Topic: Otake Sensei

[Moley]

My Hero :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVBox1dnEd4&feature=related

ENJOY

[gizmo]

Moley - Superb video. Otake has beautiful movement and is the embodyment of 'kime' yet I see no tension anywhere. Fantastic!

[JimmyTheHoover]

Knowing nothing about the Art itself - it's the stability of the stancework that impresses me 

[Lloydie]

Wow!!  The focus of technique and precision of movement is superb, and as Paul points out there is no tension observable - even looking to the shoulders/upper body, everything is relaxed and hidden.
 Lessons for us all!

[JimmyTheHoover]

Wow!!  The focus of technique and precision of movement is superb, and as Paul points out there is no tension observable - even looking to the shoulders/upper body, everything is relaxed and hidden.
 Lessons for us all!

...and what about the facial expression - or lack of it ? 

[Moley]

The actual sword he is using is a Tachi that has been shortened at least 3 times over the centuries to make it katana length. It is over 600 years old and the guard(Tsuba) over 400 years old.

[Emma]

My Hero :

I can understand why he is your hero.
Amazing video.

[Moley]

The father;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVBox1dnEd4&feature=related

and the Son:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOhdLtcXyN0&NR=1

[JimmyTheHoover]

Moley - I noticed on both performances that after a technique is finished they seem to "spin the blade around" and then tap smartly on it from the back of the blade - is this of some special significance or is it symbolic of shaking off the blood ?

[Moley]

"Chiburi -

There are various ways to shake the blood from the blade. In fact the traditional warrior would probably have wiped the blade before re-sheathing it. Chiburi would have been practical in Japan's early era when combat on the battlefield was continuous and it was expedient to remove surplus blood and bits before continuing the encounters. "

[Mole Bach]

IMHO the father is SO much sharper than the son, especially the 'chiburi'; like everything else martial, experience and practice does make a difference.

[Lloydie]

IMHO the father is SO much sharper than the son, especially the 'chiburi'; like everything else martial, experience and practice does make a difference.

  Yes, the best I can sum it up is as "intent".  An inexact term I know, but the combination of preparation, execution and timing is just obvious in the footage.  The "Chiburi" is very reminiscent of trying to teach proper "Yame" at the end stages of kata - as MB says, lots to learn from observing this master swordsman.