Romans fought with lances and changed to their small swords when shields (they had tower shields) clashed and a mass of enemy forces tried to ram the soldiers. The short swords were intended only for quick piercing through shield gaps, maneuvering it in short room situations, not for swordplay such as in "Gladiator".
The Katana (ka-ta-NA) acquired it's curved design so it could be drawn more easily while on horseback, for Samurai fought mostly on horseback, during the glorious days of bushido.
As for armor, Japanese armor was really different from European medieval armor. A set of full plate and mail was not as thick as a Kabuto, for if it were, no man would be able to walk on it, imagine sword fight. Katana CAN cut through iron and it did for years. A 1cm cut into the head is as much as you need to cause a deadly injury. Not to say that Samurai would only use their full armor when going to war. Most duels of honor were fought with light clothing - Kimono and Hakama (Cloth).
i gonna go with Caliburnis on this one. There is no proof that such a weapon as ninjato has ever been used. It is hollywood fiction as the "typical ninja dress"
To say that they created a new kind of sword to use in doors is the lamest argument i ever heard (and i get to hear that one alot when this subject comes up) If you where gonna fight with the blade in houses you used the wakizashi instead. ^^
That's quite correct. From what I remember Kodachi, and Wakizashi were all favored for fighting indoors, with longer swords left for other work. There's actually a movie that I know of that exploits this trait called "Twilight Samurai". It's a really good movie that shows what the life of a later era Samurai would be like in quite a 'blunt' fashion. You should check it out.
I feel I ought to address the infamous reverse grip thing. This is something that, while cool looking in the movies, is an extreme rarity in actual sword arts. In fact, I have never encountered it. Try sparring that way and you'll see how vulnerable your hand becomes. For one thing you lack reach wielding the sword this way, and your hand is a tempting, unprotected target within easy reach.
There is a reverse grip technique, but it was for shiburi and not for an actual cut. Muso Shinden Ryu has a waza that uses a shiburi and no-to in a reverse grip. Granted, an accomplished samurai would also be trained in aikijujutsu and may come across an 'accidental' reverse grip (at the end of the handle) and would still likely make the best of it*** (there is no historical citation for it, but as a result of martial art practice it has sometimes been a viable option during waza practice).
Yes, several chiburi and noto variations are made with the reverse grip, but these are always post-combat. And sure, in an actual combat situation you may encounter lots of strange things, and it is conceivable that you might somehow find yourself holding a sword up-side down and having to make the best of a less than ideal situation. Of the hundreds of kata, I have actually come across one which includes a reverse grip stab (but switches grips for the following cut).
I know, but try weilding a roman sword in a fight, then try weilding a katana. you'll see the difference in weight and balance. and besides, they weren't even made for the same duties (well, killing of course but there are different ways to kill someone with a sword), so you can't really compare them
yeah true dude the roman sword did change the world at its time but over the years it became obsalite throught being to short, plus the katana is froma diffrent part of the world so very doutful if they came across one considering rome didnt conqure that far.
Hmm, critiques. The curvature of the blade has nothing to do with the blade's agility. A sword's agility has more to do with cross-section, and sword balance. Hence, curved swords are not more agile than straight blades. Second, there's actually debate as to whether or not the Ninjato exists, and it's possible it's a modern creation, perhaps of Western media.
Third; the katana is not more agile than most other weapon designs. For instance, the European longsword, when designed for cutting, often match or exceed the katana in terms of performance and capability. Heavier sword? This is something you should avoid. That's a fallacy. Most swords lay within the range of 2-4 pounds.
I feel you're trying to talk about European swords here, so I'll remind you that the Longsword, the Western 'equivalent' to the katana weighs in between 2 and 4 pounds. The weight of a katana? in between 2 and 4 pounds. You also stated an untruth. Swords can not cut through armor, not even the fabled katana. To buttress this point, I'll refer you to the practice of Kabutowari, which shows that the results of even incredibly powerful blows will be a 'scar' across the top of the helmet in question
'Masamune' style, is in actuality a 'Odachi', or Great Tachi, and has the use you suggest. I could be wrong, but I don't think there really are any styles that manipulate an 'underhanded' grip to a large extent.
dude the katana can cut through iron.. im sorry but ive seen it done at a sword show, plus i very much dout you are a professinal historian so argue with historians they belive it can cut through iron.
Look up something called "Kabutowari". It is a practice of cutting an iron helmet, but the most impressive kabutowari ever recorded was only a centimeter or so deep "scar" along the top of the helm. If katana could so easily cut through iron, I would expect the katana to easily cut helmets in half.
Uh. No, that's not deep enough to go through the helmet. Are you forgetting that helmets aren't just a flat sheet (Which would actually dissipate the attack due to the surface area being impacted). You have to cut through the top, and /through/ the sides of the helmet to cut through it. Or at least several inches into the helmet to cut into the fleshy parts underneath. Regardless, Kabutowari tests are done in a manner which is wholely unrealistic for actual combat.
Actually, there is no historical basis for the ninja-to at all, and there isn't any serious debate going on in scholarly circles. Certainly the examples presented in this video are modern wallhangers.
yeah, um, you should read that "demonstratration" warning yourself. From the way you hold and handle the sword you look like you could seriously hurt yourself.
Samurais wouldn't cut like that. Bringing the sword that far out after a cut leaves you vunerable. What you on about push/pull? I do Iaido in which I use a sword and we have nothing about push pull. One hand is a guide whereas the other is a support and you use Tandoinuchi (probally spelt wrong, I haven't seen it written before) which is like twisting a towel to stop the blade.
Dude do a little more research before you tell things. the ninja used the samurai katana not the straight one were all made to believe the ninjato doesnt exist there isnt one historical straight katana with a square gurard. I work at a sword shop i know alot more about them how they are used than most
I know ninjas used any weapon at hand and were jacks of all trades. But weren't smaller versions of the katana used after all a two handed katana is harder to conceal and may interrupt movements hindering agility to an extent. Also the length may make a full draw take considerable more time in a critical situation. As for the degree of curvature I do not know the original specs but I see your point and it seems totally true to me (though I am compelled to do more research) My point was length.
From what I understand, according to the Bujinkan school of thought, the ninja (at least the Togakure Ryu) used a shorter blade katana with a regular length tsuka. The shorter blade would then be concealed in a regular length saya and worn in public. The straight ninjato with the square tsuba is a product of 1980's Hollywood Hype.
actually since no one was allowed to carry weapons in public except for samurais, the ninjatos were usually concealed in bamboo sticks , and they were straight because a straight blade is much easier to make, remember ninjas were mostly farmers, also the squared tsuba could also be detached and used as shuriken
many times a blowgun was concealed inside the bamboo also,
I'd check the research on that - I don't think I've ever come across a removeable tsuba in historical documentation. There is history on the straight blade, but they were often used as a last resort concealed weapon, but were often of shoddy smithing compared to the katana made from forged tamahagane. The history I'm familiar with where swords were concealed in public was when the Samurai were forbidden to carry their family blades - they insisted on carrying them in bamboo shirasaya.
Me too. Show your reference material that the ninja carried 'ninjato'. Everything I've studied (books and online) say that they would use katana, or alternately cane swords (which, incidentally were not special to ninja or Asia).
lol, katana musn't be hold like that, it's not an hammer. And for the cutting, don't put your head so far from your body.
Learn, before teach, it will be better for everybody...
death8383 1 year ago
Masamune - Say it with me... Phonetically please... MA (Mah) SA (Sah) MU (Moo) NE (NAY)
NOT MAH-SAH-MOON...
You do discredit to accurate pronunciation of the weapons you are giving FALSE information about.
DarthMorbius1977 1 year ago
your amusing me ... however your info is quite flawed
jtphantom 2 years ago 4
i thought it was synister gates for a sec.
traveller89 2 years ago
thanks for the info but next time dont talk soooo close to the mic... the bass from your voice is kinda strong.
danamesMobstr 2 years ago
Very interesting video.
Stumperx 2 years ago
move the mic from your mouth!!
super69ninja 2 years ago
95% BS information that is wrong. Stop watching anime and getting your information off of it.
sanbonsugi 2 years ago 7
Please do your research before posting a video that isn't full of crap.
sanbonsugi 2 years ago 2
Romans fought with lances and changed to their small swords when shields (they had tower shields) clashed and a mass of enemy forces tried to ram the soldiers. The short swords were intended only for quick piercing through shield gaps, maneuvering it in short room situations, not for swordplay such as in "Gladiator".
The Katana (ka-ta-NA) acquired it's curved design so it could be drawn more easily while on horseback, for Samurai fought mostly on horseback, during the glorious days of bushido.
mitelusmorion 3 years ago
As for armor, Japanese armor was really different from European medieval armor. A set of full plate and mail was not as thick as a Kabuto, for if it were, no man would be able to walk on it, imagine sword fight. Katana CAN cut through iron and it did for years. A 1cm cut into the head is as much as you need to cause a deadly injury. Not to say that Samurai would only use their full armor when going to war. Most duels of honor were fought with light clothing - Kimono and Hakama (Cloth).
mitelusmorion 3 years ago
Masamune is pronounced "Masa moonay" not "Masamoon"
Eureka787 3 years ago
i gonna go with Caliburnis on this one. There is no proof that such a weapon as ninjato has ever been used. It is hollywood fiction as the "typical ninja dress"
To say that they created a new kind of sword to use in doors is the lamest argument i ever heard (and i get to hear that one alot when this subject comes up) If you where gonna fight with the blade in houses you used the wakizashi instead. ^^
Soogiri 3 years ago
That's quite correct. From what I remember Kodachi, and Wakizashi were all favored for fighting indoors, with longer swords left for other work. There's actually a movie that I know of that exploits this trait called "Twilight Samurai". It's a really good movie that shows what the life of a later era Samurai would be like in quite a 'blunt' fashion. You should check it out.
Caliburnis 3 years ago
I feel I ought to address the infamous reverse grip thing. This is something that, while cool looking in the movies, is an extreme rarity in actual sword arts. In fact, I have never encountered it. Try sparring that way and you'll see how vulnerable your hand becomes. For one thing you lack reach wielding the sword this way, and your hand is a tempting, unprotected target within easy reach.
Gilmaris 3 years ago
There is a reverse grip technique, but it was for shiburi and not for an actual cut. Muso Shinden Ryu has a waza that uses a shiburi and no-to in a reverse grip. Granted, an accomplished samurai would also be trained in aikijujutsu and may come across an 'accidental' reverse grip (at the end of the handle) and would still likely make the best of it*** (there is no historical citation for it, but as a result of martial art practice it has sometimes been a viable option during waza practice).
apcasrroma 3 years ago
Yes, several chiburi and noto variations are made with the reverse grip, but these are always post-combat. And sure, in an actual combat situation you may encounter lots of strange things, and it is conceivable that you might somehow find yourself holding a sword up-side down and having to make the best of a less than ideal situation. Of the hundreds of kata, I have actually come across one which includes a reverse grip stab (but switches grips for the following cut).
Gilmaris 2 years ago
The katana is way over hyped, it's a good sword, I do not think it is the best...
I mean it has bind over glorified by anime and movies. If any thing, it's the Roman sword that truly changed the world and Human history...
And what Caliburnis is very true...
255Knights 3 years ago
I know, but try weilding a roman sword in a fight, then try weilding a katana. you'll see the difference in weight and balance. and besides, they weren't even made for the same duties (well, killing of course but there are different ways to kill someone with a sword), so you can't really compare them
ofnir123 3 years ago
yeah true dude the roman sword did change the world at its time but over the years it became obsalite throught being to short, plus the katana is froma diffrent part of the world so very doutful if they came across one considering rome didnt conqure that far.
billyb0yb0b 3 years ago
lol you sound like Keanu Reeves :D
Nice video.
JOKEdude20 3 years ago
Hmm, critiques. The curvature of the blade has nothing to do with the blade's agility. A sword's agility has more to do with cross-section, and sword balance. Hence, curved swords are not more agile than straight blades. Second, there's actually debate as to whether or not the Ninjato exists, and it's possible it's a modern creation, perhaps of Western media.
Caliburnis 3 years ago
Third; the katana is not more agile than most other weapon designs. For instance, the European longsword, when designed for cutting, often match or exceed the katana in terms of performance and capability. Heavier sword? This is something you should avoid. That's a fallacy. Most swords lay within the range of 2-4 pounds.
Caliburnis 3 years ago
I feel you're trying to talk about European swords here, so I'll remind you that the Longsword, the Western 'equivalent' to the katana weighs in between 2 and 4 pounds. The weight of a katana? in between 2 and 4 pounds. You also stated an untruth. Swords can not cut through armor, not even the fabled katana. To buttress this point, I'll refer you to the practice of Kabutowari, which shows that the results of even incredibly powerful blows will be a 'scar' across the top of the helmet in question
Caliburnis 3 years ago
'Masamune' style, is in actuality a 'Odachi', or Great Tachi, and has the use you suggest. I could be wrong, but I don't think there really are any styles that manipulate an 'underhanded' grip to a large extent.
Caliburnis 3 years ago
dude the katana can cut through iron.. im sorry but ive seen it done at a sword show, plus i very much dout you are a professinal historian so argue with historians they belive it can cut through iron.
billyb0yb0b 3 years ago
Look up something called "Kabutowari". It is a practice of cutting an iron helmet, but the most impressive kabutowari ever recorded was only a centimeter or so deep "scar" along the top of the helm. If katana could so easily cut through iron, I would expect the katana to easily cut helmets in half.
Caliburnis 3 years ago
1cm or so deep is very deep thats enougth to go throught a solderies helmit. helmtis were made half to 1cm thick.
billyb0yb0b 3 years ago
Uh. No, that's not deep enough to go through the helmet. Are you forgetting that helmets aren't just a flat sheet (Which would actually dissipate the attack due to the surface area being impacted). You have to cut through the top, and /through/ the sides of the helmet to cut through it. Or at least several inches into the helmet to cut into the fleshy parts underneath. Regardless, Kabutowari tests are done in a manner which is wholely unrealistic for actual combat.
Caliburnis 3 years ago
Well most armor like a helmit were no thinner then 1.6...
255Knights 3 years ago
Actually, there is no historical basis for the ninja-to at all, and there isn't any serious debate going on in scholarly circles. Certainly the examples presented in this video are modern wallhangers.
Gilmaris 3 years ago
Yes, you're correct. I'll concede the point. The only people I've seen try and argue for its existence are some of my Bujinkan friends.
Caliburnis 3 years ago
Aburridoooo!!!!!!!!!111
unrealhentai 3 years ago
horrible...
all i have to say is horrible...
i do haidong kumdo and that cut would get stuck in an actual bone... i know this because my instructor was also a butcher...
dragonianxx 3 years ago
yeah, um, you should read that "demonstratration" warning yourself. From the way you hold and handle the sword you look like you could seriously hurt yourself.
johntrin 4 years ago
Samurais wouldn't cut like that. Bringing the sword that far out after a cut leaves you vunerable. What you on about push/pull? I do Iaido in which I use a sword and we have nothing about push pull. One hand is a guide whereas the other is a support and you use Tandoinuchi (probally spelt wrong, I haven't seen it written before) which is like twisting a towel to stop the blade.
Kirov123 4 years ago
Please take the time to get some training on your technique. You were off on your cut. Yes, you cut the target, but your cut lacked refinement.
4thDan 4 years ago 2
Dude do a little more research before you tell things. the ninja used the samurai katana not the straight one were all made to believe the ninjato doesnt exist there isnt one historical straight katana with a square gurard. I work at a sword shop i know alot more about them how they are used than most
lanteen1822 4 years ago
I know ninjas used any weapon at hand and were jacks of all trades. But weren't smaller versions of the katana used after all a two handed katana is harder to conceal and may interrupt movements hindering agility to an extent. Also the length may make a full draw take considerable more time in a critical situation. As for the degree of curvature I do not know the original specs but I see your point and it seems totally true to me (though I am compelled to do more research) My point was length.
consistentbass 3 years ago
From what I understand, according to the Bujinkan school of thought, the ninja (at least the Togakure Ryu) used a shorter blade katana with a regular length tsuka. The shorter blade would then be concealed in a regular length saya and worn in public. The straight ninjato with the square tsuba is a product of 1980's Hollywood Hype.
apcasrroma 3 years ago
actually since no one was allowed to carry weapons in public except for samurais, the ninjatos were usually concealed in bamboo sticks , and they were straight because a straight blade is much easier to make, remember ninjas were mostly farmers, also the squared tsuba could also be detached and used as shuriken
many times a blowgun was concealed inside the bamboo also,
peace
notsuferatu 2 years ago
I'd check the research on that - I don't think I've ever come across a removeable tsuba in historical documentation. There is history on the straight blade, but they were often used as a last resort concealed weapon, but were often of shoddy smithing compared to the katana made from forged tamahagane. The history I'm familiar with where swords were concealed in public was when the Samurai were forbidden to carry their family blades - they insisted on carrying them in bamboo shirasaya.
apcasrroma 2 years ago
i'm talking about ninja blades, not samurai katanas
notsuferatu 2 years ago
Me too. Show your reference material that the ninja carried 'ninjato'. Everything I've studied (books and online) say that they would use katana, or alternately cane swords (which, incidentally were not special to ninja or Asia).
apcasrroma 2 years ago
There are multiple ways to hold a katana.
JesusFuckingChrist84 4 years ago
dont put your hand on the blade you should know how to used a sword before you give warnings
pavmx703 4 years ago