The term tameshigiri refers to cutting exercises that are performed with Japanese swords, usually katana or samurai swords. The aim of these cutting exercises can be to test the quality or sharpness of the sword blade, but also to train an optimal cutting technique.
The original Tameshigiri
The heyday of the Tameshigiri lies in the Edo period of Japan in the 17th century. At this time, the cutting tests were used to check the quality of the katana. A sword blade of inferior quality could result in death for a samurai in an emergency.
After each cut, both the cutting target and the blade were scrutinised in detail. The decisive factor here was how cleanly the cut was made and whether the blade was damaged in the process. The use of the correct blade is also crucial for success. Blade steel is crucial in the manufacture of swords.
In order to exclude the human interference factor as much as possible, only the best swordsmen were allowed to carry out these tests. This ensured that only the sword and not the sword wielder was tested.
Tameshigiri today
Tameshigiri is still very popular today, but in today's dojos so-called Tatami Omote used for the cutting exercises.
These are wrapped mats made from Igusa grass, which is also used to cover traditional rice straw mats.
Omote mats are robust and extremely hard-wearing mats with a high fibre density.
You can find mats for modern snap tests in our category Tameshigiri accessories.
Tameshigiri as a sports exercise
Tameshigiri is most frequently used today as a sports exercise. The aim is to be able to cut the tatami omote mats perfectly. The following points are trained:
- Cutting speed
- Cutting angle (Hasuji)
- Aiming accuracy
- Power
In sports cutting exercises, the original, highly ritualised procedure is often dispensed with and the focus is on cutting the mats.
Here you can see how Sensei Ueki, who holds the 8th Dan in Toyama-ryu Battodo, practises Tameshigiri.
World records in Tameshigiri
Several world records have been set in the context of the Tameshigiri, which have also been entered in the Guinnes World Records. Here is a selection (as of 2017):
- Isao Machii holds the world record for cutting 1000 rolled mats with 36 minutes and 4 seconds
- He also holds the world record for the most cuts in 3 minutes: 252
- As well as the world record for the most cuts (Rush-Straw) in 1 minute: 87
Watch here how Isao Machii completes the current world record in mat cutting within 1 minute:
Tameshigiri "for fun"
Cutting exercises are carried out for your own entertainment, especially in the West. Sword buyers often also want to know whether the sword works in practice. We always recommend prior basic training in a martial arts school where sword fighting is practised. You can find suitable swords in our shop and accessories in our Category for Tameshigiri.
Text source:
www.guinnessworldrecords.com
