Real Sword Play ?

[bigfifty]

A few years ago I caught a TV show, done in Japan, and shown with subtitles. Had demonstrations of different techniques done with genuine swords. They interviewed one of the teachers, whom they identified as the best now living. His one regret was after a life time of training, he had no idea how good he really was. As he had never actually engaged in a sword fight. He wished that he had the opportunity to see one of the Bushi from the 1700's. And to try his skill with a real warrior. It was a well presented program. Gave you admiration for the skills demonstrated and dedecation to keeping it all alive. But it was also sad. He's right. Generally given as the best alive.... but would he last 2 minutes with a swordsman of the past. A man who had really trained, not for fun or even to preserve old skills; but as a living breathing, " your life depends upon this " thing. It is sad, for he will never know. Nor will any of us. Not sword fighting anyway. With some regret, Bigfifty.

[Mitsubishiman]

It does make one think deep thoughts and ponder the reality of an old world warrior, for there could be no substitute for a life and death senario