Choosing a katana blade length: a guide for martial artists | Decision-making tool #Terressens

Decision-making tool

Choosing katana blade length: a guide for martial arts practitioners

#Terressens studio

Japanese martial arts, with their elegance and rich history, are often associated with the iconic katana. Choosing the blade length of your katana is a crucial decision for any martial arts practitioner, as it directly influences the weapon's handling, balance and performance. Here are a few tips to guide you in this choice.

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Nomenclature of a katana | Practical info #Terressens

The length of a katana blade is measured from the notch of the habaki to the tip of the blade.
To find out more: katana nomenclature

Your fighting style

Blade length influences the range of your attack and your fighting style. Shorter katanas, such as wakizashi, are suited to fast movements and confined spaces, while longer blades, like those of the standard katana, offer superior reach and are ideal for wider movements.

Your size and physical strength

Choose a blade that matches your size and strength. A blade that's too long could be difficult to handle for someone of shorter stature, while one that's too short could limit reach for a taller person. Make sure the blade matches your physique for optimum use.
For a good workout, however, it's better to use a slightly shorter blade than one that's too long.

Your size Blade length Tsuka length
1.50 - 1.55 m
68.2 to 69.7 cm (2.25 to 2.30 尺)
22.7 cm (0.75 尺)
1.60 - 1.65 m
69.7 to 71.2 cm (2.3 to 2.35 尺)
24.2 cm (0.80 尺)
1.70 - 1.75 m
72.2 to 74.2 cm (2.40 to 2.45 尺)
25.8 cm (0.85 尺)
1.80 - 1.85 m
75.8 to 78.8 cm (2.50 to 2.60 尺)
27.2 cm (0.9 尺)
1.90 - 1.95 m
81.9 cm (2.70 尺)
28.8 cm (0.95 尺)
> 1.95 m
84.8 cm (2.80 尺)
30.2 cm (1 尺)

Shaku (尺) is an ancient Japanese unit of length measurement, equal to approximately 30.30 cm.
Recommended lengths are not universal. They may vary according to morphology and level of practice.

Practice objective

If you practice mainly iaijutsu (quick-draw techniques), a shorter blade may be more effective. For those focusing on kenjutsu ( katana fighting techniques), a standard-length blade may offer greater versatility.

Blade balance

In addition to length, consider blade balance. A well-balanced blade facilitates fluid movements and rapid transitions between attacks and defenses.

center of gravity or balance point of a katana

Lay a blank of the blade until it balances to find the center of gravity. This is usually 10 / 15 cm from the tsuba (鍔 guard). The further away it is, the greater the feeling of weight.

Choosing the length of your katana blade is a personal decision that depends on many individual factors. Take the time to explore different options, try them out in a controlled environment, and choose the one that best suits your fighting style and physique. A well-chosen katana will become a natural extension of your being, enhancing your Japanese martial arts experience.

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Buy katanas
Purchase of katanas. The material sent is as described. Quite a detailed description, by the way.
Good quality. Not my first order, never disappointed. I've been involved in Far Eastern martial arts for almost sixty years (since 1967: karate, aikido, kobudo).
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Simply perfect.
Parcel arrived very quickly, very responsive customer service. The products are even more beautiful than in the photo and perfectly protected inside the package. I recommend 100%, no! 200%, go ahead, eyes closed, you won't be disappointed.

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Beautiful
Beautiful

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Dom ()
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Katana reception
Very fast delivery, parcel received in very good condition.
The Katana is magnificent and fully meets my expectations.

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Product well packaged or very good
Product well packaged or very well, anticipation of poor treatment by the deliveryman.
Product thrown over my grill, fortunately the product did not suffer from this bad treatment.
The katana cleaning kit is well-built and beautifully presented in a small wooden box, just as in the website description.
I recommend it.
I initially gave it 4 stars to make the earth aware that the choice of carrier is important, because over and above the price, the quality of service is very important to the customer. Imagine doing the same when we deliver your precious Katana.
But here again, the carrier is at fault, not the company, which offers us some very fine products.
Best regards.

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