HI Longswords

[Howard Wallace]

Dr. Duvon Winborn is a Bando instructor who uses HI products in his training and instruction. I know little about his art but I did have the opportunity to observe Dr. Winborn demonstrate some weapons forms and techniques at the HI convention in 2003. It was obvious from observing him that he has devoted much time and energy to mastering various weapons.

He recently sent Yangdu some photos of his practice with some HI swords he has has for several years. He says of them, "The swords are durable, well balanced, and beautifully crafted." Yangdu requested I post the pictures he sent, so here they are.

 

[Qeth]

Is that the regular HI katana with grooved grips?

 

[Howard Wallace]

I don't know if HI has anything regular.

My HI katana does not have the finger grooves.

Perhaps someone who has been carefully watching can give us the lowdown on what the usual katana offering is like.

 

[Qeth]

I likee. Mayhap one'll pop up these days.

 

[Karda]

Good to see that Dr. Winborne is still practicing and with us!

For those that are unfamiliar with him:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ne-President-of-the-ABA.-Pix.?highlight=duvon

 

[mikejames]

Thank you posting, Howard. Sifu Winborn has the look of an dangerous man; his focus is intense and is directed to his target, yet lacks emotional content. @ Karda, thank you for the link, and may I say how much I enjoy your avatar? I fear and respect the "Great White", and when one that is longer than your 21ft. boat takes an interest, the experience is more than memorable. Cheers all, Mike.

 

[MarcSpector]

awesome pics and awesome blades! and awesome technique I'm sure.

 

[Yangdu]

Great pix and posting, thank you Howard

 

[Abaniko]

Its great to see Masters like Dr. Winborn and other serious martial artists time and again recognize the quality of HI swords. They are special. I've yet to see a real practitioner, after being introduced to them, not instantly "get it". Handmade and blessed, each virtually one of a kind...Hard to beat, or resisting practicing and playing(ahem...studying) with them

 

[JayGoliath]

Master Duvon with His HI-ness

From the 2003 annual Khukuri Khonvention (in Reno, Nevada):

Duvon prefers and uses the 18" WWII model and this is the one he almost "insists" his students use.

Duvon is a 6th degree black belt with 20+ years in martial arts and just a hell of a guy. Been an HI nephew for a dozen+ years.
He has entered the Monk system of Bando at this stage of his life -- khukuris, kick boxing, agression are history now. He teaches but no longer practices or competes.

The Bando Monk system is the end result of most martial arts worth their salt. Meditation, yoga, spiritual pursuits are now foremost. In the Bando Monk system a monk can use his staff, sash, and a rope with rocks or knots at each end (I call it the Bando bolo) for defensive purposes only. The Monk system is the manifestation of the realization that there are more important pursuits in life than killing or maiming.

--Uncle Bill, March 2003

From H.I website