The Best Samurai Fails on the Net

How careless was that guy in the first video?! Either he was a an amateur swordsman or he had one two many tokes before the demo. Whatever the case- how embarrassing! Doesn't do much for the credibility!

By the way dude, the last video isn't showing for some reason.

seriously – how does that happen!?

Dang – thanks for the heads up. Changed it to the youtube version, let me know if that fixed it.

Working now.

An old sensei of mine used to do that with a melon in demonstrations. He was a lot more proficient at it than that guy though, it has to be said. He certainly didn't cut his volunteers!

I have been hit by a flying sword in training. I was OK. Assuming risk is one thing. But, carelessness does not belong with weapons training of any kind.

totally true bob! I hope this post makes that point in a roundabout fashion.

Anime convention?! I resent that remark!

I get my swords at one of three area flea markets in Hillsborough County. (LOL!)

I have an instructor who was almost killed by a spear 30 years ago. Some instructor didn't like a referee's call at a tournament. A riot broke out. While my instructors were leaving, one of them narrowly avoided being stuck with a spear that someone randomly hurled in the gymnasium where the tournament was held.

By the way – is it just me or are there way too many 9th dans out there?

haha – sorry sean. I definitely stepped over the line on that one, i'll try to reel myself back in.

Also yes you are correct, there is an astounding amount of 9th/10th dans out there. it's interesting.

I think some sick amusement is warranted.

On a related topic, I use old tires for weapons training. Striking tires with kali sticks, staves or wooden swords and knives helps prepare a student for actually using his weapon in combat. Doing forms is important, but you also need to know what it's like to actually make contact with your weapon.

Believe me, if you're not used to it, you're going to be very sore and very tired (no pun intended) after some tire training.

I bring it up because when I meet some kid who thinks he's hot shit with a nunchaku because he can twirl like Bruce Lee, I'll invite him to take a swing at a tire. It's funny as hell to watch the nunchaku come flying out of the guy's hand because he's not used to actually striking anything with it.

Just make sure you're standing a good distance away so you don't get hit when they go flying.

Wow, I often use a typical heavy back to use my weapons on, but thats a really great idea! I hadn't thought of that before, and I don't have to punish my expensive heavy bag (they're like a dollar / pound it's highway robbery!) and have it wear out prematurely.

Glad you like it. Just be careful. If you're not used to it, you'll really feel the impact through the weapon, up your arm and into your body. It's a lot springier than a heavy bag. But it's also a great conditioning exercise.

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What does it do to your joints though?

What does it do to your joints though?