this iaito is VERY lightweight- its good for iaido but if you want to work on speed and control get a cheap 20$ bokken because they're heavier and better for working up the muscle
@SoggyNachos69 In the U.S. you have the Right to have arm's such as the sword. but I'm not sure if you can carry them in public. So don't be surprised if a cop asks you what the sword is for. There's always a right time and a wrong time to carry a weapon. So its implicated you know the difference. :)
Hello BlackRoninMartialArt. I just stumbled upon your video today and would like to thank you for explaining the ritual Thatsmymuffin asked for. I find it very interesting and applaud you for taking the time to teach anyone interested.
I am a Hanwei retailer so can get hold of pretty much all Hanwei products. However UK legislation means that you have to be licensed to own and purchase blunt Iaito swords. But this does not apply to sharp traditionally made blades??? go figure
Actually in times of peace it is common Shinto practice to lay swords upon the ground as on offering to the Kami of Earth and Rock! Steel is born from the earth and is ritually offered back to it! Stabbing a sword into the ground however, would be very bad form!
Furthermore you are associating these modern reproductions with the handmade ritually crafted items created by a true master. Such modern mass produced swords can in no way be compared to that of a Japanese master. A modern mass produced sword could only ever gains its own soul after careful ritual purification, blessing and and the awarding of a soul name.... Until it has been cleansed, blessed and named it remains nothing more that a tool of combat, with no soul or identity of its own.
this may seem a silly question, but what is involved in the cleansing and blessing of a sword? It would be a shame to not own a true sword and simply a strong piece of metal.
Thanks for showing an interest in the more esoteric practices of Budo. It is unusual for an individual to have any real interest in the modern world. Now the subject of ritual purification is quite a long and detailed one, and as such I will do my best to point out the basics for you here. I make no claims at being a master but can hopefully offer you some illumination through my own experiences and practices.
@BlackRoninMartialArt Firstly regardless of your philosophical upbringing (Pagan, Shinto, Buddhist, Christian etc) you must genuinely believe in the principal of Kami; that everything in creation holds within it a spark of the divine. That the indomitable mountains and ancient trees grow stronger as they age, both in strength and in sprit. If you cannot accept this fundamental idea then any ritual action would merely be for show. Just like an atheist attending church.
@BlackRoninMartialArt Secondly: you must believe in the power of the spoken word. That the things you say can and will be heard by other, both physical and spiritual. As such you should always consider the things you say very carefully, especially during ritual. You must endeavour to never speak harsh words without giving thought as to the consequences or make idle threats. Your word is your bond, and the oaths you make must be followed through.
Thirdly: You must believe in the power than a name can hold. When naming a child for example the majority of people just pick a name they like the sound of. Some make the effort of looking into what that name means; but very few think about the consequences of giving their child that name. Take for example the name AIDEN, which means Flame / Fire and originates from the Gaelic AODH which means the same. Now it seems obvious to name a boy with auburn hair Aiden, as their hair resembles flame
@BlackRoninMartialArt The name carries strength in that fire warms, represents life and protected our ancestors against the cold and wild animals. However fire is also single-minded, destructive and will continue to burn until it either runs out of matter to consume or it is extinguished.
@BlackRoninMartialArt The name you choose for your sword must carry real meaning and thought as to the consequences of the name. An old friend of my mother who was a devout Asatru (Norse Pagan) ritually named his sword Blood-Letter in that he was determined to give it a fighting soul, with strength and warrior instincts to match his own ideals. In the months that followed he then cut himself each and every time he drew the sword both in practice and in ritual.
@BlackRoninMartialArt Others must not generally know the name you choose, as if another person knows your swords name then they can also call to it. There are of course exceptions to this rule; Weapons of great strength can increase their potential Kami each and every time their name is uttered aloud. But in my experience I find talking quietly to my sword (either vocally or in thought) during its daily cleaning awards me a few quiet moments within which I can reflect on my thoughts for the day.
@BlackRoninMartialArt The purification of any item itself varies from country to country and region to region. Rural Japanese towns only separated by a couple of miles will frequently have slightly different cleansing and purification rituals. That is not to say that one is better than the other, just that the reasoning behind the ritual differs slightly.
@BlackRoninMartialArt In short each of the elements of creation must be present in order to perform any ritual action. Fire, earth, Water, Air and Spirit (Sometimes named as metal). Rituals are in my opinion best performed in outside and at night, when the clamour of the modern world is dulled to a gentle hum in the distance. In my experience do not start any naming ritual with a set name in mind, my reasons will be explained later.
@BlackRoninMartialArt When you have chosen your ritual space, gently sweep away any loose twigs, branches or debris, so that the ground may clearly be seen. This action fulfils the element of Earth. By lighting a small fire at the centre of your chosen ritual area you bring warmth and light unto that place. By the carrying of a burning branch (or incense) you make visible the element of air. By the pouring of water on the ground you bring nourishment to the plants and trees about you.
@BlackRoninMartialArt Once these elements are in place any your mind is settled either through meditation or centring allow yourself to become open to the influences of the Kami. You may find that on a calm night that the moon is shining particularly brightly, that the wind suddenly begins to blow, or the unexpected call of an owl breaks the silence. These things can all be added into the naming equation in that they can be taken as the voices of the Kami.
@BlackRoninMartialArt Once the correct name has been chosen, one that feels right when spoken aloud and fits your chosen sword. You should ritually cleanse the blade. One simple form of purification is as follows. Kneel before your fire and pass the sword backwards and forwards through the flame (rapid enough that the blade is undamaged, but slow enough so as not to be cutting the flame) whilst saying in your native tongue Sacred Flame that warmed my ancestors, cleanse this blade.
@BlackRoninMartialArt Pass a smoking branch / Incense across the blade saying Sacred element of air that roars amidst the heavens cleanse this blade. Pick up a handful of dirt or ash and sprinkle it across both surfaces of the blade saying Sacred element of earth that it the lands foundation cleanse this blade. Picking up your container of water, rinse the dust and dirt from the sword saying Sacred element of water, from which all life came, cleanse this blade.
@BlackRoninMartialArt Then you should carefully raise the sword above your head (held horizontally in both hands: aka Torii No Kamae) whilst saying Sacred Kami of the sky and of the mountains, of the trees and of the rivers, of beast and of man, I ask that you cleanse this blade and recognise its name as Insert name here You should then gently place the sword on the ground before you
@BlackRoninMartialArt with its blade tip towards your left knee and its handle to the right diagonally away from you (Blade edge facing you). You should then take three slow deep bows to your sword each time saying I welcome you into this world Insert name here may we serve and protect one another always
I hope this is of some help, and although I have rather simplified the ritual is should more than suffice for any genuine believers.
@BlackRoninMartialArt thank you so much, i deeply appreciate you taking the time to respond and the detail of the response. I am hoping to purchase my first iaito soon, and will be sure to go through this process once i have it.
how much for the sword?
BlackCatProd 8 months ago
this iaito is VERY lightweight- its good for iaido but if you want to work on speed and control get a cheap 20$ bokken because they're heavier and better for working up the muscle
1x93cm 10 months ago
hey is aluminum swords good for action movies
blackWarlord12 11 months ago
beautiful elegant sword. I just got mine awhile back. very light and well balanced. i love how the hamon looks like a wave.
mosinmama 1 year ago
Very nice sword, by any chance so you know if blunt swords are legal in the U.S. because i read youre comment about them in the uk???
SoggyNachos69 1 year ago
@SoggyNachos69 As far as I know all swords are legal within the US. However it never hurts to ask your local state department / sheriffs office.
BlackRoninMartialArt 1 year ago
@SoggyNachos69 In the U.S. you have the Right to have arm's such as the sword. but I'm not sure if you can carry them in public. So don't be surprised if a cop asks you what the sword is for. There's always a right time and a wrong time to carry a weapon. So its implicated you know the difference. :)
MistaGhost21 9 months ago
i accepted your friend request
cheers m8
miniman631 1 year ago
Hello BlackRoninMartialArt. I just stumbled upon your video today and would like to thank you for explaining the ritual Thatsmymuffin asked for. I find it very interesting and applaud you for taking the time to teach anyone interested.
LimitVerge 1 year ago
Comment removed
ThatsGuffThatIs 1 year ago
@LimitVerge Not a problem, anything to help my fellow Budoka
BlackRoninMartialArt 1 year ago
I don't suppose anyone knows of a site with all sorts of katanas + ninja stuff and nunchaks that shippes internationaly???
Norrin82 1 year ago
may i ask where you got the sword from? its awesome, i would like to get one to keep as a memento but i havent been able to
Galan213 2 years ago
I am a Hanwei retailer so can get hold of pretty much all Hanwei products. However UK legislation means that you have to be licensed to own and purchase blunt Iaito swords. But this does not apply to sharp traditionally made blades??? go figure
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
its not very honorable laying all of ur swords down in the grass... thats pretty shameful
SenselessKILL 2 years ago
Actually in times of peace it is common Shinto practice to lay swords upon the ground as on offering to the Kami of Earth and Rock! Steel is born from the earth and is ritually offered back to it! Stabbing a sword into the ground however, would be very bad form!
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
Furthermore you are associating these modern reproductions with the handmade ritually crafted items created by a true master. Such modern mass produced swords can in no way be compared to that of a Japanese master. A modern mass produced sword could only ever gains its own soul after careful ritual purification, blessing and and the awarding of a soul name.... Until it has been cleansed, blessed and named it remains nothing more that a tool of combat, with no soul or identity of its own.
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
@BlackRoninMartialArt
this may seem a silly question, but what is involved in the cleansing and blessing of a sword? It would be a shame to not own a true sword and simply a strong piece of metal.
Thatsmymuffin 2 years ago
@ Thatsmymuffin
Thanks for showing an interest in the more esoteric practices of Budo. It is unusual for an individual to have any real interest in the modern world. Now the subject of ritual purification is quite a long and detailed one, and as such I will do my best to point out the basics for you here. I make no claims at being a master but can hopefully offer you some illumination through my own experiences and practices.
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
@BlackRoninMartialArt Firstly regardless of your philosophical upbringing (Pagan, Shinto, Buddhist, Christian etc) you must genuinely believe in the principal of Kami; that everything in creation holds within it a spark of the divine. That the indomitable mountains and ancient trees grow stronger as they age, both in strength and in sprit. If you cannot accept this fundamental idea then any ritual action would merely be for show. Just like an atheist attending church.
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
@BlackRoninMartialArt Secondly: you must believe in the power of the spoken word. That the things you say can and will be heard by other, both physical and spiritual. As such you should always consider the things you say very carefully, especially during ritual. You must endeavour to never speak harsh words without giving thought as to the consequences or make idle threats. Your word is your bond, and the oaths you make must be followed through.
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
Thirdly: You must believe in the power than a name can hold. When naming a child for example the majority of people just pick a name they like the sound of. Some make the effort of looking into what that name means; but very few think about the consequences of giving their child that name. Take for example the name AIDEN, which means Flame / Fire and originates from the Gaelic AODH which means the same. Now it seems obvious to name a boy with auburn hair Aiden, as their hair resembles flame
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
@BlackRoninMartialArt The name carries strength in that fire warms, represents life and protected our ancestors against the cold and wild animals. However fire is also single-minded, destructive and will continue to burn until it either runs out of matter to consume or it is extinguished.
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
@BlackRoninMartialArt The name you choose for your sword must carry real meaning and thought as to the consequences of the name. An old friend of my mother who was a devout Asatru (Norse Pagan) ritually named his sword Blood-Letter in that he was determined to give it a fighting soul, with strength and warrior instincts to match his own ideals. In the months that followed he then cut himself each and every time he drew the sword both in practice and in ritual.
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
@BlackRoninMartialArt Others must not generally know the name you choose, as if another person knows your swords name then they can also call to it. There are of course exceptions to this rule; Weapons of great strength can increase their potential Kami each and every time their name is uttered aloud. But in my experience I find talking quietly to my sword (either vocally or in thought) during its daily cleaning awards me a few quiet moments within which I can reflect on my thoughts for the day.
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
@BlackRoninMartialArt The purification of any item itself varies from country to country and region to region. Rural Japanese towns only separated by a couple of miles will frequently have slightly different cleansing and purification rituals. That is not to say that one is better than the other, just that the reasoning behind the ritual differs slightly.
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
@BlackRoninMartialArt In short each of the elements of creation must be present in order to perform any ritual action. Fire, earth, Water, Air and Spirit (Sometimes named as metal). Rituals are in my opinion best performed in outside and at night, when the clamour of the modern world is dulled to a gentle hum in the distance. In my experience do not start any naming ritual with a set name in mind, my reasons will be explained later.
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
@BlackRoninMartialArt When you have chosen your ritual space, gently sweep away any loose twigs, branches or debris, so that the ground may clearly be seen. This action fulfils the element of Earth. By lighting a small fire at the centre of your chosen ritual area you bring warmth and light unto that place. By the carrying of a burning branch (or incense) you make visible the element of air. By the pouring of water on the ground you bring nourishment to the plants and trees about you.
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
@BlackRoninMartialArt Once these elements are in place any your mind is settled either through meditation or centring allow yourself to become open to the influences of the Kami. You may find that on a calm night that the moon is shining particularly brightly, that the wind suddenly begins to blow, or the unexpected call of an owl breaks the silence. These things can all be added into the naming equation in that they can be taken as the voices of the Kami.
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
@BlackRoninMartialArt Once the correct name has been chosen, one that feels right when spoken aloud and fits your chosen sword. You should ritually cleanse the blade. One simple form of purification is as follows. Kneel before your fire and pass the sword backwards and forwards through the flame (rapid enough that the blade is undamaged, but slow enough so as not to be cutting the flame) whilst saying in your native tongue Sacred Flame that warmed my ancestors, cleanse this blade.
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
@BlackRoninMartialArt Pass a smoking branch / Incense across the blade saying Sacred element of air that roars amidst the heavens cleanse this blade. Pick up a handful of dirt or ash and sprinkle it across both surfaces of the blade saying Sacred element of earth that it the lands foundation cleanse this blade. Picking up your container of water, rinse the dust and dirt from the sword saying Sacred element of water, from which all life came, cleanse this blade.
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
@BlackRoninMartialArt Then you should carefully raise the sword above your head (held horizontally in both hands: aka Torii No Kamae) whilst saying Sacred Kami of the sky and of the mountains, of the trees and of the rivers, of beast and of man, I ask that you cleanse this blade and recognise its name as Insert name here You should then gently place the sword on the ground before you
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
@BlackRoninMartialArt with its blade tip towards your left knee and its handle to the right diagonally away from you (Blade edge facing you). You should then take three slow deep bows to your sword each time saying I welcome you into this world Insert name here may we serve and protect one another always
I hope this is of some help, and although I have rather simplified the ritual is should more than suffice for any genuine believers.
Thanks for your interest
Black-Ronin
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago
@BlackRoninMartialArt thank you so much, i deeply appreciate you taking the time to respond and the detail of the response. I am hoping to purchase my first iaito soon, and will be sure to go through this process once i have it.
Once again, thank you.
Thatsmymuffin 2 years ago
You are very welcome :0) I am glad that I have been of some small help.
If I can be of any future assistance just let me know.
Yours in Bushido - Taran (aka BlackRoninMartialArt)
BlackRoninMartialArt 2 years ago