New Sageo

[Gyakuto]

I decided to change the black sageo cord on my sword, Yūreikiri (ghost cutter) to something a little more colourful.

The dealer-tied knot was so tightly done, it took me 15 minutes to undo it; such skill!

 

[Gyakuto]

I threaded the cord through the kurigata loop on the saya (scabbard) and began the tying pattern…

I can’t get it as tight as the original; I can’t workout which bits to pull, but it looks fairly nice and even. I might add another loop to each end.

 

[Gyakuto]

 

[isshinryuronin]

The sageo I think is a great example of "traditional" (as much discussed in another current thread). In most schools of iai its practical purpose(s) have been lost (not to memory but in use) but still retained for historical/spiritual representations.

In my iai dojo its presence was optional. Some had it wrapped on their saya and fewer actually used it. I didn't have one on mine, but if I had stayed with the art for a few more years, maybe I'd have gotten one just for tradition.

 

[Gyakuto]

The sageo I think is a great example of "traditional" (as much discussed in another current thread). In most schools of iai its practical purpose(s) have been lost (not to memory but in use) but still retained for historical/spiritual representations.

In my iai dojo its presence was optional. Some had it wrapped on their saya and fewer actually used it. I didn't have one on mine, but if I had stayed with the art for a few more years, maybe I'd have gotten one just for tradition.

When I first started Iai in the 80s, we didn’t use sageo in the U.K. following the ZNKR mandate. Then I had a long break for university and when I returned we had to use a sageo and what a pain it was to handle and manipulate in a dignified manner (sageo sabaki). I occasionally see people dropping them or having uneven lengths in gradings and fail as a consequence.

 

[Haruhiko]

I decided to change the black sageo cord on my sword, Yūreikiri (ghost cutter) to something a little more colourful.
View attachment 32450
View attachment 32451
The dealer-tied knot was so tightly done, it took me 15 minutes to undo it; such skill!

Beautiful colour!

I named my first iai bokuto "Atago-san", which my sensei found amusing.

I also named my two Niten bokuto "Takanishi" and "Haruhiko"... but alas, "In all things have no preferences."

 

[Gyakuto]

Beautiful colour!

I named my first iai bokuto "Atago-san", which my sensei found amusing.

After the fire protecting kami?

My custom made sword, with the rare ayasugi hada, is called ‘Subayai Kitsune’ (swift fox) since I adore foxes and there’s a certain folklore associated with them in Japan.

I also named my two Niten bokuto "Takanishi" and "Haruhiko"... but alas, "In all things have no pref

I know someone who makes the most beautiful and wonderfully balanced Niten bokutō . He’s a cantankerous, 92 years old and still teaches Iai, kneeling and all!

 

[Gyakuto]

Different, more vibrant sageo and a better knot……anyone else really bored?

 

[Haruhiko]

After the fire protecting kami?

Yes but indirectly, I named it in honour of the mountain Atago-san in Kyoto, which I climbed on New Year's Day.

I know someone who makes the most beautiful and wonderfully balanced Niten bokutō . He’s a cantankerous, 92 years old and still teaches Iai, kneeling and all!

Amazing craftsmanship. While it's a unique design, traditional white oak is far superior for Niten Ichi-Ryū for its durability, impact absorption, and resistance to splitting. There may be different types allowed at our hombu, but not to my knowledge. Materials like massaranduba or beech, especially with a bamboo edge, don't offer the same reliability or balance needed for proper training.

They're lighter and pointed at the kissaki.

anyone else really bored?

When talking about swords? Never!

 

[Gyakuto]

Yes but indirectly, I named it in honour of the mountain Atago-san in Kyoto, which I climbed on New Year's Day.

I see.

Amazing craftsmanship. While it's a unique design, traditional white oak is far superior for Niten Ichi-Ryū for its durability, impact absorption, and resistance to splitting. There may be different types allowed at our hombu, but not to my knowledge. Materials like massaranduba or beech, especially with a bamboo edge, don't offer the same reliability or balance needed for proper training.

Oh yes, I would use his stuff for impact, just for suburi, teaching or where a steel sword would get one arrested! Many of us like using Niten-style bokutō because they’re much lighter than real swords and so easier to wield. I’m sure Musashi is spinning on his grave stool at the thought of his progeny using ‘easy’ bokuto. If you’ve ever held and swung an old sword that belonged to a samurai, it’d quickly become obvious that using a Niten bokutō does not prepare you for the experience!

View attachment 32461

They're lighter and pointed at the kissaki.

Yes I have a set and I even (badly) gilded the kissaki of the long sword in gold as a little experiment.

Niten on the right (gold), Katori Shintō Ryu on the left (copper).

I even have an ebony Niten Ryu bokutō which is lovely to handle.

When talking about swords? Never!

Yes, but in between those magical times?

 

[Haruhiko]

I’m sure Musashi is spinning on his grave stool at the thought of his progeny using ‘easy’ bokuto. If you’ve ever held and swung an old sword that belonged to a samurai, it’d quickly become obvious that using a Niten bokutō does not prepare you for the experience!

I'm sure soke has his reasons, as did Musashi for his students. But yeah I'd love to train Niten with a heavier bokuto eventually, for exercising if nothing else. My worst form is shomen uchi - it frustrates me to no end! I tend to chop rather than slice, and don't extend my arms up and outwards enough, and my strike is either followed by my body or my body is followed by my strike.

I also swing too fast which doesn't help in correcting my form. Ahhhhhhhh.

It's the simple things...

 

[Gyakuto]

I'm sure soke has his reasons, as did Musashi for his students.

I’m sure Musashi said that wielding a katana is always difficult, but in time it gets easier. I strengthen my radius/ulnar deviation with one of these handles on the cable machine.

It really improves one’s katateuchi (single handed cuts) and makes one’s forearm ruggedly gnarly!

But yeah I'd love to train Niten with a heavier bokuto eventually, for exercising if nothing else.

See above.

My worst form is shomen uchi - it frustrates me to no end! I tend to chop rather than slice, and don't extend my arms up and outwards enough,

I had the same issue until a teacher suggested standing with the sword above one’s in kaburi with one’s arms fully, 100% stretch upwards! Then bring that extension down to 90% and try cutting from that position with the feeling of using the very tip of the sword -snipping with the kissaki! It really helped me. You could also try one of these golfing straps to help keep your arms straighter and coordinated together initially at least.

and my strike is either followed by my body or my body is followed by my strike.

Forgive me for offering unsolicited advice but here’s a great exercise for ‘ki ken tai ichi’ if you want to try it.

1) Place your drawn sword on your right shoulder (mune resting on it, obviously ).
2) Then stand on your left leg only.
3) Lean forwards and as you’re falling forwards step out with your right leg and simultaneously lift your sword above your head (remember the 90%,stretch).
4) As you pull up the left leg in hikitsuke begin cutting so it stops as you left foot stops just behind your right heel.

This will give you the exact feeling of ki ken tai ichi! When you’ve internalised that feeling, you need to move in the same way on both legs! The advanced, ultimate movement is to begin and finish cutting in the last third of the left foot hikitsuke. Give it a try…it’s actually great fun.