New Katana, Want Training

[ajknifer]

I just bought a Musashi Bamboo Katana after reading extensive katana reviews online. This seems like a good, cheap, beginner katana. Now I'm looking for training in tameshigiri, as far as I can tell. I want to learn how to cut with a katana. I'm not ignorant. I know that there is a lot to learn as far as Japanese sword skill...but how/what should I search for to learn how to cut with a katana?

 

[HolyRoller]

I just bought a Musashi Bamboo Katana after reading extensive katana reviews online. This seems like a good, cheap, beginner katana. Now I'm looking for training in tameshigiri, as far as I can tell. I want to learn how to cut with a katana. I'm not ignorant. I know that there is a lot to learn as far as Japanese sword skill...but how/what should I search for to learn how to cut with a katana?

Proper training won't involve using a real sword for a long time. Tameshigiri isn't practiced until the student has trained for months (minimum) with a Bokken, then probably an Iaito.

Any instructor that hands you a sharp sword on your first day isn't to be listened to.

Find yourself some classes.

Don't waste your money on books and DVD's. These items are SUPPLEMENTAL at best, ripoffs at worst. They cannot teach you proper form when you have no previous experience to build off of.


If you just want to piddle around in your backyard, cutting bottles, pool-noodles, and whatnot, you don't need a class. Just set up a stand, practice SERIOUS safety procedures, and understand what targets your sword can (and more importantly CANNOT) cut.