Teaching kids about swordfighting

[Norbydog]

I train Japanese Samurai, and use a wooden Katan for medium drills, and a live blade for slow drills.

When we spar, we use foam blades that are about 3 feet long, not including handle. I think most martial art stores will sell them. I have also seen shorter handled swords (I train and use an 12 inch handled Katana) just big enough for one hand, which would be baout what you would want for fencing. They are also available at martial arts stores.

I am not going to say there is no possibility of injury with a foam sword; I got bruises to prove it. But most children with little training will generate the force necessary for an injury.

If you can get that baseball bat swinging habit ended now, and get her to take small, low steps, your child will be miles above the rest when she starts formal training.

Good Luck

[macgreggor]

Sciuropterus,
There happens to be a school right in the middle of Nowhere, WI (which is where I live). Master Frank Derrico is the head teacher. Nothing serious about the practice. No live blades or anything. Mostly I do it for the hand-eye stuff and a little cardio. I cannot bring my self to jump rope or run for hours on end but give me a chance to dance around and try to hit someone with a couple of sticks and I am THERE!

Greg

[Norbydog]

That's the most important part, getting there.

I trained Full contact in the Miletich systems for years, and was in the fight circuit (just training, boss says no professional competeing), and I still wrestle with the kids at one of my local high schools. But, I am getting older, don't bounce back like I used too, and decided to try swordsmanship. I have been at it over a year, and it has been some of the hardest (mentally) traning I have ever had, since I have had to learn to break so many hand-to-hand habits.