The culture of Bangladesh has a history.
14 years ago
Shinai
- For the village near Anjar, Kutch, Gujarat, India, see Shinai village.
Shinai (竹刀 しない) is a weapon used for practice and competition in kendo and are meant to represent a Japanese sword. Shinai are also used in other martial arts, but may be styled differently from kendo shinai, and represented with different characters.
The word "shinai" is derived from the verb shinau (撓う しなう), meaning "to bend, to flex", and was originally short for shinai-take (flexible bamboo). Shinai is written with the kanji 竹刀, meaning "bamboo sword", and is an irregular kanji reading.
In kendo, it is most common to use a single shinai, sometimes called itto style. Some kendoka choose to use two shinai. This kendo style is usually called ni-tō (二刀 にとう), a style that has its roots in the two-sword schools of swordsmanship such as Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū. A ni-to combatant uses a long shinai called the daitō (大刀 だいとう), which usually held in the left hand, and a shorter shinai, called the shōtō (小刀 しょうとう), which is usually held in the right hand. The daitō maybe slightly shorter and lighter than a shinai used in itto style of kendo. Specifications for shinai used kendo competitions that follow the International Kendo Federation (FIK) rules are below.
History
The origin of the shinai can be found in the Edo period. The shinai was developed when a group of swordsmen, in an effort to reduce the number of practitioners being seriously injured during practice, undertook to create a practice weapon that was less dangerous than bokutō (木刀 ぼくとう), the hard wooden swords they were previously using. This is also the motivation behind the development of bōgu (防具 ぼうぐ), the armour that protects the kendoka.
Construction
Sizes and style of shinai vary. For example, an adult may be able to use a shinai that is too heavy for a younger person, so shinai with different sizes and characteristics are made. Shinai are available in many styles and balances. A shinai should not be confused with a bokutō, which has a much more similar shape and length to a Japanese sword and is made from a single piece of wood. However, both shinai and bokken are used in kendo.
The slats of a shinai are usually made from dried bamboo. Some may also be treated by smoking them, or soaking them in resin. Shinai slats are also made of carbon fibre, reinforced resin, or other approved alternative materials.
The shinai comprises four slats たけ (竹, take), which are held together by three leather fittings: a hilt, or handle fitting つかがわ (柄皮, tsuka-gawa), a fitting at the tip さきがわ (先皮, saki-gawa) and a leather strip なかゆい (中結, nakayui) that binds the four slats. All are secured with a string つる (弦, tsuru).
The nakayui is tied about one-third of the length of the exposed bamboo from the tip . This holds the slats together and also marks the proper kendo striking portion of the shinai, or datotsu-bu (打突部 だとつぶ).
Inserted between the ends of the slats, under the saki-gawa, is a plastic plug さきごむ (先ゴム, saki-gomu), and under the tsuka-gawa there is a small square of metal (ちぎり, chigiri), that holds the slats in place.
A hand-guard つば (鍔, tsuba) is then fitted at the point where the tsuka-gawa ends and the bamboo slats begin. This is held in place by a rubber ring つばどめ (鍔止め, tsuba-dome).
Care of Shinai
A shinai must be properly taken care of or it can pose a danger to both the user and the people around it. Shinai should be inspected for splinters and breaks before and after use, and maintained in a manner considered most appropriate by one's style, dōjō, or sensei.
Many people believe that oiling and sanding a shinai prior to its first use, and then periodically during use, can greatly extend its life. However, some disagreement exists on what is considered proper shinai care.
To properly inspect a shinai, one first examines the area around the datotsu-bu, inspecting all sides of the shinai for splinters. This is very important, as bamboo splinters can easily cause injury. The saki-gawa should be intact and the tsuru should be tight so that the saki-gawa does not slip off the end of the shinai during use. In addition, the nakayui should be tight enough as not to rotate easily.
When not in use, shinai are rested against a wall with the handle pointing downward. When a shinai is placed on the ground, it is considered very poor etiquette to step over it.
Regulations
In kendo competitions that follow the FIK rules, there are regulated weights and lengths for the use of shinai. [1] [2] [3]
| Specification | Gender | Junior High School (12-15 yrs) | Senior High School (15-18 yrs) | University students and Adults (18yrs+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum length | Male & female | 114cm | 117cm | 120cm |
| Minimum weight | Male | 440g | 480g | 510g |
| Minimum weight | Female | 400g | 420g | 440g |
| Minimum diameter of sakigawa | Male | 25mm | 26mm | 26mm |
| Minimum diameter of sakigawa | Female | 24mm | 25mm | 25mm |
| Minimum length of sakigawa | Male and Female | 50mm | 50mm | 50mm |
Shinai are weighed complete with leather fittings, but without tsuba or tsuba-dome. The full length is measured. Maximum diameter of the tsuba is 9cm.
| Specification | Gender | Daito (long shinai) | Shoto (short shinai) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum length | Male & female | 114cm | 62cm |
| Weight | Male | 440gm minimum | 280~300gm maximum |
| Weight | Female | 400gm minimum | 250~280gm maximum |
| Minimum diameter of sakigawa | Male | 25mm | 24mm |
| Minimum diameter of sakigawa | Female | 24mm | 24mm |
Shinai are weighed complete with leather fittings, but without tsuba or tsuba-dome. The full length is measured. Maximum diameter of the tsuba is 9cm.
| Size | Length | Size | Length | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 36" | 92 cm | 36 | 44" | 112 cm | |
| 30 | 38" | 97 cm | 37 | 45" | 114 cm | |
| 32 | 40" | 102 cm | 38 | 46" | 117 cm | |
| 34 | 42" | 107 cm | 39 | 47" | 120 cm | |
Fukuro-shinai
The ancestor of the modern kendo shinai is the fukuro-shinai (袋竹刀 ふくろしない), which is still in use in koryū kenjutsu. This is a length of bamboo, split multiple times on one end, and covered by a leather sleeve. This explains the name fukuro, which means bag, sack or pouch. Sometimes the more old and rare kanji tō (韜) is used, but has the same meaning as fukuro.
Some schools cover the entire bamboo in the sleeve and add a tsuba, like Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-ryū does. In Shinkage-ryū, the sleeve is lacquered Kamakura Red, and rather than covering the entire length, is tied off at the non-split end. This particular kind of fukuro-shinai is also called a hikihada (蟇肌 ひきはだ), or toad-skin shinai. The name comes from how the leather looks after lacquering; the sleeves are actually made of cow- or horse-hide.
See also
References
- ^ "The Regulations of Kendo Shiai and Shinpan". Revised 7 December 2006, International Kendo Federation, Tokyo, Japan.
- ^ KENDO America Shinai Regulations
- ^ http://home.vicnet.net.au/~kendo/shinai/ FIK regulations for use of Shinai in competition.
Katana
For other uses, see Katana (disambiguation).
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2008) |
| Katana (刀) | |
|---|---|
 Katana on display at Okayama Castle. | |
| Type | Sword |
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Production history | |
| Produced | Muromachi period (1392–1573) to present |
| Specifications | |
| Blade length | approx. 60–73 cm (23.6–28.7 in) |
The katana (刀) is a type of Japanese sword (日本刀 nihontō), and is often called a "samurai sword." In a precise sense, the term katana in Japanese is applied to any kind of single-edged Japanese sword, although, incorrectly or habitually, some Japanese and Western sword lovers define katana as the standard size moderately curved (as opposed to the older "tachi" style featuring more curvature) Japanese sword with a blade length of greater than 60 cm (23.6 inches).[1] In Portuguese the designation (spelled catana-perhaps delineated from the Japanese word when Portuguese traders first arrived in Japan) refers to a slightly shorter and wider blade, commonly used to clear paths through dense jungle, or to otherwise cut down wild vegetation.
The katana is characterized by its distinctive appearance: a curved, slender, single edged blade, circular or squared guard, and long grip to accommodate two hands. It has historically been associated with the samurai of feudal Japan, and has become renowned for its sharpness and cutting ability, to the point that its purported cutting capabilities have reached mythical status.
Etymology
Originally used as a general term for single-edged sword having a "sori" or curvature of the blade. While the "sugata" or form can take many shapes, including double edged, the term is now used incorrectly to describe nihontō that are 2 shaku (606 mm / 24 in) and longer, also known as "dai" or "daito" among Western sword lovers.
This distinguishes them from the chokutō, which feature straight blades and were imported from China and Korea via trading. The chokutō is speculated to have been the first "sugata" type the katana took on, being modeled after the imported swords. This emergence of the first nihontō took place the same time period as the beginning of Japanese fuedalism and recognition of the daimyo or "great family" in the late nineth century.
Pronounced kah-ta-nah, the kun'yomi (Japanese reading) of the kanji 刀, the word has been adopted as a loanword by the Portuguese language from which it was adopted by other European languages. As Japanese does not have separate plural and singular forms, both "katanas" and "katana" are considered acceptable forms in English.[citation needed]
Another term, Daikatana (usually given as the kanji 大刀), is a pseudo-Japanese term meaning "large sword". (In Japanese, 大刀 is actually read daitō. [2]) The reading mistake comes from the different ways Japanese Kanji can be read, depending on their combination or not in a word. It has been used in some (English-language) fictional works to represent a kind of large katana (perhaps better known as an ōtachi); the video game Daikatana, for example used this pseudo-term as its title. The correct name of this type of weapon is Tachi, and is different from ōtachi and Nodachi.
History
The katana originated in the Muromachi period (1392–1573) as a result of changing battle conditions requiring faster response times. The katana facilitated this by being worn with the blade facing up, which allowed the samurai to draw and cut their enemy in a single motion. Previously, the curved sword of the samurai was worn with the blade facing down. The ability to draw and cut in one motion also became increasingly useful in the daily life of the samurai.[3]
The length of the katana's blade varied considerably during the course of its history. In the late 14th and early 15th centuries, katana blades tended to be between 70 and 73 cm (27.6 and 28.7 inches) in length. During the early 16th century, average length was much closer to 60 cm (23.6 inches), but late in the 16th century, it was again approximately 73 cm (28.7 in).[3]
The katana was paired most often with the wakizashi or shōtō, a similarly made but shorter sword, both worn by the members of the warrior class. It could also be worn with the tantō, an even smaller similarly shaped dagger. The katana and wakizashi when paired with each other were called the daishō and they represented the social power and personal honor of the samurai.[citation needed]
The katana originated from the Tang blade, which as its name suggests, originated from Tang Dynasty. During the Tang Dynasty, it was popular for Japanese scholars to go to China to study. It is no surprise the katana originated from one of the most popular weapons during that time period. The Tang blade looks exactly like a katana, except the edges are not curved. Such new form of curvature is actually most likely attributed to blades from the Arabian Empire at that time, though the shape may have evolved independantly due to the natural hardening of the metal used. The Tang Dynasty was the world center during its time, and it would not be uncommon for traders from all over the world, including those from that area to sell their wares. Curvature in blades had existed in Asia a long time ago, but this new kind was of interest at that time. It can be said that the katana is a combination of the Tang blade with Arabian style curvature.[citations needed] Katanaes where tested on cindemed prisoners. It was constered an honor to die from that level of a weapon. They would start with an arm or a lang. Then they would slice one man in half. Then they would stand to men side by side and then slice both of them in half. They would continue with this prosess until the sword stoped in one of the men. Then that sword would be labeled as a one body sword, two body sword, three body sword....
Forging and construction
The authentic Japanese sword is made from a specialized Japanese steel called "Tamahagane"[4] which consist of combinations of hard, high carbon steel and tough, low carbon steel[5]. There are advantages and setbacks to both types of steel. Having a lot of carbon within the steel allows the blade to hold a sharp edge but can be too brittle and may break in combat. Having a small amount of carbon will allow the steel to be more malleable, making it able to absorb impacts without breaking but becoming blunt in the process. The makers of a katana would use the best attributes of both kinds of steel by placing the high carbon steel in the front of the blade for a sharp edge while placing the low carbon steel in the back where it can absorb most of the impact.
The katana gets its gentle curve from quenching during forging, as it is straight prior to quenching. A process of differential tempering causes martensite to form predominantly in the edge of the blade rather than the back; as the spine has lower retained lattice strain, it cools and contracts, and the blade takes on a gently curved shape.[6]
A coating of clay mixed with ashes and a small portion of rust is applied to every surface but the edge of the blade during hardening. This provides heat insulation so that only the blade's edge will be hardened with quenching. This process also creates the distinct swerving line down the center of the blade called the hamon which can only be seen after it is polished, a katana forger's signature.
The hardening of steel involves altering the molecular structure of that material through quenching it from a heat above 800 °C (1,472 °F) (bright red glow), ideally no higher than yellow hot. If cooled slowly, the material will break back down into iron and carbon and the molecular structure will return to its previous state. However, if cooled quickly, the steel's molecular structure is permanently altered. The reason for the formation of the curve in a properly hardened Japanese blade is that iron carbide, formed during heating and retained through quenching, has a lesser density than its root materials have separately.
After the blade is forged it is then sent to be polished. The polishing takes between one and three weeks. The polisher uses finer and finer grains of polishing stones until the blade is like glass. This makes the blade extremely sharp and reduces drag making it easier to cut with. The blade curvature also adds to the cutting power. A katana must folded over a 1000 times before it is for complete.
Usage
The katana's unique design and in particular its sharpness necessitate quite a few specialized precautions to handle it. Failure to observe these precautions can easily lead to damage to the weapon or severe injury.
Combat
Storage and maintenance
If mishandled in its storage or maintenance, the katana may become irreparably damaged. It is extremely important that the blade remain well-oiled and polished, as the natural moisture residue from the hands of the user will rapidly cause the blade to rust if not cleaned off. Similarly, when stored for longer periods, it is important that the katana be inspected frequently and aired out if necessary in order to prevent rust or mold from forming (mold may feed off the salts in the oil used to polish the katana).[7]
Ownership and trade in the United Kingdom
As of April 2008, the British government added swords with a curved blade of 50 cm (20 in) or over in length ("and for the purposes of this sub-paragraph, the length of the blade shall be the straight line distance from the top of the handle to the tip of the blade") to the Offensive Weapons Order.[8] This ban was a response to reports that Samurai swords were used in more than 80 attacks and 4 killings over the 4 preceding years.[9] Those who violate the ban would be jailed up to six months and charged a fine of £5,000. Martial arts practitioners, historical re-enactors and people currently possessing such swords may still own them. The sword can also be legal provided it was made in Japan before 1954, or was made using traditional sword making methods. It is also legal to buy if it can be classed as a 'martial artist's weapon' [10]. This ban currently applies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
See also
Similar Japanese swords
- Tachi/Nodachi/Ōdachi, often called by the pseudo-Japanese term daikatana and mistakenly labeled as a katana.
- Kodachi, often called by the pseudo-Japanese term chisakatana or kogatana and mistakenly labeled as a katana.
- Wakizashi, the short blade usually worn along with the katana.
Myths and Fiction
Due to their long history and mystique, Katanas are often depicted as weapons of unparalleled power, often bordering on the physically impossible. Katanas are often depicted as being inherently "superior" to all other weapons possessing such qualities as being impossibly light, nigh-unbreakable and able to cut through nearly anything. By contrast, traditional European weapons are often depicted as clumsy, crude and unweildly by comparison despite all historical and modern evidence to the contrary.
Further reading
- Kapp, Leon (1987). The Craft of the Japanese Sword. Kodansha Intl. Ltd..
- Perrin, Noel (1979). Giving Up the Gun: Japan's Reversion to the Sword, 1543-1879. Boston: David R. Godine.
- Robinson, H. Russell (1969). Japanese Arms and Armor. New York: Crown Publishers Inc..
- Sinclaire, Clive. Samurai: The Weapons and Spirit of the Japanese Warrior.
- Takeuchi, S. Alexander (September, 2005). "Common Length of Tsuka on Nihon-to from a Socio-Historical Perspective". http://www2.una.edu/Takeuchi/DrT_Jpn_Culture_files/Nihon_to_files/tsuka_length.htm. Retrieved on 2008-02-20.
- Yumoto, John M (1958). The Samurai Sword: A Handbook. Boston: Tuttle Publishing.
References
- ^ Nagayama, p. 341.
- ^ [1]
- ^ a b Nagayama, p. 28.
- ^ 鉄と生活研究会編 『鉄の本(Book of iron)』 ISBN 9784526060120
- ^ NOVA | Secrets of the Samurai Sword
- ^ Sword Forum International
- ^ Warner, Gordon; Draeger, Donn F. (2005). Japanese Swordsmanship: Technique and Practice. Boston, Massachusetts: Weatherhill. pp. 110–131. ISBN 0-8348-0236-9.
- ^ The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons)(Amendment) Order 2008
- ^ Samurai Swords to be Banned in UK
- ^ [2]
Sources
- Nagayama, Kokan; trans. Kenji Mishina (1997). The Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords. Tokyo, Japan: Kodansha International Ltd.. ISBN 4-7700-2071-6.
| [hide] | |
|---|---|
| Construction · Mountings | |
| Swords & daggers | Shinken · Nodachi · Ōdachi · Chokutō · Katana · Shin guntō · Tachi · Tsurugi · Uchigatana · Kodachi · Wakizashi · Ninjatō · Zanbatō · Tantō · Yoroi tōshi |
| Polearms | |
| Practice weapons | |
