On Sept 30th, students from Satomi Kai had a rare opportunity to take part in a Tameshigiri seminar.
Tameshigiri is the Japanese sword art of cutting rolled mats with a single strike.

Sword work is an integral part of Aikido, but most training is done with a wooden practice sword (bokken). It was a great experience for all those involved to be able to use real, live-bladed swords against a target.

Making a successful cut is no mean feat, with each individual tatami mat said to have a difficulty of cut equal to severing a man’s upper leg. In Edo period Japan, test-cutting of swords was often performed on condemned criminals, but we are pleased to say that this weekend was a much more recreational affair.

The seminar was taught by Chris Barron, a 5th dan black-belt in Jindokai Iaido, and was attended by six different martial arts organizations. It was a great example of how we can all train together for mutual benefit.

Everyone had a great time, and would like to thank Scott at ASF for organising the event, and hope to attend another in the near future.