Combat Company

Dear Members,

We are holding our next seminar on Saturday 1st May 2010, starting 12:00 – 13:30.

This seminar will be the Katana Sword, members will have the oppurtunity to learn techniques, blocks and enjoy drills attacking and blocking in a controlled environment. The seminar will cost £15 and will include a Wooden Bokken for members to keep and use in the future here at Richmond Martial Arts Academy.

The katana is a type of Japanese sword, also commonly referred to as a "samurai sword”. In the strictest sense, the term katana in Japanese is applied to any kind of single-edged sword, of any origin; contrary to common belief outside Japan, the Japanese word does not necessarily refer to a Japanese sword.

Acutely curved (as opposed to the older "tachi" style featuring more curvature) Japanese sword with a blade length of greater than 60 cm (23.6 inches).

The katana is characterized by its distinctive appearance: a curved, slender, single edged blade, circular or squared guard, and long grip to accommodate two hands. It has historically been associated with the samurai of feudal Japan, and has become renowned for its sharpness and cutting ability.

*Sword seminars are always very popular so if you are interested please ensure you speak to an instructor and reserve your space.