An Ashigaru would be the owner of the ancient Nodashi swords or great swords. These  were the province of the lowly foot soldier who were looked down upon by the Samarai. These foot warriors were common born and often conscripted and poorly trained. They were rewarded only in loot at the end of a successful campaign and even carried in their own food.

While the high born Samarai looked down on the Ashigaru and felt they had nothing of worth to contribute,  the longer reach of a sword such as Humongous 66 Inch Full Tang Nodachi Sword, put them further away from the ravaging Mongols than the mounted Samurai with their lighter though usually much better made Japanese Longbow and katana.

While the Samurai could and did certainly confuse the Mongol horde by approaching and reciting a record of his ancestry, his deeds, and challenging and individual opponent, this method of warfare was impractical against the Mongols who simply tossed bombs at them and rained arrows before his recitation was finished. The way of honor of a Samurai was impractical a longer reach was necessary.

Perhaps the Ashigaru were lowborn and unwilling participants with little skill at first but they eventually mastered the way of the sword and wore such great swords as the Humongous 66 Inch Full Tang Nodachi Sword slung over their back as a sign of status and fought with increasing skill.

Although the Japanese foot soldier and his great sword may have been considered lowly, and with little to contribute, times changed and the Ashigaru gradually gained status as battle tactics changed and some even rose to prominence. When warfare changed from the l one on one battles by mounted Samurai,to group attacks by massed foot soldiers, the lightly armored Ashigaru became the main force of the battles.

Such legendary sword makers such as Goro Nyudo Masamune may not have made a sword for a lowly Japanese foot soldier such as the Humongous 66 Inch Full Tang Nodachi Sword, but his contributions to Japanese sword making changed the way swords were made and he introduced double quenching increasing the tensile strength of the swords he made. Such swords were works of art as the Samurai demanded beauty as well as practicality. Swords made after his innovations were stronger, more deadly and less likely to rust.

The Ashigaru as foot soldiers required longer weapons that would be impractical for the mounted Samurai to carry, and these lightly armored soldiers might wear only a Jingasa (hardened leather hat) and a breastplate. Sometimes the Ashigaru, might have been armed with a Naginata, which was a pole weapon.

Still, they were effective Japanese soldiers and later rigorously trained and successful, with success and results among the Japanese warlords, came rewards and power,  and the first to rise from these ranks was Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He was born of a peasant warrior with no Samurai ancestry as far as records indicate, but after his ride to prominence, he raised his soldier followers to Samurai status.

Let Brian Garvin & Jeff West teach you more about Ancient Swords and the 66 Inch Full Tang Nodachi Sword on our Colinzi website today.

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While it is impossible to venture back in time and live in the land of the samurai, it is possible to gain an insight into what it was like to be a samurai if you were to purchase a Forged Steel Handmade Samurai Sword With Wood Dragon Scabbard. This is most definitely one of the more impressive replica samurai swords available on the market. There are a number of different models of replica samurai swords available for purchase and some are quite excellent. However, few really capture the look of this particular excellent sword.

This particular sword is produced from forged steel and that makes it quite visually impressive. It is also a sword that will certainly last many years since the steel employed to produce it is of the highest quality available. That means this sword will look truly stunning over a mantel as it almost captures a silver like glow that can certainly illuminate a room with visual splendor.

And, of course, those that wish to display the sword in martial arts forms competition will gain great benefit from using this sword. Judges do like to be impressed and the visual allure of this particular item will definitely add to its splendor. Just be sure to be extra careful with it since the sharpness of the blade can pose a danger if not properly handled.

Another nice touch to the Forged Steel Handmade Samurai Sword With Wood Dragon Scabbard is the fact that it comes inscribed with the clear image of a classical dragon in the wooden scabbard of the sword. The dragon has a mythical image in many martial arts cultures and it was represented in one of the five founding systems of kung fu during the ancient days of the shaolin temple. Its inclusion on the scabbard of the sword is a nice touch that adds to the value of the sword.

This is also a very impressive sword based on its dimensions as well. The overall size of the sword is 1.25 x 3.5 x 3.5 Inches and that is most definitely the dimensions of an effective and impressive weapon. Such size certainly adds to the ability of the sword to present great visual appeal when used for display purposes.

The actual blade length is in the neighborhood of 27.75 Inches with a handle length that is around 11 inches. Handling the sword may take a little practice but it can be done with the proper effort and practice.

Make no bones about it, the Forged Steel Handmade Samurai Sword With Wood Dragon Scabbard remains one of the best and most affordable samurai replica swords on the market. Those looking for a solid and professional sword would certainly benefit from purchasing it.

Let Brian Garvin & Jeff West teach you more about Ancient Swords and the Forged Steel Handmade Samurai Sword With Wood Dragon Scabbard on our Colinzi website today.

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When I first saw the Undead Scimitar Sword with additional stand, I imagined a tale from the Sinbad saga. It looks like it means business and has a back story to boot. Possibly a sword that is the sole weapon in existence that can vanquish members of the underworld that just won’t stay dead! Undead Kobolds and zombies beware!

This sword has an overall length of 31″. The blade is constructed of 440 stainless steel at 23″ in length. Since the blade is of stainless steel, it won’t rust but it can also be used against unruly elves as well. Elves can’t stand any type of steel, so every blow is fatal, you know.

The 6″ long handle is tightly wrapped in suede for a non-slip grip so in the heat of battle, it won’t leave your hand. In addition, the guard is fashioned in the shape of a skull so every forward thrust is sure to arrive with your maximum power. At the end of he handle is a dragon nail that acts as a pommel. In close combat, that pommel can be used to slash the enemy’s face, eyes or throat. The choice is yours!

Not only is the blade of the Undead Scimitar Sword made of stainless steel, but it is fashioned in the fantasy oriental scimitar shape. This is reminiscent of the Ninja; history’s most prolific death dealer.

This fantastic sword comes with a display stand that would make Emperor Tung proud. Formed from the finest wood and lacquered in a black finish, this attention grabbing sword will be the center of any weaponry room. The accent of the stand with the sword is extraordinary and the duo commands any room that dares to hold them both.

For the fantasy sword fanatic, an Undead Scimitar Sword would round out the collection, but with the stand included, it’s an even greater addition. The eclectic design was overseen by fantasy masters and was made for fantasy collectors.

The construction is sturdy and the attention to detail is outstanding. From the Scimitar shaped blade to the skull designed guard and dragon nail pommel, the quality is amazing, to say the least.

Did I mention the weight of this beast? Well what good is a sword review if we don’t talk about the weight of the weapon?

Remember that the entire weapon is 31″ long. The weight of the whole thing ion your hand – 1.9 pounds! That’s less than 1 ounce per inch and it’s perfectly balanced as well. At that light weight, you could plunder and pillage for hours and never break a sweat. Think of all the undead things you cold dispatch back to Hell!

Add this piece to your collection today and you can make your own history. Your friends will talk about the Undead Scimitar Sword with additional stand long after they have left your house. The guys will be in awe of you and the women will wonder why you want that thing around cuz it looks evil.

Keep ‘em talking, friends. This is a must have for fantasy sword collections everywhere.

Let Brian Garvin & Jeff West teach you more about Ancient Swords and the Undead Scimitar Sword with Additional Stand on our Colinzi website today.

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Anyone interested in Chinese history or about swords in general should consider purchasing the 37 inch Chinese broadsword. This sword has a long history in Chinese culture and has spread from it’s origins to influence the sword designs of many other cultures over the centuries. This sword is a great collectors item whether they you’ve been collecting swords for years or if you’re just starting your collection.

This weapon is often referred to as a Chinese broadsword because of the wide blade is the English translation for the sword but it is actually called a dao in Chinese meaning knife or any single-edged blade. These knifes are mostly used for cutting and slashing attacks instead of stabbing attacks. One of the common styles seen is the 37 inch Chinese broadsword which has a comfortable balance and can be displayed or used in combat.

The oldest known dao come from China’s bronze age during the Shang Dynasty. These were called zhibei dao or straight backed knives. Generally straight-bladed or slightly curved, this weapon was usually made of bronze but were often made of iron or steel as early as the time of the Warring States.

It was during the Han Dynasty that the dao became a popular choice with infantry troops, eventually replacing the jian as a standard issue weapon because of sturdiness and better chopping abilities. Eventually the dao were exported to Korea and Japan beginning in the Tang Dynasty, greatly influencing sword making in both countries.

Some common features of the dao are the moderately curved single-edged blade and sometimes the back edge of the blade has a few inches sharpened on it as well. Hilts are canted and may also be pierced for lanyards, however modern swords usually have tassels or scarves instead for performances. Most handles are wrapped in cord hiding the handle. The guard is a particularly useful style usually disc-shaped like a cup so that no water can get in the sheath and prevents blood dripping down the handle causing you to lose your grip.

The invasion of Mongols during the Yuan dynasty greatly influenced the design of weapons long after the Yuan Dynasty had collapsed. Blades that had a greater curvature became increasingly popular eventually spawning new styles of the sword that became known as the pei dao. There are four main styles of pei dao these styles being the yanmao dao or goose quill sabre, the liuye dao or willow leaf sabre, pian dao or slashing sabre, and the niuweidao commonly called the oxtail sabre.

In addition to these four pei daos is the dun dao or short dao. Each one of these styles has their own distinct characteristics and are favored for different uses from military use, martial art schools, and even in the kung fu movies that we have all come to love and enjoy.

So as you can see when you purchase a 37 inch Chinese broadsword, it is like buying a piece of Chinese history. This sword is not only an excellent conversation piece when displayed but also an effective weapon with a rich history of use.

Let Brian Garvin & Jeff West teach you more about the Ancient Beastly Sword and the 37 Inch Chinese Broadsword on our Colinzi website today.

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Among a host of ancient swords for sale on the market, the Rukia master sword is one of the most sought after. Its appearance and reputation has continued to attract enthusiasts to go and purchase the product. Go through the Internet and you would see a lot of people expressing their desire to have their very own.

Before you go ahead and place that bid on the first one that you see, it is important for you to read reviews about this product. You can read a Rukia master sword made with 440 stainless steel review in online forums and blogs. From there, you can better decide in getting the product.

Here are some facts you might want to know about the Rukia master sword:

* The blade of the Rukia master sword has a length of 46 inches.

* Its blade is created with stainless steel.

* The hilt and scabbard of the Rukia master sword is pearl white in color. Make sure that you know how to distinguish the true color of the sword.

* There should be a 48-inch ribbon made of satin attached.

There should be no doubt that the Rukia master sword is one of the most elegant and interesting swords available. Collectors and enthusiasts know this, that is why you may find the Rukia master sword  a little more expensive than others.

As a tip, it is best if you can find this sword at discounted prices. You may try to search for it online. For instance, when you read a sword made with 440 stainless steel review, you may find some links or comments to the review. These comments or links may lead you to more affordably priced swords.

A lot of collectors are also interested in letting go of their own Rukia master sword. You may find a well-maintained sword by looking for collectors. The sword may sell at a more expensive or more affordable price; it would really depend on the seller.

A discounted price may fall at around $47. If you see one at that price, then go ahead and buy it. That is probably the best price you can find for one of these. Yours will stand out from other kinds of sword, as its color speaks of elegance and beauty, and its scabbard communicates excellent craftsmanship and the bearer of the sword as someone who can be brave when they need to.

Take note this sword does not have a show blade. It is a weapon that would surely instill fear in the heart of an enemy. As soon as you get your own, you can go ahead and write your own made with 440 stainless steel review. You can inspire others to get the sword. Make sure that you handle it with care so that its value will continue to increase instead of otherwise.

Let Brian Garvin & Jeff West teach you more about the Ancient Beastly Sword and the Rukia Master Sword With 440 Stainless Steel on our Colinzi website today.

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Sword enthusiasts would surely want to include the 40 inch Serpent Master Katana sword in their collection. This is one of the most interesting and sought-after swords. If you are planning to get one yourself, make sure that you have already read at least one 40 inch Serpent Master Katana sword review. This would help you get to know the sword more, as well as how and where to find the best product for you and your sword collection.

As we go on, it is important to note the outstanding details of a Serpent master Katana sword. Take note of the following details, and make sure that when you go and buy your sword, the specifications are the same:

* The total length of the sword, including the handle and the blade, is 41 inches.

* The total length of the blade is 28 inches.

* The total length of the handle is 13 inches, and the width is 4 inches.

* The sword boasts of a faux snake skin finish. This adds to the appeal and the attitude communicated by the sword.

* The blade has a unique design in black. It also features a claw-looking tsuba. This should protect your hands as you handle the sword.

* The handle also bears a head of a serpent. Make sure that you see the tongue, as well as the eye. These are manufactured from composite plastic. This is to intimidate and instill fear in the heart of the enemy, making the 40-inch Serpent Master Katana sword the ideal weapon for you and your combat.

It is best to get a product which also includes a stand with your purchase. This gives you a whole lot more value than when you get a sword without a stand. The stand is made of wood, and is proven to help the sword be in mint condition after a long time. It also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the sword.

If you have read a 40 inch Serpent Master Katana sword review, you would surely read about its beauty and exquisite craftsmanship. Make sure that as you look for your very own sword, you have gathered enough information about it. You may not be aware of the total impression the sword gives people who see it. It is best if you can read some Internet forums talking about the demand for the sword and how much its value is, with regards to the price.  

Make sure that you take the time to look around for the best priced sword that you can find. Some owners and collectors price their swords too expensively. However, it would depend on your own judgment if you would want to buy a pricey sword. Usually, the price comes with great value which could increase as you take care and handle it well. Swords are after all, made to be handled with perfect craftsmanship and attitude. It would definitely increase in value as long as you know how to handle it.

Let Brian Garvin & Jeff West teach you more about the Ancient Beastly Sword and the 40 Inch Serpent Master Katana Sword on our Colinzi website today.

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The Kengishu Kamui was originally founded in 1998. The Kamui uses their Martial Arts and Broadcasting Skills to create their very own world. However they don’t just make Martial Arts films. In fact, they work with other cultures, art and music buffs using originality to break ground in film creation. So far they have made lots of waves in Los Angeles, Chigago and Las Vegas. If you ever watched the movie Kill Bill, you’ll be able to see Kamui’s Sword Actions come to light.

In fact, Kamui is now the top Japanese Sword Art organization in the country of Japan. Tetsuro Shimaguchi was born in 1970 and is currently the leader of the Kamui. Tetsuro Shimaguchi specialized in learning movie and performance techniques at the Nihon University Art College. Besides just doing acting for a living, he is also a Japanese Sword Master in the cinema. If you’ve ever seen the very popular Snow Gardens Fight which is part of Kill Bill II, then you’ve seen his work. He also starred as Crazy 88 or Miki.

Not only is Tetsuro Shimaguchi a Japanese Sword Master, he is also a Certified Top Notch Japanese Dancer of Nanaougi-Ryu, which is a popular Oriental Dance form. If this wasn’t enough, he also specializes in Nitou which is the art of using two swords, one in each hand. Hiroaki Kawaguchi is the member who started Kamui. You will also see him often appear on stage and train newcomers. He specializes in Ittou and also studied at Nikon Art College. He was born in 1967.

Their mission is to do everything they can to keep Japanese Swordsmanship alive and well in these modern days. With so many distractions, many people have their minds on lots of other things. They first performed in Santa Monica, CA. Then a bit later performed again in Las Vegas, NV. at the Status Fair Tower Hotel. They really enjoy the recognition they have received overseas. In April 1st of 2005, they once again demonstrated their amazing talent at the International House in Philadelphia.

Let Brian Garvin & Jeff West teach you more about the Katana Sword and the Sword Letter Opener on our Colinzi website today.

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When you shop for boxing shoes the most important thing to watch for is comfort. All of the jumping around you will be doing in these shoes make it vital that your shoes are not going to hurt your feet. Make sure that they have enough padding and that they are not too rigid. Since everyone’s feet are different, do your own research and use your instinct. Look also for traction, safety, and ventilation.

These shoes should be assessed for shock absorption and support straps. This is part of your safety check.  There is a mid-sole that absorbs shock on many of these shoes. This keeps from shocking your joints and adds more comfort. Support straps at the arch of the foot appear on some of the better boxing shoes. This offers less slipping and more cushion.

A lot of shoes have air vents that are breathable to avoid too much sweat building up. Wet shoes following a workout warn you that you are suffocating your feet. Proper cooling is quite important so that you do not get too hot.

Finally, make sure that you have good traction. When you consider all of the moves you conduct in those shoes, you need to look for shoes with a rubber sole and some sort of anti-slip pattern. This way, you can be sure that you will not slip while working out.

Another choice to make is whether your boxing shoes should be high top or low top. Unless you happen to be a kick boxer, this really is not that big of a deal. Kick boxers, however, need to purchase high top shoes to protect the shins and ankles.

When faced with the decision, always choose comfort over good looks. You may have a cool looking pair of leather shoes, but you may just end up with sweaty feet and this is a horrible feeling. Zippers need to not be right against your skin. Otherwise, choose whatever color or style you want as long as they are safe.

Dave Toub is a strong believer in high quality boxing shoes. Please check out one of my favorite Everlast boxing shoes and see the Punching Bags Pro homepage if you are interested in other gear as well.

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Training in Sword Cutting techniques when using a sharp blade is a way to develop confidence and self discipline at the same time. Shizhan is the Chinese Term that is used to represent test cutting. There are a few general rules you need to be aware of when starting out. The first one is always have respect for your blade and for personal safety. If you have children or friends make sure they stand at least 20 feet back, just in case you lose your grip.

Don’t just arbitrarily slice. Plan out your targets ahead of time, and plan where you are going to cut. Next is to make sure that your Edge Angle is aligned with the plane of the cut. Next is do not hesitate. When you plan on making a cut you need to follow through without any hesitation whatsoever as you control your cut. Make sure your blade is wiped down thoroughly before you practice. Also inspect it for any dings it could have in the blade. If you see any, consider sharpening it first.

When you start on your Sword Cutting journey, it is best to have a teacher present to show you the ropes and to make sure you have your form down. Make sure you have boundaries formed in your desired Cutting Area, and make sure all spectators are watching through a window. God forbid you do lose your sword grip and your sword goes flying, the last thing you want to happen is for it to strike anyone.

Make sure you wear some type of eye protective equipment such as Safety Goggles. A good set of leather gloves will also protect your hands. Sword Cutting is a serious discipline, so I’d advise starting out with a Training Sword until you feel very comfortable. Only you and your instructor will know when this is. Master one cut before you try to go onto the next one. If you mess up on a cut, don’t worry about it. Always focus in the moment and don’t let defeats distract you.

Let Brian Garvin & Jeff West teach you more about the Samurai Sword Letter Opener and the Sword Letter Opener on our website today.

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It took me almost seven years to earn my black belt in traditional Karate, but it only took the fellow who taught me 2 1/2 years to get his black belt. I always wondered why this was so, but it wasn’t until I began to take apart martial arts systems that I understood why. It turns out that there are several reasons why it takes people longer and longer to truly learn anything in the martial arts.

When I took apart the system I had been taught I found there were two systems. I had not only learned the classical system of ten forms that had originally been taught to my instructor, but I was learning an additional system of seven forms that my instructor had made up. I was also learning several other forms that my instructor had thrown into the mix just because he thought they were valuable.

This is rampant throughout the martial arts. Ed Parker, for instance, of Kenpo fame, started out with simple karate forms. When he ran out of material to teach he started importing vast amounts of kung fu into his teachings.

Now the problem is not one of not enough material, there is endless martial arts material available. The real problem is separating the martial arts into logical, little slices. Each of the slices must represent a logical perspective and viewpoint of individual arts and styles.

If we were talking dance, we would be separating ballet from ballroom from whatever. If we were talking music we would be separating jazz from blues from so on. In the martial arts we must actually separate karate from kung fu from aikido from wudan…and so on.

When you separate the martial arts into individual pieces, you must understand the differences between basics and stylistic interpretations. You must understand that the hard blocks of karate, for instance, go outward from the center of the body, and wudan type blocks are rotated off the turning body, and silat blocks are slipping types of blocks, and so on. If you don’t understand these differences the arts won’t be easy to learn and will remain complex.  

If you don’t understand these things then you are mixing different arts, and different ways of handling the body, and different ways of using energy, and so on. Thus, a peach becomes indistinguishable from a watermelon from a cantaloup, and so on. Thus, the arts become a mush which the mind finds difficult to absorb.

Understanding the differences between the arts, however, the arts become very easy to absorb, everything aligns and catalogues everything easy as pie. The martial arts, you see, are only illogical because people have made them that way. Separate Pa Kua into pa kua, or karate into karate, or Choy Li Fut into Choy Li Fut, and the martial arts can be learned in a matter of months, not years.

Al Case has examined martial arts for 4O+ years. He has written dozens of articles for the magazines, and developed Matrixing Technology. You can find out how to separate arts and make them pure by picking up his free ebook at Monster Martial Arts.

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