Tenouchi with handachi fittings

[Vlatko Cerepinko]

Hello everyone,

 

This is my first post, so please remove it if it's inappropriate for this board.

 

In most schools of Japanese swordsmanship, it's normal for the kashira to align with the bottom (or end) of the user's palm. But what is the case with handachi fittings?

Obviously, there are longer and shorter, smoother and rougher handachi kashira, but what is the general consensus / historic usage? In case of a longer kashira, the ura and omote knots could negatively impact the tenouchi if the left palm would grip the tsuka at the bottom of the kashira.

 

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Vlatko

[John A Stuart]

I don't use a sword in handachi configuration in practice, however I do have one and see no reason for concern as to left hand placement. Firstly, comfort of a relaxed grip is adaptation to a particular tsuka. John

[Dan tsuba]

Vlatko,

 

First, welcome to this fantastic forum! 

 

I have practiced iaido.  The koshirae I used is “MINOSAKA HIGO KOSHIRAE” from Tozando International.  I am ambidextrous.  The iaito works well for me right or left-handed, although I do prefer my right hand as the “dominant hand”.  All I can tell you is that the ura and omote knots don’t bother me with either hand used.

 

With respect,

Dan