Question about katana length to height.

[Barrett Hiebert]

Forumites,

 

If I'm only 167 cm's, what should be the ideal katana length for myself, nakago and nagasa?

 

Thanks.

 

B.

[Nihontocollector752]

100cm nagasa to compensate

[Barrett Hiebert]

It was a legitimate question.

 

I don't need a larger sword to compensate for my less than average height.

 

Please if anyone could provide a serious answer without the sarcasm I'd appreciate it.

 

Have refound this link...from masT40.

 

http://www.dragon-tsunami.org/Dtimes/Pages/articleh.htm

 

Though I'm still curious as to others input.

 

Barrett

[Toryu2020]

Barrett -

 

Several factors at play here;

1. height - hold the sword naturally in your right hand - let the tip down to the floor - a longer sword will touch the floor a shorter one will clear it - about an inch from the floor is pretty standard length.

2. Monkey factor - hold the sword naturally in your right hand - with the sword horizontal - place the tip at the center of your chest - a blade that is short of the center on right on it is pretty standard length - if the tip is well past the center it is a longer sword and you may have trouble with noto.

3. Ryuha - what school do you practice? does the art favor longer swords or shorter ones? Does your teacher have any input on your decision? What does he/she have to say?

4. Personal taste - it takes about two years of regular practice to develop the feeling of taste in swords - do you like a deeper curve - okissaki - longer blades or shorter ones - heavier blades or lighter ones - this cannot be taught - it is something each individual has to develop.

 

Keep in mind 167 cm would make you the tallest man in most rooms in Japan 100 years ago - so a standard length of 2.3.5 would probably suit you just fine - afterall it worked for generations of swordsmen before you...

 

-t

[kissakai]

Nice reply Thomas. I just used the 1" from the floor rule for mine

 

[Katsujinken]

Yes, Thomas’s answer is spot on. Assuming your ryuha does not call for a particularly long (eg Shin Shin Ryu) or shorter (eg Ryushin Shouchi Ryu) sword, the best way in my opinion is to hold the sword in your right hand while standing with good posture. You want the kissaki to be just above the floor. 
 

The link you shared is an excerpt from Nakamura Sensei’s book The Spirit of the Sword. Every serious student should own a copy. 

[mas4t0]

Barrett,

 

I'm sure I provided you with a link to a translation of an article written by Nakamura Taisaburo (which covers this topic in depth) in one of your earlier threads.

 

If you look there you'll find all the info you need (including other important features to keep in mind, such as suitable cross sectional geometry, balance point, nakago length and sori).

 

If you're buying a traditionally made shinken, I'd stay within the upper length limits mentioned there, if you're looking at a non-traditional blade the extra strength of the steel will allow for whatever length is best suited to you and the other dimensions can be scaled accordingly (though a blade within the limits mentioned might be long enough for your needs).

 

As Michael mentioned, this is elaborated further in The Spirit of the Sword, as I recall you were looking to source a copy in Canada? A thread in the want to buy area of the forum should find you a copy quickly and easily. It isn't a rare or expensive book.

[Barrett Hiebert]

Thank you for your replies Mark, Michael and Thomas.

 

I will work on it and ask for that book on that forum when I have other things sorted.

 

My Mukansa Minamoto Moriyoshi is 75.6 cm length with 2.0 cm sori. Nakago has the blade coming out to 99.1 cm's if I remember correctly.

 

Though I do have a disfigured right arm after it healed incorrectly after a dislocation, and while I still can train with it, it will never be the same.

 

So, sometimes I think even after training a sword such as this shape would be better suited due to my injury. For longevitys sake.

 

https://www.nipponto.co.jp/swords4/NT328637.htm

 

Though maybe a little smaller like this for size comparison, or made slimmer though still with an extended okissaki.

 

https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-Japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-araki-kiyoshigenbthk-hozon-certificate/

 

Though it's all conjecture at this point.

 

895 grams being the weight of the sword plus weight of fittings, I know I could move fine with two hands for some time, though wouldn't have long of muscular endurance with one that is for certain. Have a dropped right shoulder.

 

But then mass distribution is different per every single blade so hard to tell if I don't have a blade in my hand.

 

Though I would say after studying as much as I can online and knowing my proclivities I'd go for extended o-kissaki with shallow sori, easier for measuring distance, control.

 

Best regards,

 

Barrett Hiebert

[Mark S.]

6 hours ago, Toryu2020 said:

Does your teacher have any input on your decision? What does he/she have to say?

 I always use this as a default answer.  Weapons were a part of my karate training and I was told by my Sensei what would work for me… and what he would allow.  Funny, I knew better than to argue with him.   Yes, the sai he told me to get were a little too heavy for me and a little too long, but he knew I would grow into them and it would make me stronger.  Always trust their guidance.  In the long run, it will work out… and will probably be a less painful experience 

[ROKUJURO]

Barrett,

the length of a blade has to be tested in practice, Thomas' advice is correct.

Please consider that Japanese masters do not consider the different Western body dimensions. Japanese usually have shorter legs and in comparison, longer upper bodies than Westerners. 

Buying a sharp blade for use as a training tool requires some experience and patience.

[Nihontocollector752]

16 hours ago, Nihontocollector752 said:

100cm nagasa to compensate

I wasn't referring to your height at all

[Barrett Hiebert]

Thanks all for your input.

 

I wasn’t arguing with anyone Mark. I merely misinterpreted Jimmy’s comment. Thanks for the clarification Jimmy.

 

I’ve emailed the only JSA Iaido class in my town of residence though haven’t gotten a reply. From when I talked to them last they weren’t allowing anyone to attend who had not gotten their vaccines. With the Restrictions Exemption Program in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada suspended I may be able to attend now. I’m waiting for a reply.

 

While Noble House Kenjutsu was in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the school just isn’t around anymore sadly, it seems. Or else I haven’t been able to relocate them since going to class last a long time ago. I’ve heard that their style Shinkage Ryu wasn’t legitimate or they are actually “Royal”, (as in teaching and lineage descends from the aristocracy, nobility of Japan), though haven’t been able to independently verify that. Though a friend who was career ex-police local told me they were legitimate. Still dubious to myself.

 

So I’m doing the best I can do, asking as I’m able with doing what I can have with what I have available until other avenues become available.

 

Best regards,

 

Barrett Hiebert

[Mark S.]

5 minutes ago, Barrett Hiebert said:

 

I wasn’t arguing with anyone Mark.

 

Oh, I wasn’t accusing you of that.  I was just remembering back fondly to my youth and lessons learned… some more painful than others But really well earned.  Be patient and wait for the right teacher to guide you.  You will not be disappointed.  The old saying… “when the student is ready, the Master will appear”.  Wish you the best with your training.  And do not worry about your perceived physical limitations, a proper teacher will help you find your Way.  

[Barrett Hiebert]

Mark,

Understood. As for myself my fitness is still top notch, even with my injury. I just have trouble finding a JSA class here since there are barely any.

 

Best regards,

 

Barrett Hiebert