Dual Wielding?

[Wajirou Ichisada]

So then, the bug bit me and I am exploring the wide world of dual wielding. So far the only reputable source I have for this is (obviously) Musashi's writings. However, they are very generalized as they were intended to be "Cliff's Notes" for his students and therefore don't go into exacting detail.

From what I have gathered so far, it's not terribly different from European styles of which we know far more. The footwork is clearly different, as would be expected due to the cultural differences and so on, but otherwise it looks the same.

What I plan on doing is blending the European styles into the Japanese system. Sure, it's not "pure", but Musashi himself taught that it was acceptable to mix and match as long as it resulted in winning.

I'll keep you posted as to my progress!

 

[GREG]

I was going to say, find a european-style you like and blend it in with your katana work... winning is winning, period. Altho, I would think dual wielding katana's would be a strain on the arms. While they're not terribly heavy, they ain't exactly light either.

 

[Wajirou Ichisada]

Yes, dual wielding requires far more strength than one or two hand styles which is why it was never very popular. Musashi mentions this directly and says that you have to work on it every day to build the strength.

It's been my experience that if you are having fun, then you won't know that you are exercising.

 

[Wajirou Ichisada]

Ok, it's been a while since I made an update. My main area of improvement has been with my flexibility and coordination. I've been through a series of injuries that have slowed me down and stiffened me up, but I see some marked improvement in that area. As for the sword technique, I can only do so much by watching videos and reading about it, I really need a teacher or at least a sparring partner that I can use for feedback. I have figured out what I think to be mostly correct. I am not trying to reproduce the exact form, I am trying to find a form that works.

My main motivation is to spar. Preferably to spar against diverse styles of both JSA and HEMA techniques. I've managed to go up against saber and longsword from practitioners in Germany and Russia, but that's a long way to go to hang out in a gym for a few hours Need something closer to home.

In any event, I will continue with my study of "bullshitto" and have a good time at it.