Sword Forum Bugei

Hello. I would like to know exactly how is to wear the daisho. Until recently there were no kenjutsu dojos in my Country (Romania) and those who exist now are ex-aikido senseis. So they don't really have a proper kenjutsu knowledge or experience. That's why ( I know it's not the best way) I try to "learn" very slowly from dvd's. I have bought already about 50 kenjutsu dvd's. Some made in U.S. some in Japan. But one says in a way and another in other way how is to wear the daisho. So I don't know exactly which one you insert first. The katana or the wakizashi? And between which layers of the obi? Is it the same when you wear tanto instead of wakizashi? Please let me know. I would like to learn. Thanks.[/color]

David,

Insert the short/companion sword first. It is best to wear it in between the first and second layers of the obi. The first being the one closest to the kimono. You have to find where it is most comfortable however having the tsuba over the navel is a good marker.

THe long sword is worn between the second and third layer of the obi. This both prevents the saya of the swords from rubbing against each other and makes it so that moving the saya when drawing does not disturb your short sword. The long sword is worn parallel to your body. This keeps the swords separate from each other when wearing them. It makes access of the long sword easier and more natural and allows you to walk in public with much less chance of saya ate.

Sincerely,

James

Thank you all very much.

Here is a link to Dr.T's

HISTORICAL CLASSIFICATION OF WAKIZASHI AND THE TAXONOMY OF NIHON-TO BASED ON THEIR BLADE LENGTH AND FUNCTIONS/PURPOSES.*

S. Alexander Takeuchi, Ph.D.

http://www.una.edu/faculty/takeuchi/DrT_Jpn_Culture_files/Nihon_to_files/Historical_classification_of_wak.htm

Great link Jim, bummed I missed it when it was first posted. I miss Dr. T...