Tweet
Originally posted by Marchegiano
View Post
I have a theory and this is purely speculation on my part... I think that when the conquistadores went and fought in Japan, they had a good exchange when it came to the blade. For the Japanese, any people are under the mistaken impression it is a slashing style. As one of my teachers who just passed used to say to us "Japanese Sword is perhaps the only weapon that can be applied in any direction at any time with no adjustments.
In other words the anatomy of the Tanto blade is such that one can strike, cut, stab, trap...and can do so from any position at any time. The Spaniards came to Japan with what was classical European training. This included German techniques (Germany was like Japan, the last nation in its area to lose Feudalism) which emphasized fighting lines, it included Spanish masters who had their own less rigid style.
After seeing each other the Japanese have texts that compare and contrast, the Spanioards no doubt took some of the fluid techniques involving kiri (cutting) and enemy down while in light to no armor. Keep in mind that there is a theory that Japanese armenents that at a certain point were ceremonial more than for use on the battle field. One can see the difference, as armor that is functional has a certain look and feel to it.
The real difference in terms of fighting strategy would be the quick countering, and the ability to shift position relatively quickly. Both in traditional German technique and to some degree, in Japanese Traditional swordwork, there is a tendency to need stability to create a fighting line. Think about it...when you are getting ready to attack someone, you do not simply say ok here it is!!! You have targets, and ways to move past the opponent's attack. Depending on the size, weight of the weapons involved, the terraine, etc these fighting lines will become more, or less fluid.
IN Boxing the ring is very fluid!
Comment