Tsurugi / Japanese straightsword

[neokensei]

I was just wondering (and my apologies if this has been asked before) if there are any schools that teach the use of the japanese straightsword (which, if I recall correctly, appears similar to the chinese straightsword).

Also, if such schools/styles existed, are they similar to chinese swordplay (jianshu) or would they be closer to kenjutsu?

And how about sword construction? Are the jian and the tsurugi practically the same as far as construction/build was concerned(asides from appearance, that is)?

Many thanks

[mystic_kendoka]

tsurugi sounds funny..

tsuru=string
gi=shirt/jacket

to me it seems to mean string shirt :P

[Anime12478]

ha, ha, ha, nice one. But personally, I don't know of any type styles. You can also check on E-Budo's forums to see if there is such a thing

[mystic_kendoka]

i think it is the japanese term for the chinese sword..

[Anime12478]

Whether or not it is a japanese term for a chinese sword, I don't know. All I know that tsurugi is written with the same Kanji as the Ken in Kendo. I have actually been dying to know what the difference between the two reading are, since they can be read both ways when they stand alone.

[neokensei]

Well, as far as I recall...the tsurugi refers to the straight, double-edged sword that the japanese used prior to the emergence of the saber-esque tachi and katana(when bows, not swords, were the more prominent weapon, I think). I seem to recall pictures of warriors in armor with straight swords and the large bows (daikyu) while on horseback ....I could be wrong, though.

As for the kanji involved...I really don't know. :ko:

[Karaken]

Well, as far as I recall...the tsurugi refers to the straight, double-edged sword that the japanese used prior to the emergence of the saber-esque tachi and katana(when bows, not swords, were the more prominent weapon, I think). I seem to recall pictures of warriors in armor with straight swords and the large bows (daikyu) while on horseback ....I could be wrong, though.

As for the kanji involved...I really don't know. :ko:
If you recall movie Rashomon(spell?), the straight sword is called Koryokum ( Korean Sword ) - The word "Ken" represents two edged straight sword in China ( or Korea ) and Do ( or To ) represetns one edged sword as in "Nihonto". There is an ancient straight sword from Japan displayed in Metropolitan Museum ( in NY ) also saying that is an early sword from Korea ( or Korean Style ) - so I'm assuming that stright sword in Japn is called Korean style and did not blossom into any significant Ryu.. It it did, it would have been called Korean style as well..

[Neil Gendzwill]

Tsurugi and ken are the same character. Katana and to are the same character. Tsurugi and katana are the Japanese pronunciations of the character and usually refer to a specific kind of sword (older-style straight sword and curved single edged sword worn in belt). Ken and to are the chinese pronunciations of the characters and are usually used in a more generic fashion to mean "sword" (kendo, bokken, iaito, daito).

[Tenjo]

Reasonable...?

[TsurugiSan]

I'm a STAUNCH believer that your blade is apart of your soul....whenever I 'feel' a sword I 'know' it's either right for me, or is not, without any doubts: it's more than just a good look....From the moment I saw my FIRST Tsurugi Sword, I KNEW, that that blade was the ONLY one that I could devote my passion towards without reservation: I became OBSESSED with the sword, and ANY information I could find on it, but I've only found so much.... I was wondering where I could purchase one (I highly doubt I'll be able to because the sword hasn't be made for years since the primeval period of Japanese history) or Make one....I NEED this blade....I just KNOW it's apart of me....no joke I don't know about you guys, but when I think about holding that sword, my heart starts to beat out of my chest....it's almost too much...

If anyone has any more pics, or any information regarding the swords design, or whereabouts in detail, contact me privately. thanks guys.

[Cutie_honey]

this thread is over 4 years old!!!!

[Dan Weber]

If you are serious about having something like that made, as well as parting with a decent sum of money, there are many good smiths here in the states. You might want to try swordforum, where you may be able to get in touch with a smith who will do a custom piece like that. Again, not cheap, but probably doable. If you end up making a serious enquiry, you might want to keep the "heart beating out of your chest" on the downlow, as they may not take your passion as seriously as you do.
Good luck!