What do you think of swords?

Question

i asked a few people already and they all said that they don't like swords because they don't have a purpose, but i like swords, in fact i actually bought 2 of them. What do you think of them?

Answer 1

They are a training tool. In todays world most of the old weapons are only good for training. Try not being noticed while carrying a Kwan Dao down the street. If you are into them, then happy training. As for modern self defense, I say stick to the empty hand.

Good Luck

Answer 2

I am a student of Shinkendo, so what I think of them pretty much goes without saying. To quote a movie character: they are an elegant weapon of a more civilized age. I weapon that needs skill and training to use. Not particularly practical in this day and age, but the study of sword arts and its associated philosophy can, correctly applied, be a model for dealing with life and society in general. Most people need to study something to give them discipline. Kenjutsu is ideal for this purpose. It requires attention to detail, physical and mental attributes and perseverence. Not the least because the katana is razor sharp and without those qualities you can be dangerous to yourself.

I advise you, if you really want to study swordsmanship, to find a good instructor.

Answer 3

In which context - do you mean in a day-to-day situation or to do with martial arts?

I practise iaido (Japanese sword-drawing arts) and the deeper emphasis behind our training is to cultivate a calm spirit, so that both physical and mental obstacles can be overcome peacefully and in a relaxed manner.

None of us train with sharp blades, and beginners always start with a wooden sword until they have mastered the basics of handling the weapon, as well as the etiquette involved.

Most of our practice involves techniques against imaginary opponents, as the real opponent we are trying to overcome or control is our own limitations – both physical and mental.

So yes, I do 'like' swords or else I wouldn't be learning iai.  I 'like' the deeper meaning behind the sword, not just the aesthetic appeal.

No, I do not have any 'wall-hanger/ornamental swords' on display.

Answer 4

I like katana swords,the genuine japanese made ones that can cut through steel.They are just beautifull to look at and deadly in the right hands

Answer 5

My Teacher comes from a Family of Sword Makers dating back 2600 years.

I wasn't too fond of them until I met him.

Now, I want a Jian and a Dao and a Pudao and a Kwandao and Butterfly Knives.

I'm trying to get him to make me a set of Kama, too :)

Answer 6

I dig it. I’ve always appreciated swords and swordsmanship. At great cost of time and money I’ve learned a lot about them. But for self defense (some say sadly) the gun is king.

Answer 7

Swords are cool.

Some of my favorite S words are....

super

star

science

sucker

Just kidding, stolen from "Celebrity Jeopardy" on Saturday Night Live where Sean Connery thinks it's "S Words" (words that begin with S).

Anyway, swords are great.  I always use mine to cut up the pumpkins around halloween.

James

Answer 8

They are cool.  They look cool, they feel cool when you hold them, they are just plain cool.  I have a few and my friends have a lot. If you sword fight with them like we used to lmao be very careful. And theres always the thought of how awesome it would be to defend yourself with one if an unarmed person broke in your home haha.