Unlocking the Secrets of the Japanese

Sword of the Samurai & Ninja

How Mastering Basic Skills and Techniques Will Set You on the Path to Mastering the Katana

Imagine for a moment that you hold in your hands arguably the most powerful symbol of Japanese history, culture and the commitment of warriorship: the katana. This revered blade is not just a tool of war, but a manifestation of a deep-rooted tradition and, because of the craftsmanship by it's creators, also seen as a work of art and thing of immense beauty.

As an aspiring ninjutsu master, understanding the foundational skills of wielding a katana is crucial to your journey. Here, we'll strip away the confusion, false promises, and misguided teachings that you might encounter from fake, inexperienced or lower-ranking instructors with too few lessons under their belts (yes, pun intended!). By focusing on time-honored, tested techniques, skills, and training exercises, you'll take your first definitive steps into mastering this powerful symbol of the warrior's heart and soul.

The word itself is a compound, or joining, of two separate Japanese words: kata ("one-side" or "one-sided"), and na ("blade"), together describing a 'single-edged blade.'  The katana is part of a set of weapons that fall under the classification of the Nihon-to, or 'Japanese (Samurai) Swords/Blades,' and is typically seen to be more than 2 shaku (approximately 24 inches) in length and carried as the longer of a set of 2 or 3 blades carried in the warrior's obi ("sash").

Stances and Postures: Your First Lessons

Your journey begins with what many call the "stance" (dachi) but, in the art of Ninjutsu as-well-as the Samurai systems connected to it by way of the Bujinkan, Jinenkan, and Genbukan organizations committed to passing this powerful system of self-protection and life mastery down today...

...these combat positions are known as kamae ('body-mind-spirit attitudes') and combine several parts of the warrior's being, in body, mind and spirit into one integrated whole.

A proper combat posture sets the tone for balance, power, and fluidity. The most common of these include Chūdan-no-Kamae (middle-level posture), Jōdan-no-Kamae (high-level posture), and Gedan-no-Kamae (low-level posture).

In Chūdan-no-Kamae, you stand profiled to your attacker with your hips low and knees deeply bent. Your sword points towards a the opponent's solar plexus, demonstrating both readiness and defense. Jōdan-no-Kamae sees your sword raised above your head, a position of readiness to strike immediately when an opening presents itself. Gedan-no-Kamae, with your sword held low, prepares you for defensive maneuvers and counterattacks.

Breathing and Focus

In the art of the katana, breathing is an unsung hero. Controlled breathing, a fundamental aspect of mindfulness, keeps you centered and calm. The ancient practice of controlled breathing, or kokyū, allows you to regulate your energy. This measured technique is especially crucial in combat, ensuring that your movements remain fluid and powerful rather than hastened and uncoordinated.

Gripping the Katana: The Foundation of Power

Your grip on the katana, another fundamental aspect, affects your ability to deliver precise and forceful strikes. The right grip channels power without compromising control. Typically, your dominant hand holds the katana just below the guard (tsuba), while your other hand grips the base of the handle (tsuka). Your hands should never be too tight; a relaxed grip promotes flexibility and responsiveness.

The Essence of Cutting: Kiri and Suburi

At the heart of katana training lie the basic cutting techniques—Kiri and Suburi. Kiri, or the actual act of cutting, requires precision, fluidity, and power. When executing a cut, aim not just to slice the surface but to follow through with your motion, embodying a mindset that sees the sword as an extension of your body.

Suburi, the practice of repetitive, solo cutting exercises, is where you build muscle memory. Samurai warriors would practice Suburi thousands of times to in-grain the movements into their bodies. These repetitive exercises teach you the mechanics of each cut, ensuring that every motion becomes second nature.

Basic Cuts: Shomen-uchi and Kesa-giri

Two foundational cuts you'll encounter early on are Shomen-uchi and Kesa-giri. Shomen-uchi ('Top-of-Face Cut') is a straight cut from above, aimed at the opponent's head. Executing a proper Shomen-uchi involves aligning your blade, body, and breath into one seamless motion.

Kesa-giri ('Cutting the Lapel' - downward-diagonal cut), an angular cut that mimics the diagonal slash of a monk’s cassock (kesa), is another essential technique. Originating from a high guard stance, your blade moves diagonally from shoulder to hip. Mastering Kesa-giri requires focus on angles and maintaining the blade’s sharp trajectory from start to finish.

Basic Blocks and Parries: The Art of Defense

Learning to defend is just as crucial as learning to attack. The fundamental blocks (uke) and parries are designed to fend off and redirect your opponent's attacks. Blocks like Jodan Uke (high block) and Gedan Barai (low sweeping block) shield different areas of your body. Practice these until they become instinctive responses to incoming strikes.

Kata: The Dance of the Sword

Kata, or pre-arranged forms, combine stances, cuts, and blocks into a single fluid exercise. These sequences teach you to transition smoothly between techniques, honing both your offensive and defensive skills while promoting muscle memory and mental focus. Practicing kata repeatedly instills a rhythmic flow to your movements, an essential quality for any practitioner.

The Mindset of Mastery

Underlying all your physical training is a mental and spiritual discipline. The concept of mushin, or "no mind," involves clearing your mind of distractions to act instinctively and fluidly. Approaching your practice with humility, patience, and dedication is essential. Remember, mastery is not achieved overnight; it is a journey that demands consistent effort and unwavering focus.

Summary

In overview, as a budding warrior of Japanese bujutsu and and aspiring ninjutsu master, laying a strong foundation in the basic skills of katana training is crucial. By committing to these fundamental techniques—stance, grip, breathing, cutting, and kata—you set the stage for advanced learning.

Disregard the misinformation and half-truths from unqualified instructors. Instead, plunge into the tradition with a steadfast heart and a disciplined mind, for true mastery lies in understanding and perfecting the basics.

This is the path of the katana, the enduring legacy of the samurai and ninja.