Ok i think i see the problem here. After revisiting the retailers website I seem to have not appreciated the difference between the different classes of sword ie. Katana vs Iaita. Oh well. This has been an educating experience if a costly one Theres nothing wrong with my instructor. However by the same token he probably doesn't regard himself an authority on swords and is more about the taijutsu end of things where i have an acute interest in learning about swords and kenjutsu. Theres nothing wrong with bokkens either, i already own several. Doesn't mean its not good to improve ones repertoire of weapons though.
Then he shouldn't be teaching sword. If swords are an interest of yours, maybe you should check these guys out. What exactly was 'improved'?
Really? I'm not sure if its as black and white as that. You can have a practical knowledge of swords without knowing the in depth history and terminology behind them.
Nobody here was talking about history (except for the little aside about a famous duel). Did you check out the link? There's a sword school near you.
You should have had guidance from your teacher, he should have been on the ball enough to ensure you didn't make such a mistake. There is a time and a place for each tool, simple as that. If he isn't competent enough with sword to be able to guide his students towards an appropriate blade then he shouldn't be encouraging their use. If you are interested in Kenjutsu then seek out a Kenjutsu dojo, the quality of sword work in the Bujinkan is far too variable to consider seriously studying sword in it. If you can study under someone like Luke Molitor or Kacem Zoughari then it might be a little different otherwise just seek out specialist training because the average Buj shidoshi probably won't be up to the task and I'm including those in the 10th Dan bracket there too.
Okay, without coming down hard on anyone (since some of the posts in this thread have been....less then friendly toned) On your sword - Yes, you bought the wrong thing. I've done that too. That sword sits at home on my rack (it's sharp, but not a live blade. Paid probably ~300$ for it), and gets used occasionally for practice (usually if I have someone over and they're using the iaito). Save up some money, and buy the right thing next time. And then you get to have two good swords in your collection! (FWIW, I bought my Iaito second hand from my instructor). On class - I strongly recommend, if you are interested in really learning sword, to find a school that specializes. Having done both Iaido and Kendo, Japanese sword is something...special on its own. Yes, many people can know bits about how to use it, but there are certain small details that take long years of practice to get down, that you'll never be able to learn if your instructor does not know them. Final note - you've made me miss being able to do Iaido. Have to do all the kata standing these days, since I can't sit in seiza (or do any of the kneeling footwork) anymore.
well, it is more my fault for not researching more before having handed over money. I don't feel completely burned though, its still a very nice blade and showpiece.
not certain i have the finances right now to dedicate to other arts/classes but nonetheless thanks for your feedback.
If sword is your chief interest, as you say, perhaps you should try it instead of Bujinkan for a bit?
Hate to rain on your parade, but 175 is dirt cheap. Please don't ever use this for partner training because that sword might break and sharpened or not, a flying piece of steel is life threatening. Additonally, sharp or dull, even a wallhanger sword can cut through skin and flesh and take off fingers and ears. If you think that a dull sword is safer for practice, you are working under wrong assumptions. For reference, I am a blade smith. People I know are professional sword smith. For 175$, you would not even buy a pocket knife. Even mass made spydercos run above tha tprice for many of the models. When looking at something like a sword, 175$ gets you inferior crap that you should not trust for anything other than hanging on the wall or doing solo training while FAR away from anyone or anything you may care about. If your shidoshi suggest immersing in water and treating it with smooth and dry, he is clueless (and I don't mean this as an insult). Do not do this. First it will not make it any duller that it would matter for safety. Second it will affect the blade even further due to possible interaction with the steel. the fact that it was advertized as a practical blade does not mean that it is fine for MA use! For that price, I guarantee you it is not. And unless your shidoshi is an experienced bladesmith, I suggest you take MY advice over his, because I am one, and I know what I am talking about. Additionally, if you think dull is safe, please take a look at this. Warning: this is very graphic. Do not look if you have problems with the sight of blood, bone, and cuts. Moderators, please feel free to remove this link if you think it is too graphic even with my warning Link removed. EDIT: the only reason I thought I could post this was that is has been all over the MA forums and facebook the last couple of days. MOD Note. I have removed the link for the reason that it is just too graphic, even with the warning. I'm taking into account that we do have some younger members. I recall being on a first aid course at work and a colleague fainted at the mere mention of blood, so I'm exercising caution. Hope you understand. Simon.
