SMAA Gives a Brief History of Japanese Swords
Michimich.com/10249930

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Michimich -- Do you have an interest in Japanese swordsmanship?

Is the katana the only Japanese sword you've heard of?

Sensei Paul Martin gave us a detailed history of Japanese swords in volume 20, issue 3 of the "SMAA Journal." Here's a brief overview from that article:

It is thought that the shift from straight blades to Japanese swords with curvature happened around the mid to late Heian period (794-1184). This was during the mid-10th century: about the time Taira Masakado and Fujiwara Sumitomo rebelled against the government in the Johei (931-938) and Tengyo (938-947) eras.

LATE HEIAN TO EARLY KAMAKURA

From the late Heian period and the early Kamakura period (1185-1333) we can see the Japanese sword as we know it today: shinogi-zukuri (ridgeline) construction, with a wide base, narrowing acutely towards the small point section (ko-kissaki). They are quite slender blades with the curvature concentrated between the handle and base. This shape is called koshi-zori. From midway towards the point there is very little curvature. These blades are usually around 2.5-6 shaku in length (75.8 cm-78.8 cm).

More on Michimich.com

• Seecoin Expands Beyond Gaming: A Web3 (r)evolution for All Content Creators
• Barcelona-based Neurosurgical Specialist Awarded Designation of International Center of Excellence for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
• Pregis Expands Multi-Layer Technology for High-Performance Barrier Films at Anderson Facility
• New Professional Association to Study Principles of Hospitality Applied to the Delivery of Healthcare
• Clinical Endpoints Successfully Met in Study for Groundbreaking 12-Lead ECG Synthesis Technology Allowing Software Application to FDA: HeartBeam, Inc

MEIJI ONWARDS

Blades made from the ninth year of Meiji (1868-1912) until present day are referred to as gendaito (modern swords). As of the Hatorei decree in 1876 (banning civilians from wearing swords), the need for swords declined. However, in Meiji 39 (1906), the craft gained imperial patronage. The sword smiths Gassan Sadakazu and Miyamoto Kanenori were appointed Tei Shitsu Gi Gei In (craftsmen by imperial appointment—equivalent to National Living Treasure). Since then, the sword smith's craft has continued through the Meiji, Taisho (1912-1926), Showa (1926-1989), and Heisei (1989-) eras until today. Today's sword smiths try to recreate the workmanship of eminent smiths of every period.

Read the full article on our website: https://www.smaa-hq.com/articles/article/martial-arts-association-history-of-the-japanese-sword

More on Michimich.com

• Free Fitness Classes for Cancer Survivors Return to Petoskey, Presented by Karmanos Cancer Institute and Wayne State University
• Join us for the Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival – May 8
• Boston Industrial Solutions, Inc. Unveils Natron® 504N UV LED Inks Designed for EPSON Printheads
• Kavelle Christie: Trump's First 100 Days Mark Alarming Breakdown in Healthcare, Public Health, and Freedoms
• Brothers of Kelly Park Awarded Grant from The Skillman Foundation for 2025 B.O.K. Free Summer Camp

SMAA is Your 2024 Martial Arts Association

SMAA offers five divisions of authentic Japanese martial arts: aikido, iaido, judo, jujutsu, and karate-do. If you're looking for a new martial arts association to kickstart the new year, give us a call at (734) 720-0330 or submit a contact form here. We look forward to helping you develop your art!

About Shudokan Martial Arts Association: SMAA was founded in January 1994 by a group of martial artists concerned with promoting and safeguarding Nihon budo and koryu bujutsu—the traditional martial arts and ways of Japan. SMAA is a non-profit that aims keep the spirit of traditional budo alive in the West. Anyone can become a member, even if you aren't a martial artist, and SMAA members are from multiple countries across the globe. For more information, visit https://www.smaa-hq.com/about