Bananas!

I’ve just been playing with my ‘live’ sword – like you do! Seeing what it will do, how it works, getting used to the weight and feel of the blade as well as trying not to imagine what would happen if I had an accident with it!

Now, about this razor sharp cutting edge, how to appreciate this? So I thought I would get out a banana and rest the blade on top of it to see what it would do. Doh!

Well as you can see – no effort, no hacking or downward force needed, the simple weight of the blade sliced through the banana skin all the way through in one clean, sharp cut. Ouch!

That’s my nerve gone for today – will practice again soon – oh dear!

Criminal Justice Act ‘2008’ Amended

OK here is some great news!

It appears the Criminal Justice Act was amended on 3 April 2008 to allow decent folk to participate in the selling, making, hiring or importing Samurai swords in England and Wales.


Under this legislation a defence for a person charged under Section 141(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 would be to state that the sword was required to participate in a historical re-enactment or a sporting activity (where the practising of a sport requires the use of a weapon) and the necessary insurance.

Full details of the legislation amendment can be found at:

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/uksi_20080973_en_1

Now that sounds much better!

Criminal Justice Act ‘2008’

I can’t let the day pass without moaning that today sees the introduction of legislation against selling, making, hiring or importing Samurai swords in England and Wales – not sure if this includes Scotland? I think you can still own one!

Honestly, since carrying a sword in public is already illegal and a further 17 weapons, including, nunchucks (except those included with a Wii), knuckle dusters and batons are on the Offensive Weapons Order, which was created by the Criminal Justice Act 1988, I'm not sure why this new law is required.

Seriously? As Fay Goodman (British Iaido 7th Dan) (see photo) points out, “People need some protection but criminals could use anything. The biggest amount of knife crime is actually domestic violence. Guns were licensed but shootings have only increased."

Swords - Good and Bad!

Oh dear. Bought a really cheap sword – and I mean less than £5.00 including postage, cheap! No harm as I just wanted to take it apart and learn stuff without damaging one of my more expensive swords.

Take it apart? It almost fell apart. And whilst it looked fairly good on the outside and had a nice feel to it, weight and balance - it just wasn’t to be.

Look at the ‘tang’ of the blade, circled in red. It’s not a part of the blade at all. In fact there is a steel rod welded onto the end of the blade and the rest of the handle attaches round this rod.

One strike against a firm object and the sword would have snapped in two at the hilt – and who knows what else would have happened.

Be careful choosing a sword please - have a look again at the Sword Buyers Guide in the Student Resources Section.

Handforged Swords

Buying a sword and all the related equipment, sword stands, cleaning and maintenance kits, and gaining all sorts of knowledge about how to fix things must always be difficult for a novice. What do you do if your hand grip wrapping comes off?

My first serious problem occurred when I was cleaning and polishing my practice sword and noticed I had a spot of rust on the blade. I polish my sword almost every time I use it but it must have become wet or damp somehow when I put it away – and when I got it out again there it was, rust! Arrrrrg!

So I need another special mention for one very helpful Rod Waterhouse of RGW Handforged Katanas, the place I purchased my very first ‘Kakum’ sword from. Rod is very knowledgeable and happy to share his knowledge. His web site is http://www.rgwhandforgedkatanas.co.uk/ and you can also arrange to meet him to ‘try’ a sword before you buy.

I got the spot of rust out by the way without any problems and have added a few more Haedong Kumdo skills to my bow (!) which are not in the book.

Grand Master Edward Jacobsen - South Africa

Training earlier this week was so fantastic with Grand Master Jacobsen that I just had to get some more. So I went again on Sunday morning. It was just a great, more so because I had a little knowledge of what I was trying to achieve.

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In this photo Grand Master Jacobsen uses a Chukdo (Bamboo Sword) to spar with a more experienced student.

Sword Grip Change

Just found a video on YouTube which helps explain the actions necessary for the change a sword grip. The link is here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfN499Z2f2s&feature=related have a look. I hope it helps as it is one of the biggest problems I have in handling the sword.
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I'll put a link under the Student Resourses section for more information.

Sword Buyers Guide

This link I found to be of use - information about how to buy a sword - and there are some brilliant videos to watch too (although sadly some links don’t work). I know that most of this information relates to Japanese swords but there is much more information here than a quick glance can reveal.

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http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/authentic-japanese-swords.html
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I’ve put a link in the Student Resources section for anyone to follow.
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Haedong

Mokkum and Kum Chib

Got one! A Mokkum and Kum Chib – really nice wooden training equipment – just perfect for Haedong Kumdo. My grateful thanks to Paul Long whom I met at a training seminar held by Master Mark Adlington in Sawtry, UK.

I think the total cost, including postage was £25.00 and you can get one from http://www.playwell.co.uk/ obviously subject to availability, price changes etc.

Absolutely invaluable for training and everything I thought it would be!

Ch'inkom and Kakum

Hey, look! What do you think of the swords? I have two new swords – real ones that is. One is sharp - Ch'inkom - for ‘live’ cutting (straw mats and bamboo) and the other quite blunt, - Kakum - just to practice with. Beautifully made they bring another dimension into the ‘Art of the Sword’.

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However, they are much heavier than a Mokkum and more difficult to control too. Additionally, a whole new skill set is required to keep them clean and in a good, safe, condition which is very important.

Mokkum and Kum Chib

Hi again, Haedong!

I’ve been doing some thinking about my training and progress to date and have decided to make some changes. The Mokkom I started with in January is fine but it is a little small and too light for me. I also feel I should train with a Kum Chib (scabbard) to help me get the draw ‘angles’ correct.

Having had an opportunity to play with a real sword (and scabbard), it’s just not the same as a wooden sword slid into your belt – and you have to put a real sword back into the right place too!

Unfortunately nobody has heard of anyone who makes one or has one in Peterborough and it may take some time to find something suitable. However, I just know this will become important if I am to progress.

Happy New Year - 2007

We all make New Year’s resolutions and so here is mine – who knows how long it will last? The photo is from Christmas Day that’s me (on the left) and my daughter Amy on the right. In the middle is a brand new Mokkum – a wooden sword from my friends Mat and Babs.

My New Year’s resolution is to take up the ancient Korean sword art of Haedong Kumdo. I’ve already bought a Do-bok (uniform) and will be off down to the Do-jang (training gym) later this week for my very first lesson.

I’ll be fifty (50) in August this year and I’m just wondering what is in store – what a time to start again.