●Sellswords Arts RUclips Channel www.youtube.com/@SellswordArts *The content is based on personal studies and experience There is no intention of denying other theories and cultural aspects ▼My New Channel: Let’s ask Seki Sensei | Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu▼ www.youtube.com/@letsasksekisensei Are you a Japanese budo martial art lover watching this video? I am now running the best channel for you to learn more about samurai, katana, and budo martial arts from a Kobudo master who is running a 400-year-old Ryuha. Our goal is to achieve 100,000 subscribers by 2023, so please check it out! ▼Interested in learning Iai/Kenjutsu skills online?▼ patreon.com/lets_ask_sekisensei?Link& Interested in taking lessons directly from the 22nd headmaster of Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu, Seki sensei? Sign up to learn authentic samurai skills with 400 years of history, with perfect English interpretation from Let’s ask Shogo. Every lesson will be recorded and will be available to rewatch anytime. (Learn more about the online lessons: ruclips.net/video/ZBXqjXbbknM/видео.html) ▼Please support me through Ko-fi (a donation platform like Patreon)▼ ko-fi.com/letsaskshogo The management (filming, editing, etc.) of the new Asayama Ichiden Ryu's English Channel "Let's ask Seki Sensei" is completely my voluntary work. If I am not able to pay for the expensive bullet train fare from Kyoto to Ibaraki Prefecture (where the main Dojo is located), and hotel/filming expenses, this activity will cease. Please help us spread and preserve this 400-year-old martial art. In return, I will try my best to create the most educational and exciting content about Japanese Kobudo. ▼The BEST online katana shop for martial arts (Iaido, Kendo, etc.): Tozando▼ tozandoshop.com/letsaskshogo Everything I use for my katana training is bought at this shop! I still use the first training katana I bought in 2016, and it is still in good shape! ▼The recommended online katana shop for decorations and cosplay: Mini Katana▼ minikatana.com/SHOGO *Get 15% OFF off all their products by purchasing through my affiliate link ▼Where you can meet me in Kyoto, Japan | Yushinkan Samurai Experience with Modern-day Musashi▼ A 90-minute experience in Japan where beginners can learn how to wield, draw, sheath, and swing the katana from the modern-day Musashi! I, Shogo, will be your interpreter to lead you into the wonderful world of samurai martial arts! Make your reservation here: www.airbnb.com/experiences/4577764?locale=en A video of me visiting this experience: ruclips.net/video/MqBCAC42zAM/видео.html ▼Let's ask Shogo Merchandise Shop▼ Where you can buy t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, stickers, etc. of cute Ukiyoe animal characters and logos of Let’s ask Shogo: suzuri.jp/lets_ask_shogo ▼Who is Shogo? What is this channel about?▼ ruclips.net/user/shortskZbyd0OfdC4 ▼MY DREAM▼ ruclips.net/user/shortsWFF3AhN0LXE “To make every Japan lovers’ dream come true, by making Japan a more secure, comfortable, and safer place for everyone to visit, study, and live in” ▼Join our Membership▼ ruclips.net/channel/UCn7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVwjoin The ticket to the front row seats to Shogo's rapid adventure to make his dream come true! Through the limited videos and live streams, your ideas and opinions will be adopted for Shogo to make the right decisions for his challenges! ▼Sub-channel: “Shogo’s Podcast”▼ ruclips.net/channel/UCZAe1VayWxp5NLO4Net78DA ▼Instagram▼ instagram.com/lets_ask_shogo/ *Please ask me questions through the DM here!（⚠I do not use e-mail）
@@masterandshadow3944 The tachi is an earlier predecessor to the uchigatana which is often longer, more curved and designed with mounted combat in mind. This longer katana he pointed out was an "ōdachi," but there are also nōdachi... the names can be confusing but as I understand the main difference is how they were used. A "nōdachi" is an extra large sword a person might use but ONLY on the battlefield, because it is too big and cumbersome for them to wear as a sidearm in everyday life. An "ōdachi" on the other hand is a larger sword intended for a larger person that is going to be wearing it as his sidearm in everyday life. Shogo is using the term "katana" to refer to Japanese swords in general, while Sellswords Arts is using the term to refer to the "uchigatana," which is how the term "katana" is mostly used in the West.
Please make a reaction video with Seki-sensei about Hema techniques and similarities and differences compared to asamai shinryu. I'm keen that would be great with a lot of views.
Hey, didn't expect to get a reaction video made about me 😂 I appreciate you interjecting your knowledge on Japanese swordsmanship. There's a couple of points I think that might have gotten misinterpreted due to the length of the shorts. I try and get as much information as I can in in 60 seconds, but unfortunately I can only really scratch the surface. If you'd like to discuss any of the ideas in the videos you reviewed, I'd be happy to elaborate😊
Turkish Kilij and Heavy Kilij which Leonidas was wielding in 300 spartan is also Turkish sword but also in Jujutsu kaisen, Megumin used to wield it it is OP sword
I explained to one if my Marine friends that swords were sidearms, similar to a pistol in modern warfare. If it's out and in use, things are not going well.
European knights didn't use bows or guns much. Lance, sword, & dagger were the iconic knightly weapons, plus pollaxe, mace, & various other bludgeons. Some knights did use pistols, if you want to go that late.
There's a western sword school in Tokyo by the name of Castle Tintagel. It would be really cool if there was opportunity for a crossover video with Shogo/Seki and the Tintagel people.
@@tiberiusvindex804 10 year HEMA guy here, yes their rules are more buhurt / SCA and are not HEMA. However, pretty awesome to have something European focused in Japan!
Replying late - but for people who don't know, Tintagel is in common folklore as "The Birthplace of King Arthur" (and therefore related to the Knights of the Round Table)
It approximates the katana about as well as a feder approximates a longsword (having all four of them myself). I wouldn't want to use one of iai, but paired kata with one feel reasonably similar to using an iaito or bokuto. Really, having done both iai and HEMA, there is a LOT of overlap and the longsword and katana have a lot of same mechanics between them. I agree that one who has studied one could pick the other one up really fast, and as someone who learned them both at the same time, I found many principles cross-pollinating. I'd say the biggest difference is the footwork, but even that isn't too dissimilar, just meant for different clothing styles.
That isnt entirely true. While yes they are unsharpened, to call them flexible is kind of a misnomer. F4 blade flex is not bendy. It just means that when you have a rubber tip on the end stabbing into a hema jacket, the blade will probably bend before your ribs break. Its definitely got more flex than a real blade, but we arent talking about F2 SCA blades.
I especially love it when Shogo-sensei starts talking about the varying applications of the katana in combat, samurai combat and weapons, and samurai armor. I watch Sellsword Arts, what can I say? This is a nice occasional treat.
Actually, it sounds like they're both in agreement except for subtle terminology and lack of experience with the others weapon. It could be interesting to do a live video together.
@@edschelchang6123 dude called someone transphobic for being gender nonconforming and then made fun of them for talking about conversion therapy on their page
I think it is nice that Shogo is so objective and not biased against the longsword or protective of the katana. Sellsword videos are pretty based on logic and any empty arguments against them would’ve been a bit lame. I personally am somewhat trained in the katana and I love it, but I wouldn’t put it against the long sword unless I am ready to trash my sword in one fight. Again, great video and thanks!
Sellsword's videos are based more on movie choreography though, which is heavily stylized to say the least. RUclips channels like History Hit and Tod's Workshop are FAR better.
@@jsullivan2112 my channel is a 50/50 mix of real historical martial arts and choreography inspired by those martial arts. We actually do a lot of content about how those weapons actually work 😁
@@markostupar740 you can make the same Claim about any Japanese swordsmanship is well. Yes people pasted it down, but things change throughout the years. And there is no one correct way to use any of the techniques from German longsword. The reason we have many different interpretations, is because different people use the differently. We had examples of multiple different Masters using the same overall technique under different names with slight variations. There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, and there's endless nuanced when it comes to sword fighting. We have amazing scholars working hard on the original source material for many of these movies, combined with a continuous living knowledge of fencing. No one is actually using swords to kill each other anymore, we don't know exactly how these things would have been used back in the day. But both traditional Japanese martial arts, and historical European martial arts are widely considered it to be accurate representations and reconstructions of these practices.
@@SellswordArts Firstly, I really appreciate how both you and Shogo interact here. As other people have said, it's a real pleasure to see people behave in a human and respectful way, rather than a lot of the internet-bringing-the-worst-out-of-people crap that so often happens. If I may, I'd put a small caveat to the comment around making the same claim about Japanese swordsmanship. Things do change, yes. However, the difference is a *focus on preservation* and a *depth of biomechanical understanding* due to actual in-person teaching, handing down generations to generation. As someone who's experienced this lineage of direct teaching, it's truly quite different to be taught through feeling as opposed to through intellectual analysis of visual material (be that pictures or writing). The biomechanical depth is just... off the scale different. It is something that revival and recreation, in my view, just cannot achieve. To be clear, that doesn't mean that all koryu (and I'm specifically excluding things like kendo, iaido, and other gendai, here) are advanced at this, nor does this mean that HEMA is inferior. All I'm saying is that indeed the claim that Japanese swordsmanship is a dead martial art is not as true for koryu (choosing my words, here) as it is for HEMA. They're both anachronistic and 'dead' in the sense of 'not quite useful anymore', but one is naturally alive (although maybe on life support) while the other is more like Frankenstein's creature (I mean this in an entirely non-judgemental way! Just trying to paint the picture and stay in the metaphor.).
One of the best educators on RUclips about Japan and Japanese culture. I haven't even watched the video yet. Still on the ad. Edit: Whoa. I watch Sellsword Arts. I never would've thought I'd see Shogo react to his videos.
Sword seller doesn't even know what a mangosh (European accessory blade ment to be underhanded) is. And underhand is a deflect block no hooking stupidity as he demonstrated.
I'm pretty sure the "katana", he is wielding is a type of federschwert. Its basically a type of super-durable iaito, or an unsharpened live blade. Some HEMA companies make these for japanese weapons because there a lot of us like me that do like cross pollination to maximize our swordsmanship. The companies that manufacture these just aren't as familiar with a katana's construction, and you end up missing pieces like the sageo, saya, ito, ect. They're just western style practice blades with a general ken shape.
Honestly, I think if there's really any disagreement here it's in terms. I get what Sellsword Arts is saying in terms of the weapons being the same biomechanically, and Shogo saying that the technique is different. If the two the them were to agree on the intent of their terms, I don't think there would be much to say.
Was thinking this exact same thing all throughout the video. As I understand it they completely agree on everything XD. I'm glad! Because I like both channels!
@@RoninTF2011 I think would sell sword was trying to say is that you can pick up a kendo shinai and do the same moves as you would with a long sword or Katana and you can pick up a long sword and use the same techniques as a katana and shinai and you pick up a katana and use the same techniques as a long sword and shinai because at the end of the day all three are essentially long sticks and the human body can move them all in the same way and be effective regardless of what culture and techniques they were designed for
@@youngmoney4693 But you can't move the Longsword or the Katana....as you can the shinai, these think weigh barely more the a chocolate bar, wehile the above clock in a 2-3 pounds
I think the confusion results because some commenters without experience in European or Japanese swordsmanship see reverse grip being used as the default method of using a knife or sword by badass characters in movies or anime, and assume the same applies to reality. But from I've seen of the Kobudo and iai techniques you've shared, reverse grip with the katana is mostly for some iai or defensive techniques when you're ambushed or fighting at extremely close-quarters. Once you have any amount of distance from the opponent, it looks like katana martial arts also switch to the standard grip as much as possible. You can't really use two hands with reverse grip and you want two hands for the maximum amount of control and force I would assume. Similarly, there would be a few situations with European short bladed weapons (daggers & knives) where you might use a reverse grip--if you're ambushed or in close quarters, just like the katana, but maybe also if you're an armoured fighter who's gotten an armoured opponent on the ground and you're on top of them trying to finish them off with the rondel dagger: reverse or "icepick" grip might be best in that situation. Thanks for the great reaction, Shogo!
The long sword was designed to use EVERY part as an offensive weapon. For instance, during a "lock-up" of blades, depending on where you are in relation to your opponent, you might hit them in the face with the large pointed hilt or the large weighted pommel. I've seen many old long swords made with sharpened spike-like hilts for stabbing and spiked pommels to cause greater damage in face strikes. Europeans got VERY good at hurting each other and made a LOT of very interesting innovations in that field.
Because of constant unending wars, they all were forced to evolve to keep up with each other. That's probably one of the reason of their domination in the world
@@yarikyaryiNo guns and for multiplication is the reason for this. During the Middle Ages Europe was certainly incapable of “dominating” the rest of the world.
I think he called it kendo because he couldn't think of the names of any other hema adjacent katana training. But you definitely do not use a Long sword like a kendo stick.
An elaboration on "if you can use a longsword, you can use a katana, and vice versa": You can employ the most fundamental and common longsword techniques with a katana, because they're both two handed long blade weapons that can cut and thrust. You cannot do ALL of the longsword techniques with a katana, as many make extensive use of the sharpened back edge and the crossguard, and my understanding is you cannot do ALL of the katana techniques with a longsword, as certain techniques won't work the same with the presence of the cross guard. However, you could absolutely pick up a longsword, or a katana, or a shinai, and use it the same way you'd use the weapon you primarily train. It won't be the same, but you won't be completely lost.
Id say its more like shooting a recurve bow and a long bow. You do the same thing, they perform slightly differently, and have a slight edge in specific scenarios, but if you know how to use one, you can still pull the string back on the other. Front vs rear wheel drivr handles *really* differently in any kind of adverse weather, its a bit too extreme for the subtle differences at play.
@Xenogor Wraithblade to be fair, you can use those techniques as well, its just going to be at disadvantage and you might have to tighten up your form to be stable. Rapier tends to be very extended because it relies on the opponent's blade also being very light, as almost all the mass in a rapier is in the complex hilt. a twohanded cutting sword would likely blow right through you if you tried the same onehanded rapier guards, especially with a different type of sword, but thrusts (even fully extended onehanded thrusts) are still a thing with longswords, and youve got an idea of measure and foodwork. It wont all translate perfectly but youre far better off than someone with no experience
if you're interested about learning more about european swordsmanship and historical martial arts i recommend Björn Rüther's channel ! He's a german guy focusing on the german tradition of swordsmanship, which is also the one with the most records of as far as I know for pre-16th century martial arts, and he shows a wide range of weapons and techniques
I love RUclips you get all this knowledge from experts. Then every now and again you get someone who have lived their art all their lives and are truly knowledgeable like Grandmaster Seki. Thank you Shogo. Take care. Stay safe 🙏 John and Kate
I would say when you study closely the techniques utilized between the longsword and katana that there are numerous similarities in how you generate power in the cut and the ways you may block and parry incoming blows. Of course there are many instances of specific techniques that are unique to each weapon. The similarities are down to how our bodies are built and the differences are down to context.
I love that your video isnt confrontational just to create controversy (and likes). Unlike so many social media reviews of others videos. Well done in another great video and I hope the weather is improving for your reynards.❤
This is absolutely wonderful because you can see that different techniques adapted to their own history but at heart they all have to be used by humans so the affinities are really a lot. It would be truly wonderful to have you and the sword guy to have some collaborations where you both analyse a specific situation and how both arts chose to deal with it depending on their historical facts! I would love it to pieces!!!!
When I was in the SCA (where I think a lot of this reverse-grip stuff came from) we used a basket hilt on a shortsword reverse grip sometimes. The sword part was used to block low shots (I wore a gauntlet with wrist reinforcement), but the extra-stout basket hilt did most of the blocking and was more like a buckler. We learned to "punch" the incoming attack to deflect it.
As a club that teaches Kenjutsu and HEMA, we love both of your channels. I really want to put together a "Katana vs Longsword" video very soon and would love for either of you to react to it! We did a Nodachi vs Longsword sparring video already but I would love to do something in depth. Thanks for the honest react Shogo and Sellsword!
I’ve always wanted to see your view on western swordsmanship, specifically involving Longswords and sabers, and this is a dream crossover for the sword community. Keep up the great work
Thank you for the video. Interesting to see the kind of swords compared a little. I look forward to talking to you and Seki Sensei in his next lesson. I hope, it's not a problem that I missed the previous lessons.
7:58 You are correct. He usually buys weapons specifically made for sparring. A hand-made katana would damage too easily with what he does, so it isn't a traditional katana.
This was really cool! Its so fun when two channels I like "run into each other" Thanks for the insight (open minded and respectful as always) I'm definitely going to look at your new sword channel
I would love to see Shogo try out HEMA or take a look at some videos. I feel like too many people have done the "Who would win? European or Japanese swordsmanship" too much and haven't taken a more comparative look. I'd love to see Shogos take on the many different ways a longsword can be used, the variety of techniques involved, and some of the more bizarre techniques HEMA has
[11:47] It's called Mordhau, meaning murder-stroke, and there's a way to handle it that it won't cut your hands and fingers. It works well against armored opponents as it uses the blunt pommel and has more weight on that end.
Yup, there's like a line in the middle of the blade. You put your fingertips on one side, then your palm on the other. It looks like you're going to cut your hands, and your hands DO touch the sharp bit of the blade, but it's pretty safe.
@@Burn_Angel If the weapon is combat-ready levels of sharpness, you'll almost definitely shred your fingers if you strike anything relatively solid if you aren't wearing at least leather gloves.
It's worth noting that most of the sources for the murder stroke involve judicial duels in full armor. We know that people often used specialized swords for such duels, & these could be unsharpened except near the tip. Using a mostly blunt sword while wearing gauntlets with leather on the inside would make murderstrokes quite safe for the hands & fingers.
@@rajamicitrenti1374 Yeah. I probably should have mentioned. The leather gloves they used at the time were thicker than the ones we have today and they didn't do it without their leather gloves.
It is fun too hear about the differences & similarities between Eastern & Western weapons & martial arts. I'm glad both have community's keeping this knowledge alive.
Having done both Iaido and Longsword, I can say that the fighting methods are quite similar. There are definitely similar considerations between both fighting methods when fighting against armour but the difference between the two is the form that armour comes in. An example is that we have helmets that are open, caged, or fully closed within European warfare. Comparatively, there is usually the face open on a samurai's helmet and the construction itself is made of separate pieces. This is, of course, only one piece of the armour puzzle as we also have other differences such as full harnesses of armour, as well as a multi-layer system of Plate, Maille, and Gambeson generally used in the European sphere in various fashions. Japanese armour also has a weakness that European armour does not in the form of the knot at the back which may, or may not, be covered but is the single point that could cause the "suit" to come apart.
Thank you for your comments on Sellsword's videos. I just recently discovered that channel and wondered how accurate his comments were regarding fighting with katana compared to longsword. Thank you and keep up the great videos.❤
What I love about watching this is to see two great content creators with different styles respecting the other person. It is my favorite part of things like debate and, sadly, something I don't see a lot of today. That said, I would love to see you two sparring, learning from each other's styles, and trying each other's blades to come back with insights.
I appreciate the humility you demonstrated here in this video, it speaks volumes about your knowledge and expertise, especially when you presented counter arguments. I trained in Karate years ago and I had friends in the martial arts community who practiced other Japanese martial arts such as jiujitsu and kenjutsu and we sparred together regularly. These days I study HEMA, and I can say with confidence that there are more similarities between Japanese and European sword styles than there are differences. There are definitely some differences, but not as many as some people seem to think. Thank for the video, it was a pleasure to watch
As someone who owns both a Katana and a Longsword I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that a longsword is so much sturdier than a Katana. The Katana is a more beautiful piece of crafting, with an authentic hamon, and it really draws the attention of any room its in. The longsword while usually less impressive artistically is effectively a big solid spring. You can bend it in half and it will spring back to its original shape, whereas the Katana is not tempered, only edge-hardened, so will bend.
I trained fencing with an old former Olympian fencer, and he greatly laments what fencing has turned into. Due to lazy judges and coaches prioritizing "scoring points" over actual swordsmanship, modern fencing just turned into playing tag with a metal stick.
It's really interesting learning more about things like this! I had the pleasure of meeting you while I was in Japan and doing the samurai experience in Kyoto, it was an absolute blast! Much love from Arizona 💜💜
It’s funny how the sellsword guy recently said that if you aren’t practicing the martial art then you shouldn’t talk about it. I. His case he was saying peoples opinions were invalid because they didn’t practice HEMA as much as he did yet he talks about Japanese swords and stuff…
I think a collaborative effort between this channel & sellsword would be brilliant! Sort a compare & contrast notes thing/cultural exchange would be absolutely brilliant!
a big misconception people have with swords is their durability, there is a lot of discourse about what breaks first. To put it simply, a katana has as much of a chance to break as any other sword. Every sword is really easy to break, that's why swordsmithing is a profession, a well-made sword of any origin can withstand blows like nothing happened to it, regardless of what steel/region it is from. The longsword and shortsword was notorious for breaking in battle, same with the saber, the gladius, and the Katana. History shows that the argument of sword vs sword only depends on two things: the forging of the sword, and the skill of its wielder.
I would love to see a longform conversation between @Let's Ask Shogo and @Sellsword Arts!! I have a ton of respect for both of you, and I bet we all have a lot to learn from one another.
11:06 Meanwhile Dequiem putting the longsword as 2nd best weapon for armored dueling, above maces, hammers, polearms and daggers and Matt Easton only disagreeing about the halberd being lower. And yes, it's specifically for 1v1 duels not battlefields, but the historical sources seem to show knights favoring the sword in such a situation when they absolutely had their choice of weapon and when multiple weapons could be chosen, it was spear, sword and dagger, while the spear was quickly switched to the sword and dagger rarely used, the sword ending up the most used.
This was a wonderful video my friend! As someone who practices Hema, I have a ton of respect for Japanese swordsmanship. I hope that one day people will recognize the differences, strengths, and weaknesses of the Katana and Longsword, and that people will realize that one is not inherently better than the other.
Hi! I have a hema-background and no Idea about japanese Swordmanship. You Gentleman, are are a delight to listen to. I like your style of making the video. You seem very knowledgable and admit about your strenghts and weaknesses. This is admirable. You made me watch a video I am usually not very interested in (the Old Debate about mighty Katana vs mighty Longsword) and enjoying it. Thank you
11:43 That technique is also featured in the game For Honor, in the anime Junket no Maria, it's episode 5 and also in the manga of Berserk, chapter 331.
Imagine someone who has almost as little knowledge with katanas as you do with long swords that’s sell sword he’s great at what he does and constantly corrects and tries to educate himself tho very noble
2:50 so a type of half swording? 5:20 would that be similar to the use of something like a rondel dagger(although the rondel dagger generally was used armored/against armor ti stab through gabs and during grappeling)?
Thank you very much for the interesting content, I really love these longer form videos! It would be really interesting to see you test his hypothesis, by going through some kata with a European long sword, and hearing your thoughts…
(12:54) Well what's your suggestion is more getting around armor then to actually deal with it head on. Which is also something that Western did they with the plate armor. They tried to go for the joints or any overlap that they could slide into for example.🤔
I find it interesting how in fighting against armor, in Japan you get the response “pull a gun,” while in Europe you get the response “hit them with a hammer/cross guard.”
There is a group in Japan who trains in HEMA out in Tokyo. Funny enough I trained in Kenjutsu in the West and HEMA in the East. The group is called Castle Tintagel. I recommend checking them out.
....and forget about trying to use a Katana against chainmail....the links woven together disipate the kinetic energy from slashing attacks. each link transfers the cutting and slicing force more and more as the individual links start to band together, creating overlapping layers further absorbing and disipating the cutting or slicing force more and more until there is no more kinetic energy from the attack... ...it absolutely fascinating
I would LOVE to see a collaboration between the two of you. I really think it would be incredibly productive and positive in is effect in online sword communities.
I train Yagyu shingan ryu and most of the stuff we learn is meant to deal with armored opponents. I am still beginner so haven't done much katana training yet but I am sure same goes for the katana techniques we learn.
As a fan of both your channels was really happy to see you react to Sellsword videos in a constructive way. Hope to soo a collaboration some time even just to see you both discuss your preferred styles of swordmanship
From what I was given to understand, a short piercing weapon like a long dagger was utilized during some periods at least for fighting against armor specifically to be used in close combat attacking the opening areas of the armor (armpit, behind knee, groin, neck etc...)
A sparring session between HEMA and iado (both armored and un armored) would be amazing. Samurai vs knight is a fantasy for most historical weapons fans. The first advantage for samurai (possibly the only) is archery, as the European knights saw archery as a peasant weapon, but the fullness of western armor may negate that advantage. Most people would probably be more interested in single combat on foot, using comparable weapons. The ultimate test would probably be the long sword vs katana. Stylistically the long sword seems to have the advantage of range and versatility, but the katana techniques that are used against long weapons (spear,naganita)might be enough. Rapier would also be interesting, as it is fast and very stabby. Thank you Shogo, as always, your curiosity and respect are greatly appreciated and very contagious! Be safe
Rapier against a standard katana in an unarmored duel at distance sounds a bit unfair to the katana wielder. A longer katana would make things more interesting, as would having to draw & fight immediately at close range. I suspect the standard katana would have the advantage in certain scenarios with drawing included.
Iaïdo is not about fighting at all, it is more a meditation pratice, with a weapon and how to hold it. It is not like kobudo style, iaïjutsu or kenjutsu.
in the short about reverse grip, he already mentioned that the reverse grip is effective in ereally close quarters combat. since he spars a lot, being in a distance away from your opponent is more safe, and being at closer distance is a double edge
8:41 I'm just gonna say how impressed by this cut I am. That mat had another 10 seconds to figure out it was actually cut and fall down, if not for the following cuts. And the 3rd cut in mid air was cut while the mat was spinning and timed perfectly to hit it perpendicular. The amount of mats getting cut just to reach that level of edge alignment must be staggering.
European sword experts who have no training in Japanese Kenjutsu often don't know that the way a katana is gripped and the way one swings it is very different than a long sword. As and expert in Kinesiology and having trained with katana, I can say the biomechanics are very different. This is also the case for Kendo. The effectiveness of the cut or thrust with a katan is diminished with improper grip or use of the body for the cut. This is easily tested with tameshigiri. Cleaner cuts through thicker targets are possible with proper technique.
I assume you say this having no training in longsword? The biomechanics are nearly the same. If you note, there is an equivalent European guard for every single Japanese guard. Why? The mechanics are the same. The same is true for the longsword, which demands even higher levels of cut precision as the center of mass is not self-aligning. Additionally, katana have a much larger length of percussion, giving them even more ease in the cut. Heavy sabers are more comparable to katana in cutting capability. Sure, the handle itself is quite different, but the grips tend to be nearly identical. Having sparred members at my HEMA club who transitioned from kenjutsu, they attest it carries over nearly 1:1. Japanese swordsmanship is not as special as all the useless kata attempt to make it seem. The kata that are practical also show up as Italian or German drills. Then there's the silly stuff for crazy scenarios where you've realistically died before you perform the 5-step disarm.
The kata, kamae, etc. is not relevan. Guard positions and such are mechanical, external to the body. Biomechanics is internal to the body. The difference I refer to is in expressing tenchijin within the body and the ability to extend it to the weapon.
@@foofyguy Well, believe what you want to believe. If you think that feeling like a warrior makes you one, then go ahead. Perhaps that spirit is best utilized in actual combat, though?
@@spicketspaghet7773 You'll have to forgive me as I am neurodiverse. I don't know what you mean by believe, or utilize spirit in combat. I'm trained to use firearms for combat. Training for actual combat with a sword is less productive. You're probably taking a dig at me so I'll clarify what is meant by tenchijin and then disengage from this thread. I formally studied Engineering, Kinesiology MS, and now Neurobiology PHd eventually, to understand how the body does what I was taught to do. I understand things through the hard sciences. What Asian arts refer to as tenchijin is actually the development of balancing the appropriate tensions of the body through opposing spirals. Combining muscle contraction with the latent contractile properties of the connective tissues that knit the entire kinetic chain together with the opposing rotation of both sides of the the body, one can transfer a great deal more kinetic energy through the limbs while remaining much more stable and using less energy. Utilization of the body this way has applications beyond melee weapons, which is why I study. I've trained athletes the basic body work to improve their performance. Without this, bujutsu is a hollow version of what was taught for the battle field. Other than 'tenchijin' I don't know how to describe it with less than a paragraph of text., and anyone can search for 'tenchijin'
i am no expert in any form of swordsmanship but i have an intrest in all forms of swordsmanship mostly longsword and katana, what i have learned from my research is both are fantastic weapons in the corect context, both have a great deal of history and mythology to them and most important of all both are made far more affective in the hands of trained professionals, a katana practitioner with years of experience is unlikely to lose against a long sword wielder with far less experience and viceversa the weapons are less important than the people controlling them
Very entertaining. Thx for this video. .. As far as I could see it, the Katana and the swords he was using in his examples seem to be so called "theatre weapons". They are usually blunt and only made to look like the real deal from afar, but very much likely are not as refined as the originals.
in a fight between a samurai and a medieval knight. Would win the most skilled opponent, making the whole argument pointless. However, something that came out of the whole debacle, is more people sharing their knowledge in both subjects. That is something that makes me happy.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
●Sellswords Arts RUclips Channel
www.youtube.com/@SellswordArts
*The content is based on personal studies and experience
There is no intention of denying other theories and cultural aspects
▼My New Channel: Let’s ask Seki Sensei | Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu▼
www.youtube.com/@letsasksekisensei
Are you a Japanese budo martial art lover watching this video? I am now running the best channel for you to learn more about samurai, katana, and budo martial arts from a Kobudo master who is running a 400-year-old Ryuha. Our goal is to achieve 100,000 subscribers by 2023, so please check it out!
▼Interested in learning Iai/Kenjutsu skills online?▼
patreon.com/lets_ask_sekisensei?Link&
Interested in taking lessons directly from the 22nd headmaster of Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu, Seki sensei? Sign up to learn authentic samurai skills with 400 years of history, with perfect English interpretation from Let’s ask Shogo. Every lesson will be recorded and will be available to rewatch anytime. (Learn more about the online lessons: ruclips.net/video/ZBXqjXbbknM/видео.html)
▼Please support me through Ko-fi (a donation platform like Patreon)▼
ko-fi.com/letsaskshogo
The management (filming, editing, etc.) of the new Asayama Ichiden Ryu's English Channel "Let's ask Seki Sensei" is completely my voluntary work. If I am not able to pay for the expensive bullet train fare from Kyoto to Ibaraki Prefecture (where the main Dojo is located), and hotel/filming expenses, this activity will cease. Please help us spread and preserve this 400-year-old martial art. In return, I will try my best to create the most educational and exciting content about Japanese Kobudo.
▼The BEST online katana shop for martial arts (Iaido, Kendo, etc.): Tozando▼
tozandoshop.com/letsaskshogo
Everything I use for my katana training is bought at this shop! I still use the first training katana I bought in 2016, and it is still in good shape!
▼The recommended online katana shop for decorations and cosplay: Mini Katana▼
minikatana.com/SHOGO
*Get 15% OFF off all their products by purchasing through my affiliate link
▼Where you can meet me in Kyoto, Japan | Yushinkan Samurai Experience with Modern-day Musashi▼
A 90-minute experience in Japan where beginners can learn how to wield, draw, sheath, and swing the katana from the modern-day Musashi! I, Shogo, will be your interpreter to lead you into the wonderful world of samurai martial arts!
Make your reservation here: www.airbnb.com/experiences/4577764?locale=en
A video of me visiting this experience: ruclips.net/video/MqBCAC42zAM/видео.html
▼Let's ask Shogo Merchandise Shop▼
Where you can buy t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, stickers, etc. of cute Ukiyoe animal characters and logos of Let’s ask Shogo:
suzuri.jp/lets_ask_shogo
▼Who is Shogo? What is this channel about?▼
ruclips.net/user/shortskZbyd0OfdC4
▼MY DREAM▼
ruclips.net/user/shortsWFF3AhN0LXE
“To make every Japan lovers’ dream come true, by making Japan a more secure, comfortable, and safer place for everyone to visit, study, and live in”
▼Join our Membership▼
ruclips.net/channel/UCn7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVwjoin
The ticket to the front row seats to Shogo's rapid adventure to make his dream come true! Through the limited videos and live streams, your ideas and opinions will be adopted for Shogo to make the right decisions for his challenges!
▼Sub-channel: “Shogo’s Podcast”▼
ruclips.net/channel/UCZAe1VayWxp5NLO4Net78DA
▼Instagram▼
instagram.com/lets_ask_shogo/
*Please ask me questions through the DM here!（⚠I do not use e-mail）
Hey, isn't a long katana called a tachi?
I sincerely hope Sellswords reacts to this.
@@masterandshadow3944 The tachi is an earlier predecessor to the uchigatana which is often longer, more curved and designed with mounted combat in mind. This longer katana he pointed out was an "ōdachi," but there are also nōdachi... the names can be confusing but as I understand the main difference is how they were used. A "nōdachi" is an extra large sword a person might use but ONLY on the battlefield, because it is too big and cumbersome for them to wear as a sidearm in everyday life. An "ōdachi" on the other hand is a larger sword intended for a larger person that is going to be wearing it as his sidearm in everyday life. Shogo is using the term "katana" to refer to Japanese swords in general, while Sellswords Arts is using the term to refer to the "uchigatana," which is how the term "katana" is mostly used in the West.
Please make a reaction video with Seki-sensei about Hema techniques and similarities and differences compared to asamai shinryu. I'm keen that would be great with a lot of views.
hi shogo sellsword has repectfully replied to your video below,love all your channels true beautiful budo!
Hey, didn't expect to get a reaction video made about me 😂
I appreciate you interjecting your knowledge on Japanese swordsmanship.
There's a couple of points I think that might have gotten misinterpreted due to the length of the shorts. I try and get as much information as I can in in 60 seconds, but unfortunately I can only really scratch the surface.
If you'd like to discuss any of the ideas in the videos you reviewed, I'd be happy to elaborate😊
That’s the crossover that the planet needs
Make it work!
We need a collab about the reserve grip please /\qwq
Please
You should challenge him to a sparring match. Katana vs longsword
Shogo talking about longswords is probably the closest thing we have to a hema x kobudo crossover. I absolutely love it
Turkish Kilij and Heavy Kilij which Leonidas was wielding in 300 spartan is also Turkish sword but also in Jujutsu kaisen, Megumin used to wield it it is OP sword
Yeah well except for the big HEMA channels going at it :D
Or that time i fenced Raf (Metatron) in Palermo. Its on his channel.
Jessie Enkamp actually have a video when he confronts HEMA practitioners in sparring)
I've been waiting to see Shogo react to a mordhau for years
@@AGermanFencer I'd like to see Skallgrim
Internet knights: longswords
Internet samurai: katana
Actual knights and samurai: bows and guns
Knight: Parry this, you filthy casual!
*takes out the sacred Glock of Antioch*
I explained to one if my Marine friends that swords were sidearms, similar to a pistol in modern warfare. If it's out and in use, things are not going well.
Don't forget the Yari or spear. A longsword is a side weapon, the spear used to be the main weapon.
Bandits and Peasants: Crossbow 🗿
European knights didn't use bows or guns much. Lance, sword, & dagger were the iconic knightly weapons, plus pollaxe, mace, & various other bludgeons. Some knights did use pistols, if you want to go that late.
There's a western sword school in Tokyo by the name of Castle Tintagel. It would be really cool if there was opportunity for a crossover video with Shogo/Seki and the Tintagel people.
Having looks at them they look more like Buhurt/SCA style fighting, not HEMA.
@@tiberiusvindex804 10 year HEMA guy here, yes their rules are more buhurt / SCA and are not HEMA. However, pretty awesome to have something European focused in Japan!
Replying late - but for people who don't know, Tintagel is in common folklore as "The Birthplace of King Arthur" (and therefore related to the Knights of the Round Table)
The katana he uses is a sword made of a dull, flexible type of steel used in most swords used in Hema (for sparring).
Exactly. It's more of a sports tool than a replica.
Not as easy to make a kurved swords flexible enough to make thrusts not hurt as f*ck 😛
It approximates the katana about as well as a feder approximates a longsword (having all four of them myself). I wouldn't want to use one of iai, but paired kata with one feel reasonably similar to using an iaito or bokuto. Really, having done both iai and HEMA, there is a LOT of overlap and the longsword and katana have a lot of same mechanics between them. I agree that one who has studied one could pick the other one up really fast, and as someone who learned them both at the same time, I found many principles cross-pollinating. I'd say the biggest difference is the footwork, but even that isn't too dissimilar, just meant for different clothing styles.
That isnt entirely true. While yes they are unsharpened, to call them flexible is kind of a misnomer. F4 blade flex is not bendy. It just means that when you have a rubber tip on the end stabbing into a hema jacket, the blade will probably bend before your ribs break.
Its definitely got more flex than a real blade, but we arent talking about F2 SCA blades.
Looks similar to a sigi katana if you want to google and look at the details
The katana he is holding in his video is a Sigi katana trainer, meant for full contact sparring in protective gear.
@@TesticularDancer Interesting, didn't know Victor makes katanas too these days. It looks practically identical to the Sigi one.
@@penttikoivuniemi2146 yeah you can see the purple heart logo on the bottom
I especially love it when Shogo-sensei starts talking about the varying applications of the katana in combat, samurai combat and weapons, and samurai armor. I watch Sellsword Arts, what can I say? This is a nice occasional treat.
Actually, it sounds like they're both in agreement except for subtle terminology and lack of experience with the others weapon. It could be interesting to do a live video together.
No they are not in agreement. Shogo debunked his claim about katanas.
I hope not. I like this channel and the sellsword arts channel is a toxic bully
@@SleepDaMouse-xd8dn What make you say that? Did he do something?
@@edschelchang6123 dude called someone transphobic for being gender nonconforming and then made fun of them for talking about conversion therapy on their page
@@SleepDaMouse-xd8dn Do you have a link? I wanna check it out myself
I think it is nice that Shogo is so objective and not biased against the longsword or protective of the katana. Sellsword videos are pretty based on logic and any empty arguments against them would’ve been a bit lame. I personally am somewhat trained in the katana and I love it, but I wouldn’t put it against the long sword unless I am ready to trash my sword in one fight. Again, great video and thanks!
Sellsword's videos are based more on movie choreography though, which is heavily stylized to say the least. RUclips channels like History Hit and Tod's Workshop are FAR better.
@@jsullivan2112 my channel is a 50/50 mix of real historical martial arts and choreography inspired by those martial arts.
We actually do a lot of content about how those weapons actually work 😁
@@jsullivan2112 Did you miss videos where he went to HEMA tournaments and even got first place from time to time?
@@markostupar740 you can make the same Claim about any Japanese swordsmanship is well. Yes people pasted it down, but things change throughout the years.
And there is no one correct way to use any of the techniques from German longsword. The reason we have many different interpretations, is because different people use the differently. We had examples of multiple different Masters using the same overall technique under different names with slight variations. There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, and there's endless nuanced when it comes to sword fighting.
We have amazing scholars working hard on the original source material for many of these movies, combined with a continuous living knowledge of fencing.
No one is actually using swords to kill each other anymore, we don't know exactly how these things would have been used back in the day. But both traditional Japanese martial arts, and historical European martial arts are widely considered it to be accurate representations and reconstructions of these practices.
@@SellswordArts Firstly, I really appreciate how both you and Shogo interact here. As other people have said, it's a real pleasure to see people behave in a human and respectful way, rather than a lot of the internet-bringing-the-worst-out-of-people crap that so often happens.
If I may, I'd put a small caveat to the comment around making the same claim about Japanese swordsmanship. Things do change, yes. However, the difference is a *focus on preservation* and a *depth of biomechanical understanding* due to actual in-person teaching, handing down generations to generation. As someone who's experienced this lineage of direct teaching, it's truly quite different to be taught through feeling as opposed to through intellectual analysis of visual material (be that pictures or writing). The biomechanical depth is just... off the scale different. It is something that revival and recreation, in my view, just cannot achieve.
To be clear, that doesn't mean that all koryu (and I'm specifically excluding things like kendo, iaido, and other gendai, here) are advanced at this, nor does this mean that HEMA is inferior. All I'm saying is that indeed the claim that Japanese swordsmanship is a dead martial art is not as true for koryu (choosing my words, here) as it is for HEMA. They're both anachronistic and 'dead' in the sense of 'not quite useful anymore', but one is naturally alive (although maybe on life support) while the other is more like Frankenstein's creature (I mean this in an entirely non-judgemental way! Just trying to paint the picture and stay in the metaphor.).
One of the best educators on RUclips about Japan and Japanese culture. I haven't even watched the video yet. Still on the ad.
Edit: Whoa. I watch Sellsword Arts. I never would've thought I'd see Shogo react to his videos.
Sword seller doesn't even know what a mangosh (European accessory blade ment to be underhanded) is. And underhand is a deflect block no hooking stupidity as he demonstrated.
The title of this video is a bit of a giveaway…🤡
Sellsword supported conversion therapy.
I'm pretty sure the "katana", he is wielding is a type of federschwert. Its basically a type of super-durable iaito, or an unsharpened live blade. Some HEMA companies make these for japanese weapons because there a lot of us like me that do like cross pollination to maximize our swordsmanship. The companies that manufacture these just aren't as familiar with a katana's construction, and you end up missing pieces like the sageo, saya, ito, ect. They're just western style practice blades with a general ken shape.
Honestly, I think if there's really any disagreement here it's in terms. I get what Sellsword Arts is saying in terms of the weapons being the same biomechanically, and Shogo saying that the technique is different. If the two the them were to agree on the intent of their terms, I don't think there would be much to say.
Was thinking this exact same thing all throughout the video. As I understand it they completely agree on everything XD. I'm glad! Because I like both channels!
More as misunderstanding on sellswords side in mixing up Kendo and Kenjitsu. Longsword and Kenjitsu bodywork look realy realy similar
@@RoninTF2011 I think would sell sword was trying to say is that you can pick up a kendo shinai and do the same moves as you would with a long sword or Katana and you can pick up a long sword and use the same techniques as a katana and shinai and you pick up a katana and use the same techniques as a long sword and shinai because at the end of the day all three are essentially long sticks and the human body can move them all in the same way and be effective regardless of what culture and techniques they were designed for
@@youngmoney4693 But you can't move the Longsword or the Katana....as you can the shinai, these think weigh barely more the a chocolate bar, wehile the above clock in a 2-3 pounds
I'm so glad you reacted to this the way you did. Arigato
I would like to inform you Arigato is spelled Arigatou because in japnese the O and U when paired together like Ou make an Oh kind of sound
@@thebowinarrow8398 both are correct
@@thebowinarrow8398 who asked
@@mathewpercy3292 I did, I asked, I asked myself what is stopping us from being a more refined society, shortcuts.
I think the confusion results because some commenters without experience in European or Japanese swordsmanship see reverse grip being used as the default method of using a knife or sword by badass characters in movies or anime, and assume the same applies to reality. But from I've seen of the Kobudo and iai techniques you've shared, reverse grip with the katana is mostly for some iai or defensive techniques when you're ambushed or fighting at extremely close-quarters. Once you have any amount of distance from the opponent, it looks like katana martial arts also switch to the standard grip as much as possible. You can't really use two hands with reverse grip and you want two hands for the maximum amount of control and force I would assume.
Similarly, there would be a few situations with European short bladed weapons (daggers & knives) where you might use a reverse grip--if you're ambushed or in close quarters, just like the katana, but maybe also if you're an armoured fighter who's gotten an armoured opponent on the ground and you're on top of them trying to finish them off with the rondel dagger: reverse or "icepick" grip might be best in that situation.
Thanks for the great reaction, Shogo!
The long sword was designed to use EVERY part as an offensive weapon. For instance, during a "lock-up" of blades, depending on where you are in relation to your opponent, you might hit them in the face with the large pointed hilt or the large weighted pommel. I've seen many old long swords made with sharpened spike-like hilts for stabbing and spiked pommels to cause greater damage in face strikes. Europeans got VERY good at hurting each other and made a LOT of very interesting innovations in that field.
Because of constant unending wars, they all were forced to evolve to keep up with each other. That's probably one of the reason of their domination in the world
@@yarikyaryi bingo
Yeah you're right .
@@yarikyaryiNo guns and for multiplication is the reason for this. During the Middle Ages Europe was certainly incapable of “dominating” the rest of the world.
I think he called it kendo because he couldn't think of the names of any other hema adjacent katana training. But you definitely do not use a Long sword like a kendo stick.
It's called a Shinai...
Shogo smiles like the Happy Mask Salesman from Zelda and I love it
An elaboration on "if you can use a longsword, you can use a katana, and vice versa":
You can employ the most fundamental and common longsword techniques with a katana, because they're both two handed long blade weapons that can cut and thrust.
You cannot do ALL of the longsword techniques with a katana, as many make extensive use of the sharpened back edge and the crossguard, and my understanding is you cannot do ALL of the katana techniques with a longsword, as certain techniques won't work the same with the presence of the cross guard.
However, you could absolutely pick up a longsword, or a katana, or a shinai, and use it the same way you'd use the weapon you primarily train. It won't be the same, but you won't be completely lost.
So basically it's like having to drive an Auto after being trained to drive Manual
Probably more like front wheel drive vs rear wheel drive.
Id say its more like shooting a recurve bow and a long bow. You do the same thing, they perform slightly differently, and have a slight edge in specific scenarios, but if you know how to use one, you can still pull the string back on the other. Front vs rear wheel drivr handles *really* differently in any kind of adverse weather, its a bit too extreme for the subtle differences at play.
Meanwhile almost all of my experience is with rapiers, so I'd be boned either way. X'D
@Xenogor Wraithblade to be fair, you can use those techniques as well, its just going to be at disadvantage and you might have to tighten up your form to be stable. Rapier tends to be very extended because it relies on the opponent's blade also being very light, as almost all the mass in a rapier is in the complex hilt. a twohanded cutting sword would likely blow right through you if you tried the same onehanded rapier guards, especially with a different type of sword, but thrusts (even fully extended onehanded thrusts) are still a thing with longswords, and youve got an idea of measure and foodwork.
It wont all translate perfectly but youre far better off than someone with no experience
The best element of all of your videos is authenticity. Combine that with your excellent English skills and sensibilities. Thats why Shogu is the best
if you're interested about learning more about european swordsmanship and historical martial arts i recommend Björn Rüther's channel ! He's a german guy focusing on the german tradition of swordsmanship, which is also the one with the most records of as far as I know for pre-16th century martial arts, and he shows a wide range of weapons and techniques
I love RUclips you get all this knowledge from experts. Then every now and again you get someone who have lived their art all their lives and are truly knowledgeable like Grandmaster Seki. Thank you Shogo. Take care. Stay safe 🙏
John and Kate
I would say when you study closely the techniques utilized between the longsword and katana that there are numerous similarities in how you generate power in the cut and the ways you may block and parry incoming blows. Of course there are many instances of specific techniques that are unique to each weapon. The similarities are down to how our bodies are built and the differences are down to context.
There's only so many ways for a human being to swing a sword, after all.
I love that your video isnt confrontational just to create controversy (and likes). Unlike so many social media reviews of others videos.
Well done in another great video and I hope the weather is improving for your reynards.❤
This is absolutely wonderful because you can see that different techniques adapted to their own history but at heart they all have to be used by humans so the affinities are really a lot. It would be truly wonderful to have you and the sword guy to have some collaborations where you both analyse a specific situation and how both arts chose to deal with it depending on their historical facts! I would love it to pieces!!!!
When I was in the SCA (where I think a lot of this reverse-grip stuff came from) we used a basket hilt on a shortsword reverse grip sometimes.
The sword part was used to block low shots (I wore a gauntlet with wrist reinforcement), but the extra-stout basket hilt did most of the blocking and was more like a buckler.
We learned to "punch" the incoming attack to deflect it.
As a club that teaches Kenjutsu and HEMA, we love both of your channels. I really want to put together a "Katana vs Longsword" video very soon and would love for either of you to react to it! We did a Nodachi vs Longsword sparring video already but I would love to do something in depth. Thanks for the honest react Shogo and Sellsword!
I’ve always wanted to see your view on western swordsmanship, specifically involving Longswords and sabers, and this is a dream crossover for the sword community. Keep up the great work
This katana he has is made like a feathershwert style used ti sparr in historical european martial arts, its not a real katana
Very polite, Informative, and professional video. Thanks Shogo 🙂
Thank you for the video.
Interesting to see the kind of swords compared a little.
I look forward to talking to you and Seki Sensei in his next lesson.
I hope, it's not a problem that I missed the previous lessons.
This is a video I've waited for ever since learning of these two channels!
7:58 You are correct. He usually buys weapons specifically made for sparring. A hand-made katana would damage too easily with what he does, so it isn't a traditional katana.
This was really cool! Its so fun when two channels I like "run into each other"
Thanks for the insight (open minded and respectful as always) I'm definitely going to look at your new sword channel
This was very well done shugo great job and thank you as always.
…Shugo?😂
@@LetsaskShogo sorry I was typing fast 😅
I would love to see Shogo try out HEMA or take a look at some videos.
I feel like too many people have done the "Who would win? European or Japanese swordsmanship" too much and haven't taken a more comparative look.
I'd love to see Shogos take on the many different ways a longsword can be used, the variety of techniques involved, and some of the more bizarre techniques HEMA has
[11:47] It's called Mordhau, meaning murder-stroke, and there's a way to handle it that it won't cut your hands and fingers. It works well against armored opponents as it uses the blunt pommel and has more weight on that end.
Yup, there's like a line in the middle of the blade. You put your fingertips on one side, then your palm on the other.
It looks like you're going to cut your hands, and your hands DO touch the sharp bit of the blade, but it's pretty safe.
@@Burn_Angel If the weapon is combat-ready levels of sharpness, you'll almost definitely shred your fingers if you strike anything relatively solid if you aren't wearing at least leather gloves.
It's worth noting that most of the sources for the murder stroke involve judicial duels in full armor. We know that people often used specialized swords for such duels, & these could be unsharpened except near the tip. Using a mostly blunt sword while wearing gauntlets with leather on the inside would make murderstrokes quite safe for the hands & fingers.
@@rajamicitrenti1374 Yeah. I probably should have mentioned. The leather gloves they used at the time were thicker than the ones we have today and they didn't do it without their leather gloves.
It is fun too hear about the differences & similarities between Eastern & Western weapons & martial arts.
I'm glad both have community's keeping this knowledge alive.
Having done both Iaido and Longsword, I can say that the fighting methods are quite similar. There are definitely similar considerations between both fighting methods when fighting against armour but the difference between the two is the form that armour comes in. An example is that we have helmets that are open, caged, or fully closed within European warfare. Comparatively, there is usually the face open on a samurai's helmet and the construction itself is made of separate pieces. This is, of course, only one piece of the armour puzzle as we also have other differences such as full harnesses of armour, as well as a multi-layer system of Plate, Maille, and Gambeson generally used in the European sphere in various fashions. Japanese armour also has a weakness that European armour does not in the form of the knot at the back which may, or may not, be covered but is the single point that could cause the "suit" to come apart.
Thank you for your comments on Sellsword's videos. I just recently discovered that channel and wondered how accurate his comments were regarding fighting with katana compared to longsword. Thank you and keep up the great videos.❤
What I love about watching this is to see two great content creators with different styles respecting the other person. It is my favorite part of things like debate and, sadly, something I don't see a lot of today.
That said, I would love to see you two sparring, learning from each other's styles, and trying each other's blades to come back with insights.
I appreciate the humility you demonstrated here in this video, it speaks volumes about your knowledge and expertise, especially when you presented counter arguments. I trained in Karate years ago and I had friends in the martial arts community who practiced other Japanese martial arts such as jiujitsu and kenjutsu and we sparred together regularly. These days I study HEMA, and I can say with confidence that there are more similarities between Japanese and European sword styles than there are differences. There are definitely some differences, but not as many as some people seem to think.
Thank for the video, it was a pleasure to watch
Shogo x SellswordArts gotta be my fav colab. Awesome video!
Thank you Shogo san for your amazing videos,I love all of them 💛❤
As someone who owns both a Katana and a Longsword I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that a longsword is so much sturdier than a Katana. The Katana is a more beautiful piece of crafting, with an authentic hamon, and it really draws the attention of any room its in. The longsword while usually less impressive artistically is effectively a big solid spring. You can bend it in half and it will spring back to its original shape, whereas the Katana is not tempered, only edge-hardened, so will bend.
I didn’t know kendo was so far removed from traditional katana techniques. I suppose it’s a lot like how sport fencing is removed from HEMA
I trained fencing with an old former Olympian fencer, and he greatly laments what fencing has turned into.
Due to lazy judges and coaches prioritizing "scoring points" over actual swordsmanship, modern fencing just turned into playing tag with a metal stick.
Awesome video. I hope you made more that kind of materials
Another amazing video, thanks Shogo!
It's really interesting learning more about things like this! I had the pleasure of meeting you while I was in Japan and doing the samurai experience in Kyoto, it was an absolute blast!
Much love from Arizona 💜💜
It’s funny how the sellsword guy recently said that if you aren’t practicing the martial art then you shouldn’t talk about it. I. His case he was saying peoples opinions were invalid because they didn’t practice HEMA as much as he did yet he talks about Japanese swords and stuff…
I thought he said fencing not hema but i have a terrible memory 😅
I think a collaborative effort between this channel & sellsword would be brilliant! Sort a compare & contrast notes thing/cultural exchange would be absolutely brilliant!
Very informative from both ends! Thanks Shogo!
Really want more videos like this with that kind of serious channels reactions. Thank you!
a big misconception people have with swords is their durability, there is a lot of discourse about what breaks first. To put it simply, a katana has as much of a chance to break as any other sword. Every sword is really easy to break, that's why swordsmithing is a profession, a well-made sword of any origin can withstand blows like nothing happened to it, regardless of what steel/region it is from. The longsword and shortsword was notorious for breaking in battle, same with the saber, the gladius, and the Katana. History shows that the argument of sword vs sword only depends on two things: the forging of the sword, and the skill of its wielder.
And later today, from a RUclipsr from Australia, his friends were doing the same thing, reviewing reverse grip with medieval long swords.
I would love to see a longform conversation between @Let's Ask Shogo and @Sellsword Arts!! I have a ton of respect for both of you, and I bet we all have a lot to learn from one another.
11:06 Meanwhile Dequiem putting the longsword as 2nd best weapon for armored dueling, above maces, hammers, polearms and daggers and Matt Easton only disagreeing about the halberd being lower. And yes, it's specifically for 1v1 duels not battlefields, but the historical sources seem to show knights favoring the sword in such a situation when they absolutely had their choice of weapon and when multiple weapons could be chosen, it was spear, sword and dagger, while the spear was quickly switched to the sword and dagger rarely used, the sword ending up the most used.
A collab between these 2 great channels should happen. I love both!
This is a dream come true. So much colab potential.
Not defending the reverse grip, but the karambit comes in mind.
Do look out for a Sellsword art reaction, he does tend to react to these things! Loved this vid, you’re such a joy to listen to!
This was a wonderful video my friend! As someone who practices Hema, I have a ton of respect for Japanese swordsmanship. I hope that one day people will recognize the differences, strengths, and weaknesses of the Katana and Longsword, and that people will realize that one is not inherently better than the other.
and I just saw your reverse gripped Katana tutorial with your sensei this morning
Hi! I have a hema-background and no Idea about japanese Swordmanship. You Gentleman, are are a delight to listen to. I like your style of making the video. You seem very knowledgable and admit about your strenghts and weaknesses. This is admirable.
You made me watch a video I am usually not very interested in (the Old Debate about mighty Katana vs mighty Longsword) and enjoying it.
Thank you
You're so awesome Shogo. Keep it up🦊
Great Reaction! I was Waiting for this one.
I was looking forward to this. Awesome.
11:43 That technique is also featured in the game For Honor, in the anime Junket no Maria, it's episode 5 and also in the manga of Berserk, chapter 331.
Imagine someone who has almost as little knowledge with katanas as you do with long swords that’s sell sword he’s great at what he does and constantly corrects and tries to educate himself tho very noble
2:50 so a type of half swording? 5:20 would that be similar to the use of something like a rondel dagger(although the rondel dagger generally was used armored/against armor ti stab through gabs and during grappeling)?
i think i've heard from some youtube video that the closer equivalent for a longsword is not a katana but a tachi.
Thank you very much for the interesting content, I really love these longer form videos!
It would be really interesting to see you test his hypothesis, by going through some kata with a European long sword, and hearing your thoughts…
(12:54) Well what's your suggestion is more getting around armor then to actually deal with it head on. Which is also something that Western did they with the plate armor. They tried to go for the joints or any overlap that they could slide into for example.🤔
I find it interesting how in fighting against armor, in Japan you get the response “pull a gun,” while in Europe you get the response “hit them with a hammer/cross guard.”
...or, use a gun...
@@tatumergo3931 It was in the time Katana where actively used in battle...
@@tatumergo3931 as soon as tanegashima where available...
Let’s goooo, Shogo addressing Japanese stuff that was presented by westerners again🔥
There is a group in Japan who trains in HEMA out in Tokyo. Funny enough I trained in Kenjutsu in the West and HEMA in the East. The group is called Castle Tintagel. I recommend checking them out.
....and forget about trying to use a Katana against chainmail....the links woven together disipate the kinetic energy from slashing attacks.
each link transfers the cutting and slicing force more and more as the individual links start to band together, creating overlapping layers further absorbing and disipating the cutting or slicing force more and more until there is no more kinetic energy from the attack...
...it absolutely fascinating
Wow, I'm really didn't expected this but I'm really want to see your reaction for Sellswords Arts video 😮 ➡️ 😊 ! Well done and keep it up, Shogo 🎉 !
I would LOVE to see a collaboration between the two of you. I really think it would be incredibly productive and positive in is effect in online sword communities.
This is a crossover I've been hoping for!
I train Yagyu shingan ryu and most of the stuff we learn is meant to deal with armored opponents. I am still beginner so haven't done much katana training yet but I am sure same goes for the katana techniques we learn.
As a fan of both your channels was really happy to see you react to Sellsword videos in a constructive way.
Hope to soo a collaboration some time even just to see you both discuss your preferred styles of swordmanship
The katana the Sellswords Arts guy has is a steel training katana made for sparring.
Katana, and long sword both are swords and people compare them
basket balls and foot balls are both balls and yet people don't compare them
Thanks for sharing your knowledge blade brother 🙏 👍 🙌 👌 😊
From what I was given to understand, a short piercing weapon like a long dagger was utilized during some periods at least for fighting against armor specifically to be used in close combat attacking the opening areas of the armor (armpit, behind knee, groin, neck etc...)
Great, well balanced discussion!
7:33 he is using one of the training ones, that is made for hema-styled sparring, maybe from sigi armory
A sparring session between HEMA and iado (both armored and un armored) would be amazing. Samurai vs knight is a fantasy for most historical weapons fans. The first advantage for samurai (possibly the only) is archery, as the European knights saw archery as a peasant weapon, but the fullness of western armor may negate that advantage. Most people would probably be more interested in single combat on foot, using comparable weapons. The ultimate test would probably be the long sword vs katana. Stylistically the long sword seems to have the advantage of range and versatility, but the katana techniques that are used against long weapons (spear,naganita)might be enough. Rapier would also be interesting, as it is fast and very stabby. Thank you Shogo, as always, your curiosity and respect are greatly appreciated and very contagious! Be safe
Rapier against a standard katana in an unarmored duel at distance sounds a bit unfair to the katana wielder. A longer katana would make things more interesting, as would having to draw & fight immediately at close range. I suspect the standard katana would have the advantage in certain scenarios with drawing included.
Iaïdo is not about fighting at all, it is more a meditation pratice, with a weapon and how to hold it. It is not like kobudo style, iaïjutsu or kenjutsu.
in the short about reverse grip, he already mentioned that the reverse grip is effective in ereally close quarters combat. since he spars a lot, being in a distance away from your opponent is more safe, and being at closer distance is a double edge
8:41 I'm just gonna say how impressed by this cut I am. That mat had another 10 seconds to figure out it was actually cut and fall down, if not for the following cuts. And the 3rd cut in mid air was cut while the mat was spinning and timed perfectly to hit it perpendicular. The amount of mats getting cut just to reach that level of edge alignment must be staggering.
I would love to see Shogo do an in depth video about learning about Longswords and other European swords.
European sword experts who have no training in Japanese Kenjutsu often don't know that the way a katana is gripped and the way one swings it is very different than a long sword. As and expert in Kinesiology and having trained with katana, I can say the biomechanics are very different. This is also the case for Kendo.
The effectiveness of the cut or thrust with a katan is diminished with improper grip or use of the body for the cut. This is easily tested with tameshigiri. Cleaner cuts through thicker targets are possible with proper technique.
I assume you say this having no training in longsword?
The biomechanics are nearly the same. If you note, there is an equivalent European guard for every single Japanese guard. Why? The mechanics are the same.
The same is true for the longsword, which demands even higher levels of cut precision as the center of mass is not self-aligning. Additionally, katana have a much larger length of percussion, giving them even more ease in the cut. Heavy sabers are more comparable to katana in cutting capability.
Sure, the handle itself is quite different, but the grips tend to be nearly identical. Having sparred members at my HEMA club who transitioned from kenjutsu, they attest it carries over nearly 1:1.
Japanese swordsmanship is not as special as all the useless kata attempt to make it seem. The kata that are practical also show up as Italian or German drills. Then there's the silly stuff for crazy scenarios where you've realistically died before you perform the 5-step disarm.
That's a comedy channel those two midgets are doing, it shouldn't be taken seriously, if you want the real deal you should check Bjorn Ruther
The kata, kamae, etc. is not relevan. Guard positions and such are mechanical, external to the body. Biomechanics is internal to the body. The difference I refer to is in expressing tenchijin within the body and the ability to extend it to the weapon.
@@foofyguy Well, believe what you want to believe. If you think that feeling like a warrior makes you one, then go ahead. Perhaps that spirit is best utilized in actual combat, though?
@@spicketspaghet7773 You'll have to forgive me as I am neurodiverse. I don't know what you mean by believe, or utilize spirit in combat. I'm trained to use firearms for combat. Training for actual combat with a sword is less productive.
You're probably taking a dig at me so I'll clarify what is meant by tenchijin and then disengage from this thread.
I formally studied Engineering, Kinesiology MS, and now Neurobiology PHd eventually, to understand how the body does what I was taught to do. I understand things through the hard sciences.
What Asian arts refer to as tenchijin is actually the development of balancing the appropriate tensions of the body through opposing spirals. Combining muscle contraction with the latent contractile properties of the connective tissues that knit the entire kinetic chain together with the opposing rotation of both sides of the the body, one can transfer a great deal more kinetic energy through the limbs while remaining much more stable and using less energy.
Utilization of the body this way has applications beyond melee weapons, which is why I study. I've trained athletes the basic body work to improve their performance. Without this, bujutsu is a hollow version of what was taught for the battle field.
Other than 'tenchijin' I don't know how to describe it with less than a paragraph of text., and anyone can search for 'tenchijin'
i am no expert in any form of swordsmanship but i have an intrest in all forms of swordsmanship mostly longsword and katana, what i have learned from my research is both are fantastic weapons in the corect context, both have a great deal of history and mythology to them and most important of all both are made far more affective in the hands of trained professionals, a katana practitioner with years of experience is unlikely to lose against a long sword wielder with far less experience and viceversa the weapons are less important than the people controlling them
Very entertaining. Thx for this video. .. As far as I could see it, the Katana and the swords he was using in his examples seem to be so called "theatre weapons". They are usually blunt and only made to look like the real deal from afar, but very much likely are not as refined as the originals.
in a fight between a samurai and a medieval knight. Would win the most skilled opponent, making the whole argument pointless.
However, something that came out of the whole debacle, is more people sharing their knowledge in both subjects. That is something that makes me happy.
If knight has full plate armor then samurai has much less chances to win.
Whichever one is wearing heavier armor and longer polearm wins
7:55 its probably for stuntwork. So you can give it more damaging treatment without you know, destroying your traditionally made expensive sword
You should look at Skallagrims video of reverse grip, but like in knife fighting and taking ppl out for surprising or grappling very effective.
Lovely video! Thanks! Appreciated it,a
Big up to everyone out there who loves both of these channels. Would love to see them get together for noodles and talk swordsmanship 🍜
Noodles and swords with your buds?
You mean heaven?