The art of the samurai is shrouded in mystery and legend. One of the most famous remains that of the katana, or sword, used in feudal Japan by samurais for self-defence, for ceremony and for beheading enemies. Masters of the sword were held in high esteem, and were so feared that it was prohibited to carry outside the house. Here are the secrets of this fascinating weapon.
The sword was originally a dagger with a straight blade
The first swords were probably straight daggers, used by hunters and warriors alike. Samurai lancers wore them attached to their uniforms, and it is not surprising that they soon developed the art of handling these weapons with a perfect control of balance.
The double-edged sword
The curved blade was introduced in the 10 th century and became popular during the Kamakura period. The sword had from now on a double-edged blade with sharp edges, making it more efficient for both cutting and stabbing. This is equivalent to the modern real katana, which is still used today for ceremonial purposes by the Japanese police force.
The Japanese sword has a unique shape
The Japanese sword is forged with a curve that starts from the tip and ends at around 2/3 of its length.
The Japanese sword is forged with a curve that starts from the tip and ends at around 2/3 of its length. It also has a unique point of balance called uchigatana, which is located about two-thirds of the way down the blade. This allows the wielder to have a great deal of control over the weapon, as well as quick and easy recovery after an attack.
The right way to train
Samurai were taught their swordsmanship under the tutelage of their masters, and had to master a complex system of movements, as well as how to use the weapon with speed and precision. The blades were treated with care, and were polished frequently to prevent tarnishing.
The katana is used by the police in Japan
The katana is a symbol of nobility, dignity and bravery in Japan. Nowadays, the Japanese police force is seen carrying the katana as a signal of their status. More than 170 years have passed since samurais have vanished from the face of Japan, but their art of handling their swords lived on.
The katana was used by samurai as a weapon
The sword was not just an emblem to show social status in feudal Japan; it was also used as a weapon to kill or injure any potential adversary. The sword was carried on a belt that was worn in an upward position, to avoid the risk of cutting the wearer’s face or neck. The owner of the sword could also hide it under the clothing, which made it perfect for surprise attacks.
The katana is still used today
Despite its poor quality compared to its contemporary European counterparts, the katana is still used by a small number of people in Japan today.
