The Japanese katana is a work of art. Its beauty is only matched by its deadly efficiency in combat. The katana is the quintessential weapon of the samurai warrior, and its use is still studied and practiced today by those who appreciate its history and tradition.
The following are 7 Japanese katana sword fighting techniques that will make you a deadly opponent on the battlefield.
- The Draw
The first and most important technique is the draw. This is the moment when you unsheathe your sword and prepare to strike. It is a fluid movement that must be executed with precision and power.
- The Cut
The cut is the most basic and fundamental technique of katana sword fighting. It is a powerful and deadly strike that can be executed in a number of ways, depending on the situation.
- The Thrust
The thrust is the katana sword basic technique that can be used to great effect in combat. It is a quick and direct strike that can catch an opponent off guard.
- The parry
The parry is a defensive technique that is used to block or deflect an incoming attack. It is an essential part of katana sword fighting and can be the difference between life and death in a close fight.
- The disarm
Disarm is a technique that is used to remove an opponent’s weapon from their hands. It is a dangerous move that should only be attempted in a dire situation.
- The counter
The counter is a technique that is used to strike an opponent while they are attacking. It is a risky move that can lead to serious injury, but if executed correctly, can be devastating.
The best time to counter is when your opponent is just about to strike. This is because they will be off balance and vulnerable. Counters can be performed with any part of the body, but the most common are punches and kicks.
There are two main types of counters:
- Hard counters – Hard counters are powerful strikes that are designed to stop an opponent in their tracks. They are usually very fast and can be difficult to defend against.
- Soft counters – Soft counters are not as powerful as hard counters, but they can still be effective. They are usually used to disrupt an opponent’s attack and create an opening for a counterattack.
- The Escape
The escape is the final technique on our list. It is used to break free from an opponent’s grip or to get out of a dangerous situation. It is an important move to know, but should only be used as a last resort.