the impact from the nagamaki can plow through your opponent’s weapon when well-timed. We don’t extend our arms completely for this in order to maintain center control and balance.
KATANA – As you both move into striking distance, match your sword swing and body movement simultaneously to cut away the attack. You can extend arms abit to apply more power.
TANTŌ – Due to its short length, we step out of the path of the attack and cut into the opponent’s own sword from the side to knock it away. Turn your body sideways with the cut to generate maximum power.
ENDING
Here concludes this demonstration of how to weapons of different lengths can be compared in specified scenarios in order to adapt each one to be effective. This form of learning is but one of many in which practitioners at the Chikushin group can experience.
1) One common reason is the skills come from a certain martial style in which the teacher may not have proper licensing to openly teach. Another is they come from scrolls, being deciphered in its entirety but incorporating a teacher’s knowledge in their current martial systems to fill the gaps.
