Sword
Traditionally, the Japanese sword (katana) has a central place
in Japanese martial arts, history and culture. Historically,
and through its development, jujutsu was closely related to the
sword. Traditional martial arts schools were composite
systems in that they dealt with all forms of combat and
weapons. Specialisation was something that only began in the
Tokugawa Period (mid 17th century). Weapons and
empty handed methods were closely related.
A sword is quite irrelevant in a modern self defence
context. Well, it is hoped that it is quite
irrelevant! However, it still has importance beyond
historical and novelty interest. Practice with the sword is
very useful helping to improve certain fundamental aspects of
position and movement. As a way of focusing upon some aspects
of position and movement, it is an important training and teaching
tool, transcending just being an interesting exercise showing a
certain connection between methods of sword work and unarmed
combat.
Just as there are elements in common, there are equally points
of distinction. For instance, achieving a good cut with a
sword is not an easy matter. It requires diligent
practice. However, this skill has little connection with the
skills of unarmed combat. As a result, the use of long sword
and short sword in TJR focuses upon skills and methods of use of
the sword that relate most directly to the skills and methods
of jujutsu. This is important as there can be many aspects of
sword work which have little bearing upon unarmed combat and whilst
they might be interesting, for jujutsu, they remain irrelevant.