Split sword

[drop bear]

Is it this kind of thing?

Oh my goodness This is to swordsmanship what this is to equestrian sports.

Hobby horse is a demonstratable skill. You can be objectively better at it than someone else.

Swordsmanship, not so much.

 

[Gyakuto]

Hobby horse is a demonstratable skill. You can be objectively better at it than someone else.

Well…..

Swordsmanship, not so much.

Well…..

 

[Steve]

Yup. The empty-hand forms typically have a lot of acrobatics as well. It is performance/showmanship competition inspired by martial arts. I do not consider it martial arts.

Most non competitive arts are performance/showmanship. It’s only the criteria for judging that’s different.

Edit: and there’s nothing wrong with that. But let’s be honest about it.