This time I figured it would be fun to comment on some footage of tameshigiri practice that is not just a compilation of the best cuts but actually knows some failed or suboptimal attempts as well. A very skilled swordsman can make each cut look effortless, and viewers may think it's the sword that makes it easy. When in reality it's lots and lots of practice...

Those "fails" put things into perspective and show how challenging cutting with a sword can be. Especially with multiple tatami mats. It's also fun to hear how universal the groans of frustration are when a cut goes wrong. I can easily empathize with these Japanese practitioners... it can be infuriating at times, although funny as well.

Watching them is also a good reminder of how silly the many internet debates between sword fanboys get, when one side obsessively tries to convince the other that their favorite thing is the best. Every design has its pros and cons, and they all work well for their intended purpose in skilled hands.

The videos I'm reacting to:
   • 日本刀試し斬り　失敗集 Part.3 Japanese Sword Fa...  
   • MONONOFU TV vol.13  明治神宮奉納 居合抜刀道 第九回...  

A video about some of my worst tatami cuts, and how I did much better afterwards:
   • Everybody Fails... And That's Okay.  


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