The Art Of Drawing A Katana
The Art Of Drawing A Katana
Katana is a Japanese blade in use during the feudal period of Japan by samurai. It has seen a return in popularization due to pop culture influences such as films, cartoons, and other popular media. Many martial art dojos are also seen using these Katanas and teaching individuals how to use them properly.
There are different and complex techniques involved in using a katana. Even how to draw a Katana properly is considered a skill. And that skill is what we are focusing on in today's article. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of how to wield and draw your Katana like a true samurai. So, take up a firm stance and let us dive right into the article.
How to draw a Katana : Step by Step guide
Using a katana and any weapon requires a level of understanding and skill. Anyone can swing a knife or blade around but are rarely efficient with it. Furthermore, it can often lead to accidents. So, I will teach you the fundamentals of drawing a katana and the proper body mechanics.
The Orientation of the Blade
Before you even draw your katana, you should ensure that your blade is in the correct orientation that allows for a quick and safe draw. When in your sword belt, or obi, the edge of your Katana blade should be facing upwards as it slopes towards the ground.
Some might pointed out that Tachi(太刀) should be wear with edge downward, that’s correct too, but this article is focus on the Uchigatana(打刀), the most popular type of Katana. Tachi is wear with edge downward because it’s more for mounted battles.
You should also consider where your sword is relative to your body. It should not be one side of your body, as you will have to reach across to draw it. Thus, leaving your wrist wide open to cut off.
Instead, the sword should be at a 45-degree angle with your body with the Tsuka at the center. The Tsuka, now being closer to the center, protects your wrist when you reach out to draw your blade.
Both Hands Instead of One
Many video games or movies may showcase drawing the Katana with just one hand or drawing it in flashy ways that are otherwise impractical. The right way of pulling a katana is the proper use of both hands. Right hand for pulling the blade out, left hand for push the Saya back.
Firstly, when you are ready to draw, both hands should move to the Katana. Left hand should be on the Saya. It should reach the katana before the right hand and push the Katana down, bringing it closer to the right hand.
The next step is use your left thumb to gently push the Tsuba. This will release the Habaki from Koiguchi, allows the blade to be swiftly drawn from the Saya. This technique is called "鯉口を切る." , means “cutting the Koiguchi. When done correctly, it produces a distinct clicking sound, making it obvious that the koiguchi has been cut.
Then, you should use your right hand to draw the blade out in one swift motion. Be sure that you are not pulling the sword out of the Saya. Instead, push it out after the initial release with your thumb. Bring it up so that you are drawing the blade to your opponent’s face.
If you were to grab and pull your sword out, it would ruin the orientation that we covered earlier. Thus, leaving you open to some form of attack. So, instead, you should push it free from the Saya.
Your hand should not be grabbing the handle of your Katana at this point, either. Instead, imagine your hand moving from the side of your Katana forward as if to tell someone to stop. Similarly, the handle should be sandwiched between your thumb and other fingers. Now Push the sword out as if telling someone to stop.
Pulling the Katana Completely Free
When you draw the blade out up to the monouchi part, the kissaki part is still inside the saya. At this point, your left hand still on your Saya should shove it back, freeing more of it. It would help if you did these two actions simultaneously, so the blade comes free with ease.
After that, you need to twist the Saya; it results in pressure being built right at the tip of the Katana still in the sheath. Thus, as you pull the Saya back a bit more, the blade flies free, creating a nice clean slash. As you draw the Katana, rotate your hip away from the draw to make this easier and protect your other hand behind your body.
No matter what kind of cut or swing you attempt to do, it is very dependent on the hand that is guiding the Saya. Rotating it will change the swing and curve of the slash. So, the most crucial part of drawing your Katana is not what the hand-drawing the blade is doing. But, instead, what the hand on the Saya does.
Common Misconception About Drawing a Katana
As I mentioned earlier, a common misconception about drawing a Katana is using only one hand. However, I'm afraid that's not right. Furthermore, drawing the Katana with just your main hand can lead to various issues.
Firstly, I mentioned how there is a small amount left in the Saya after pushing your sword free with your main hand. So, if you were only using your drawing hand, there would be a significant amount of the blade still in the Saya. As a result, you will need to reach out even more, to free the Katana from the Saya.
You should not practice this as it will leave you off balance, making you more susceptible to your opponent's attacks. Furthermore, your cut will not be as good as with both hands. It is because most of the energy for the slash would be coming from your wrist and forearm. However, if you use your other hand properly, pressure will build up in the tip before it is free, resulting in a more powerful cut.
How to Sheath the katana 納刀
Putting the katana back into its saya is the opposite of taking it out. Start by holding the saya steady with your left hand, making sure the blade in your right hand is facing upward.
With your left hand, hold the saya just below its opening. Place the tip of the blade at the opening, then lift your left wrist a bit to make the scabbard horizontal. Once the kissaki is inside, loosen your grip on the right hand and gently slide the sword into the saya. This is the basic way to sheathe a katana.
Conclusion
So with that, you should know how to draw a Katana properly. If you are interested in Katanas, I highly recommend searching for martial art dojos in your area to train you in the art properly. After all, there is more to the Katana than simply drawing it.
I wish you the best of luck with your endeavors. Thank you and goodbye!
