Kenjutsu Japanese Sword Arts Etiquette

One of the first things that one learns with the sword arts is etiquette: how to hold the sword when not in use, how to pass the sword to another person, where to place it, and how to bow with it in hand.

Do you know when to hold the sword in the right hand vs. the left hand?

Do you know how to pass it from hand to hand?

Do you know why this is important?

In the here and now of today, the modern era where those of us enthusiastic about the sword arts practice, why would these practice even be relevant and important?

Two reasons for consideration.

In our dojo we tend to be very informal. That is not to say we don’t take the art and what it transmits seriously, we take it very seriously, we just don’t take ourselves seriously- kuki taisho, the ability to laugh at oneself and the trials.

Yet, our dojo makes it a point to know and perfect sword etiquette for each student, being aware of it and able to do it if it is needed.

This way if one finds themselves in the company of other sword enthusiasts or another sword master at  a seminar or workshop they will be able to fit right in and not cause any disruption. They will be able to show respect to the art and the master when they find themselves in that situation.

A second reason is very grounded in the sword training itself, the focus on the mind and the sword, that connection and focus in training. The movement and focus of sword etiquette begin to make one aware of the sword, it is an entry point for that connection.

It’s for that reason that etiquette with the sword is still very important in modern sword training.