KATANA PAGE
The katana. Its history spans over a thousand years. Its diverse history results in many styles of swords craftsmanship and also in styles. During the prime of the Bushi (japanese word for soldier, this is what people call samurai in modern times, but is inaccurate. "Samurai" means those who serve), hundreds of schools sprung up and each one attempting to best the other. To try and say there is simply one samurai sword style is impossible.
Often times samurai would use Chokuto (straight bladed sword commonly Confused with being a ninja sword) and with this different style of sword came a different style of useing it. The most common styles today are iaido (the art of the draw) and kenjutsu (art of the sword) but even in these styles there are many variations.
The pictures above are as follows: top row; U.S. Open     @ Orlando FL. I received 2nd place. Bottom picture was taken at a regional tournoment. That tournoment was the first and last time i did an open form.
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1