Tameshigiri
The art of testing a sword
is called "Tameshigiri". The art for testing a swordsman's skill is
called "suemonogiri". I feel strongly that if you practice a sword
art, you should try cutting.
Kendall Sensei,
Not
to toot my own horn, but tonight I had a real breakthrough in my tameshigiri.
I
thought you would be most understanding of how my baby-steps in tameshigiri
can still make me smile at myself occasionally.
Tonight
I had my very first success at a (ni-giri-waza) two cut form, using Hidari-joho-giri
to make the first cut, and while the goza was still standing, migi-kesa-giri
to cut the previously severed piece. I was shocked, in awe, and could not stop
smiling all night long.
I know this
is not really that great of a thing, but it has been a personal goal of mine
for a while now. I just thought you should know. since you have really inspired
my tameshigiri training. Attached is a photo of the cut, right as I completed
the first cut & was in transition to the second cut.
Hope you enjoy
& thanks, Richard
Elizondo
Ji
Kai Iaido
This is my friend Gene Gabel Sensei, a true "brother of the
blade".
I'm lucky to encounter so many people like Gene san in my life. He has a great
sense of humor and is quite gifted.
This is a picture
of Malcom san cutting for the very first time with his katana.
I was in a chat room for fellow tameshigiri enthusiasts and he was asking
for advice concerning his waza (technique).
I thought he did very well for his first attempt, having no formal training.
He did not injure himself or damage his sword, so I think he did just great.
It is normal to use excessive power when cutting for the first time,
as it takes practice to see how well a good sword will cut.