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ChanearaHistory and Origins of ChanbaraFor many years, sword fighting has been part of Japanese heritage and history. Swords were used from times of war to ceremonies and other social customs. However, training with a real sword is very dangerous, and one wrong move or mistake could be fatal... This is where Chanbara comes in. Chanbara is a Japanese martial art, founded about forty years ago (1969), which literally means "sword fighter." The founder of this fighting style, Tanabe Tetsundo, originally called it "Goshindo," but it was later nicknamed Chanbara. Tetsundo's group consisted of some of Japan's greatest swordsmen. Although they were very traditional, they were well aware of today's changing society and technology. "They began to educate the public in the way of the modern samurai while utilizing traditional ways and techniques." Instead of using traditional swords to instruct their pupils, they used swords made out of flexible plastic materials (called "choken") and foam-like material. These swords turned out to be a "stroke of genius, because wearing a light head mask for face and eye protection was all that was required for safety." This proved to be the "safest and most effective method for instructing contact weaponry fighting." This actually helped the students learn faster and develop their reflexes in a stronger way. Chanbara focuses on the traditional ideals and skills but practices them in a safer and more modern way, which makes the style accessible and enjoyable to more people. http://www.samuraisports.com/chanbara/development.html 
Swords are a big part of the training in Chanbara (see below) and this specific part has a very interesting history. "The samurai sword is more than just a very lethal weapon. In Japan and elsewhere it has an iconic status being symbolic of the old Japan, the virtues of the samurai class and an almost religious dedication to purity and honour. According to legend, the first samurai sword was made around AD 700 by the great master Amakuni in Yamato, but it was in the war-torn years between 900 and 1450 that the sword was adapted to meet the changing face of battle. Master craftsmen perfected the blade, utilising the finest materials and honing the process that evolved into a tempered steel curved blade 2ft long of remarkable sharpness known as the katana. The katana, lovingly polished and engraved, with individualised features is an object both beautiful and lethal. It is hard enough to sustain a remarkably sharp edge, but flexible enough so that it will not break. The katana is an icon with a significant history. Embodying the aesthetic, social and military ideology of the warrior caste, it was banned by the national government of Japan in 1876, adding to its iconic status." 
http://www.chanbara.net/review/e_2007britishTG.html Today, certified Chanbara dojos can be found all around the world. Children and adults alike can learn and fight in this style. Tetsundo (the founder), is still a very active participant in the martial art, and also founded the ISCA (International Sports Chanbara Association). What is Chanbara?Chanbara is a fast-paced martial art that uses padded-weapons in safe-platforms to instruct expert weaponry and sword training. Basic principles and terminology include the names of Japanese swords, such as: iaido, knouts, kendo, and iaijutsu. There is also the tanto, the kodachi, the choken (mentioned above), and the yari. http://www.ryokukai.com/chanbara.htm "Safe weaponry that is used in this martial art includes: knives, spears, clubs, and various passed weapons. Some practices may even include usage of a bokuto (wooden sword) while wearing a uniform that consists of a Keikogi (cotton top) and Hakama (pleated pants). Kneepads, belts, and badges may also be incorporated into this martial arts' attire." http://www.typesofmartialarts.com/chanbara The beauty and uniqueness of chanbara is that it allows the training to go over a wide scope of situations: "Chanbara's strength comes from increased personal safety. The improved practice weapons allow a minimum of safety equipment, which in turn allows for a much larger scope of training. A much larger scope permits variety, realism, and fun." http://www.midvalleymartialarts.com/chanbara_ideas.htm |
