|
|
|
Get martial arts books from Amazon.com!
Posted December, 1999
Subject: Old(er) Guys in the Martial Arts
Love the webpage and order for subscription is coming so that I can digest more of what is offered by Furyu. Since art imitates life, I think it appropriate (and refreshing) your offerings of wit and humor. Keep it coming (along with the serious stuff, too).I offer, hopefully, some encouragement for other readers, young and old(er). I took up a study of the martial arts in 1992 at age 41. I consider this to be an advantage over some of my more youthful counterparts because I am not in any hurry. I love participating and learning. I am not as concerned, as Americans often are, with rapid progression in the ranks. This provides a freedom to focus on the other attributes developed in the dojo: loyalty, patience, teamwork, perseverance, attention to detail. So, my advice, be patient and don't wait until you're 40 to do so! Enjoy every minute of study! As a true practioner of budo, you will never really reach the perfection you strive for, so relax and enjoy the scenery.
--Bob Beckham
Charlotte, NC
I have just finished reading your on line article on ethics and morality and could not agree more. With parents that are too busy, schools that are not allowed, churches that are empty, old folks that are six states away, who will do it if not us?
--David Adams
Sakugawa Koshiki Shorinji Ryu Ogasawara-Ha Karate-do
I have a small nagging question that has been in the back of my mind for some time now. I would very much appreciate if you could help me with this question or if you know someone how might know the answer.
The question is as follows:
In old paintings (and pictures) you can see the wooden sword stands with the katana and wakizashi. The "problem" is that on some of them the ha (cutting edge) is pointing downwards and in others it is pointing upwards. What are the different meanings of this? Or is there no meaning to this? (Which I very much doubt since I haven't come across anything regarding shinken which doesn't have a meaning one way or the other).
I have heard some more or less plausible explanations from people who themselves are not quite sure. So I would very much appreciate if you could help me find the answer to this minute but nagging question.
PS. I saw in your letters and email from readers (August 1999) that you fell in love with Scotland. I can understand that. It is a very beautiful and charming place. I play the bagpipe and I used to play
in a bagpipeband so I have been all over the place. They have great whisky too.--Bengt Hahlin
Bengt, here's what I know (which isn't much). If the sword is displayed sword edge down, it means it's a tachi, or a "long sword," and worn slung on the belt cutting edge down. If it is cutting edge up, then it is a katana, a sword stuck into the belt (obi). The tachi is an older, longer sword used by horseriding warriors. Its scabbard is hung slung from the belt, over full armor.
The katana developed afterward, and is a shorter length long sword, with its scabbard thrust through the cloth belt. Its cutting edge is up.
A sword is usually displayed the way it is worn. Thus, if it is a tachi, it is placed cutting edge down. If it's a katana, it's cutting edge up. There is also a debate, BTW, about which way the handle is pointed. From what I understand
About myself: I have been practising Karate since I was 12 years old (1963),Kendo since I was 18 and Iaido since I was 22.
Congratulations! I'm a Spanish man and traveling by Internet, I found your information about the Kyoto Budo Center. I practice iai-do and last year I went with some friends to Kyoto to practice iai and karate. We were taught by Konaka sensei in his personal dojo and in the Budo Center as well. We were taught in the Budo Center by Ohmori sensei. Now, looking at your information I remember again all the the sensei. They were absolutely friendly with us. We never will forget. Thanks so much to all the iaido and kendo men in Japan. . . We cannot find the correct words to express our feelings.
--Best regards, Castor Tellechea
